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The Branch |
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As with most customs in Mexico, The Branch (La Rama) was born out of Indian ritual and in this case is an extension of an Aztec ceremony commemorating the rebirth of nature. The tradition of singing La Rama (the branch) is believed to have started in the state of Vera Cruz, eventually making it's way to the Yucatan and then Cozumel.
Officially starting December 16th and going thru Christmas Eve, December 24th, it generally involves self-organized groups of children who decorate a branch from a tree or plant and then go from door to door shouting "cantamos la rama (can we sing the branch)?" The tree branch is often decorated with paper lanterns, orange/lime/lemon peels, colored paper chains, balloons and other "Christmas tree" like decorations. The children will often go out nightly throughout the Las Posadas (The Inns) celebration period from December 16th through December 24th (see more information about Los Posadas celebration)!
The children carry homemade lanterns and accompanied by a rhythm section of kitchen utensils, tambourines, drums of some sort and cans of coins. These groups launch into a very lengthy song with an ever-changing melody, always including some verses that ask the audience to give them their aguinaldo (a sort of Christmas bonus) if they are pleased with the performance. Here is a sample of just one (1) of the many songs sung during La Rama:
Oranges and limes (Naranjas y limas)
Limes and lemons (Limas y limones)
More Beautiful Virgin compare with all flowers (Más Linda la Virgen que todas las flores)
In a little house of (En un portalito)
Lime and sand (De cal y de arena)
Jesus Christ was born (Nació Jesucristo)
In Christmas night (Por la Nochebuena)
Green little grass (Zacatito verde)
Filled with dew (Lleno de rocío)
Who doesn't keep warm (El que no se tape)
Can die from cold (se muere de frío)
If something is given to La Rama (the branch) they finish with (Y dependiendo de si se le da algo a la rama se canta):
It's leaving the branch (Ya se va la rama)
Very grateful (Muy agradecida)
Because this house was well received (Porque en esta casa fue bien recibida)
Spend goodnight and wish them (Pasar buenas noches y desearles)
Goodnight pass, we are going now (Pasen buenas noches, nosotros nos vamos).
Or if you do not give anything in La Rama (the branch) they finish with (O si no le toca nada a la rama, pues):
It's leaving the branch (Ya se va la rama)
Very bereaved (Muy desconsolada)
Because in this house did not give anything (Porque en esta casa no le dieron nada)
Spend good evening, we wish them well (Pasar buenas noches, les deseamos bien)...
When visiting Cozumel from December 16th - 24th, expect to see many groups of children taking to the streets night after night until just before Christmas Eve. If approached, feel free to let them sing to you and "reward" them for their hard work! They often entrust their "winnings" to one of the children's mothers, at which time the merry band will use their stash of hard earned coins to buy piñatas and treats for their very own Christmas party.
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Copyright 2000 - 2024 Sherri Davis, All Rights Reserved. Contributors retain the copyright to their work. Please do not take art or written content without permission. Other graphics and reference materials are used and attributed as per the Fair Use Provision of The Copyright Act and individual terms of use.
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