Tamales, a Christmastime tradition

Summary

The 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.