Any time I see or wear a mandil (apron) I feel a strong sense of comfort and am reminded of the moments I shared with my mom learning about our Mexican culture. Mandiles are designed in a variety of styles, colors and patterns depending on the state or region. A mandil not only connects me to my mother but to the other strong and important women in my family. I think of my cousin Juanita who informed me that our grandmother also wore one, specifically when she was making tortillas. She said the mandil, she said, was protection from the masa (dough). She also shared that my tía Lupe, would buy different fabrics and make her own with a sewing machine. This custom has been passed down for three generations.

Growing up my mother was a very private person especially in regards to her immigration journey. She had to do it twice, and the second time was through the hot desert. However, in our tiny kitchen, with her mandil, she’d share stories about her childhood and our family as I helped her prepare our meals. In the comfort of the kitchen, recetas (recipes) consisting of tantito of this or that, never an exact measurement are passed down orally. Which is why I believe food is an unofficial love language and a way to be in community. By wearing a mandil today, I am protecting pieces of our family history. I'm keeping my mother's spirit alive. Although she has passed, when I wear a mandil from her native state of Jalisco, I feel her presence guiding me. 


 

– Nivia Alvarado

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