Tamales, a Christmastime tradition

CBS Sunday Morning
23 Dec 201804:32

Summary

TLDRThe Ruiz family from Austin, Texas, celebrates a cherished Christmas tradition of making tamales, a custom that has persisted for 46 years. During the annual gathering known as Tama Huata, three generations of women come together to wrap pork or bean-filled tamales, honoring their grandmother's legacy despite the lack of a written recipe. This festive reunion is not just about cooking but also about family bonding, shared stories, and the importance of preserving traditions. The event highlights tamales as a symbolic food with historical roots, emphasizing the joy of family connections during the holiday season.

Takeaways

  • 🎄 The Ruiz family has a long-standing Christmas tradition of making tamales for 46 years.
  • 🌽 Tamales are made by wrapping pork or beans in masa, a corn flour dough.
  • 👩‍👧‍👧 The family gathers for a 'Tama Huata,' a tamale-making party that spans two days.
  • 📜 The family had to create a new recipe after the grandmother passed away without leaving one.
  • 😄 Frustration and laughter arise as family members measure ingredients from an elderly aunt's method.
  • 👥 Family gossip and personal updates are a big part of the gathering, reinforcing connections.
  • 📋 The tamale-making event includes quirky bylaws about attendance and distribution.
  • 🍽️ Tamales are considered one of the first portable foods, ideal for easy eating.
  • 👩‍🏫 Professor Ellen Riojas Clark emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of tamales.
  • 💖 The tradition of making tamales helps maintain family bonds and ensures continuity of their cultural practices.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of tamale-making for the Ruiz family?

    -Tamale-making is a cherished Christmas tradition for the Ruiz family, serving as a way to gather, bond, and maintain family ties across generations.

  • What is a Tama Huata?

    -A Tama Huata is a tamale-making party where the family gathers to wrap tamales together, emphasizing the importance of tradition and community.

  • How long has the Ruiz family been making tamales?

    -The Ruiz family has been making tamales for 46 years without fail, highlighting their commitment to this tradition.

  • Why was it challenging for the Ruiz family to recreate their grandmother's tamale recipe?

    -The challenge arose because their grandmother passed away in 1971 without leaving behind a written recipe, prompting the family to rely on an elderly aunt who also hadn't documented the recipe.

  • What role does seniority play in the tamale-making tradition?

    -Seniority determines the number of tamales each family member can take home, reflecting the structure and rules that govern the Tama Huata gatherings.

  • What are some of the rules mentioned for the Tama Huata?

    -Rules include requiring all members to attend both days of the event and giving up chairs for guests, emphasizing commitment and respect within the family.

  • What historical significance do tamales hold?

    -Tamales have a history of over 7,000 years, originally used as offerings to the gods during special occasions in Mesoamerica.

  • How many tamales did the Ruiz family make this year?

    -This year, the Ruiz family made 300 dozen tamales, showcasing the scale of their holiday tradition.

  • What do tamales represent in the context of family gatherings?

    -Tamales symbolize not just food, but the connection and continuity of family traditions, especially during the holiday season.

  • How does the tradition of making tamales help keep family ties strong?

    -The tamale-making tradition provides a reason for family members to gather, especially as they live in different towns, helping to preserve relationships and memories.

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Ähnliche Tags
Tamale TraditionFamily ReunionCultural HeritageChristmas CelebrationAustin TexasMexican AmericanCooking TogetherHoliday FoodsGenerational RecipesCommunity Event
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