10 MUST-HAVE items of every MEXICAN house - Beginner Spanish

Summary

This video takes a lighthearted, humorous look at 10 essential elements found in a typical Mexican home. From everyday objects like candles, flip-flops, and tortillas to the distinct smells of cleaning products and food, the video offers a playful exploration of Mexican culture and traditions. The list includes items such as a comal (a cooking surface), a tortillero (tortilla holder), iconic religious artwork, and various Mexican condiments. The video wraps up with a fun nod to the practical necessity of plastic bags. It's an engaging and culturally rich peek into life in a Mexican household.

Takeaways

• 😀 Mexican homes typically feature candles to protect the house, believed to ward off negative energy.
• 👡 A common item in Mexican homes is the 'chancla' (flip-flop), a symbol of Mexican household culture.
• 🧴 Mexican homes often have a variety of cleaning products, such as Pinol, Downey, Fabuloso, and bleach, which contribute to their signature scent.
• 🌸 The distinctive smell of Mexican homes is often a blend of flowers, food, and bleach, reflecting the thorough cleaning and care taken in maintaining the home.
• 🍳 A comal (flat griddle) is commonly found in Mexican kitchens, used for cooking tortillas and other traditional foods.
• 🌮 After cooking, tortillas are stored in a 'tortillero', a container designed to keep them warm and fresh.
• 🖼 Many Mexican homes display religious or cultural artwork, such as a painting of 'La Última Cena' (The Last Supper) or 'La Virgen de Guadalupe'.
• 🌶 Mexican homes are often stocked with chili peppers or salsa, essential ingredients for everyday cooking.
• 🥘 Frijoles (beans) are a staple food in Mexican homes, frequently featured in meals and often mentioned with enthusiasm.
• 🛍 A characteristic feature of Mexican homes is the ubiquitous plastic bag, which is often used to store other bags for convenience.

Q & A

What is the significance of candles in a Mexican home?

Candles in a Mexican home are often used for both decorative and spiritual purposes. They are believed to protect the home and its inhabitants, and are sometimes associated with rituals or blessings.

Why is a single flip-flop (chancla) mentioned in the video?

The flip-flop, or *chancla*, is humorously referenced as a common item in many Mexican households. It is often seen as both a practical footwear choice and a symbol of discipline in popular culture.

What are the common cleaning products found in Mexican homes?

Mexican homes typically feature cleaning products such as *Pinol*, *Fabuloso*, *Cloro*, and *Suavitel*. These are used to keep the home clean and often contribute to a distinctive scent of flowers, food, and chlorine.

What is a *comal* and what is it used for?

A *comal* is a flat, round griddle that is used for cooking tortillas. It is typically placed on the stove and is an essential kitchen tool in many Mexican homes for making traditional dishes.

What is the purpose of a *tortillero* in a Mexican home?

A *tortillero* is a container used to store tortillas after they have been cooked on the *comal*. It keeps the tortillas warm and fresh for later use, ensuring they remain soft and pliable.

What kind of artwork is commonly found in Mexican homes?

Many Mexican homes feature religious or cultural artwork, such as paintings of the *Virgen de Guadalupe* or *The Last Supper*. These pieces reflect the importance of faith and tradition in Mexican culture.

Why is chili and salsa a common feature in Mexican homes?

Chili and salsa are essential to many meals in Mexican households. They add flavor and spice, making them an integral part of daily cooking and a key component of traditional Mexican cuisine.

What role do beans (*frijoles*) play in Mexican cuisine?

Beans, or *frijoles*, are a staple food in Mexican homes. They are commonly served as a side dish or incorporated into main meals, highlighting their importance in Mexican daily meals and their nutritional value.

What is the significance of having many pans in the oven in a Mexican home?

Many Mexican homes feature an oven filled with multiple pans, used for preparing a variety of dishes. This reflects the importance of home-cooked meals and the variety of foods typically made in Mexican kitchens.

Why are plastic bags mentioned in the video?

Plastic bags are a common item found in many Mexican homes. They are often used for carrying groceries, storing items, or repurposing for various daily tasks, highlighting their practicality in everyday life.