My mother immigrated from El Salvador to the United States with her mother when she was very young. It was very emotional to have to hear about strong women having to face difficult hardships while starting a new life here in the states. My mother mentioned, the only thing keeping their spirits and head up, was the pulsera roja. The red, braided, bracelet is what carries positive energy throughout my family’s lifetime. A red, braided, bracelet maintains safety from any negative energy. My mother mentioned that the bracelet has helped her ward off the negative energy of those that always belittled her for the way she looked and her choice of language. The bracelet kept her sane from rude people in her new area. When the red bracelet is introduced with an eye “el mala ojo”, it is meant to keep away bad luck. Afterwards, my mother would take my siblings and myself to un sabador, a healer, who blessed the red bracelets for my family to wear on their wrists, to maintain their positive luck and energy. When I see my red, braided, bracelet it makes me feel more connected with my mother and grandmother. Futhermore, this object is so meaningful for me and my family. Seeing many of my family members have their red bracelets when we are all together, makes my household stronger with positivity and family love. 

– Sharon Velasco

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant