The Mexican Community of Forest Hill, Louisiana
Traditional Medicines
Traditional medicines are sometimes used and sold in the area, although a number of workers said they did not use them. Joaquina Canada stated that she uses traditional medicines and is often approached for help due to her knowledge in this area. For example, Joaquina makes a tea that she says cures stomach aches and diarrhea. This tea is made from gordo lobo (mullein), maistra (absinth wormwood), yerba buena (peppermint), mansanilla (chamomile), and an herb she calls estourquil. Because these plants are not available locally, she must drive to Houston to purchase them. Moreover, it should be pointed out that the herbs used for this tea are each individually associated with particular medicinal properties.
When Joaquina’s daughter has a stomach ache she gives her a cup of this tea. After she drinks the tea, Joaquina rubs her stomach, followed by a pinch underneath her arm to make the pain go away. At her taqueria she also sells aguas frescas that are popular throughout Mexico and Mexican American communities in the United States. According to Joaquina, one popular beverage called agua de jamaica (made from the petals of dried hibiscus flowers) has medicinal properties. This particular drink tastes similar to a fruit punch, but also cleans out kidneys and provides relief from other pains.
Crafts
Interviewees were asked about the existence of Mexican craft making traditions in Forest Hill; however, most said that no traditional crafts were practiced in the area. One individual stated that most immigrants are from poor rural areas of Mexico and do not have many craft making traditions. Several others noted that workers are too busy to be involved in craft making. Most nursery workers, for example, work from 7:00 am to as late as 7:00 pm in the evening, Monday through Saturday, and have little free time. Over time, however, it was discovered that several migrants are involved in craft making and that these crafts are mainly produced as a source of additional income or for the purpose of gift giving.
María Martínez, for example, makes piñatas. She learned to make piñatas by taking a class from a private school in Mexico and has been making them for the past six years. She makes most of her piñatas for birthday parties and other children-related festivities. María mainly sells to friends in the area, however, and does not make a large number of piñatas. This is partly attributed to Chinese competition. Local Mexican residents, for example, can drive to Alexandria and purchase a Chinese made piñata for $10.00. María, on the other hand, has to sell her piñatas for $20.00 to make a profit.
A few of the older ladies in the community also crochet and do needlework. In the latter case they produce such things as doilies, pillow cases, and sweaters. They mainly make these crafts, however, as gifts that they give to family and friends. A few local Mexican women also sell jewelry and blankets for what was described as the Mexican version of Avon. They send their orders back to Mexico and they arrive via FedEx or UPS.
<- Foodways and Music Summary and Conclusion and Bibliography ->