Lesson #4

I have really been enjoying reading up on the culture and history of the Yaqui. Unfortunately, this material tends to be in English or Spanish (not that I could even read it in Yaqui anyway). Being of Yaqui background, I am familiar with a few cultural and historical aspects already; the references I have provided are still quite beneficial as some information comes directly from the Yaqui people.

I read about the cultural traditions of the Yaqui and how tied into religion they are -this is due to their history of interaction withe Jesuits in the 1600s. But the Spanish arrived in the mid-1500s, so why the 1600's you ask? As it turns out, the Yaqui were one of the most defensive and resistant to Spanish troops and managed to maintain their way of living for many decades after the Spanish conquest of many other indigenous groups of Central America. Even today, their traditions are a blend of Catholicism and ancient beliefs. For example, the Pascua Yaqui hold their deer dances (ancient ceremony) during the Easter season (Catholicism). During the deer dance, a dancer will where a deer headdress and imitate the deer's movement. This is an important symbol of the Yaqui and to show respect for the ceremony and the people, you are not allowed to record (via video, audio, or sketch) the religious ceremony.

Language-wise, I have brushed up on some greetings (see Lesson Plan) and kinship terms. In Yaqui, men and women have, for the most part, different words for their relatives. For example, I would call my father "Hapchi" and my mother "Ae," while my brother would call our father "Achai" and our mother Ae." So, let me break down my own family for you, using the Yaqui kinship terms.

I live with my Hapchi, Ae, and Saila.

I have my: Mamai Rebecca, Mamai Debra, and Taata Tim (mom's side).
I have my: Samai Jerry (mom's side).

And my Apa Doug (mom's side). My Asu was 1/2 Yaqui and my Hamuli was 100% Yaqui.

I believe the words for cousin follow the say wording as brother and sister- there is also a distinction between older and younger siblings. Additionally, elder men are referred to as "Hapchi" (F) or "Achai" (M) and women in general are called "Maala."