My object is traditional clothing from Guatemala. The blouse, skirt, and belt are part of Guatemalan culture; they symbolize beliefs, status, and personality traits. For me, this clothing represents my family because all of my ancestors have worn similar clothing. My grandparents bought it for me when I was born; despite the distance, this was their way of showing their love for me. This clothing is part of the diverse and colorful culture of Guatemala. The huipil has beads with graphics that represent who one is and where they're from. For example, the flowers symbolize "The Land of a Thousand Flowers," or Guatemala, which represents the beauty and abundance of vibrant life. On the corte, the red symbolizes life and prosperity; the blue and green represent land and water that sustain life; the yellow represents maize, a staple crop for a stable life; the black signifies the world's depth and the profound meaning in life. Then the faja has my middle name beaded on it. My middle name comes from my grandmother's name, Isabel. The flowers represent respect for the environment. Traditional clothing from foreign countries represents inclusion, identity, authenticity, and diversity. Preserving one's own heritage while also respecting each other's is what it means to be American. I'm proud of both cultures because it means so much to be able to identify with two distinct cultures. The acceptance of other cultures and diversity makes America the place everyone wants to be. 

– EH

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant