Today we celebrate and honor the lives of true heroes who gave the most precious gift of all; their lives. 176 years ago this day, nearly 200 men fought to the death on the walls of a broken down old mission in San Antonio. Their sacrifice was instrumental to the birth of the Republic of Texas.
As I state in Texas in Her Own Words, “If there is a common house of worship in Texas, it is, without a doubt, the remains of a broken down, old mission in San Antonio. It is the most cherished piece of ground in all of Texas. The Alamo is the shrine all Texans accept as the symbol of their hard won independence. The Alamo is the crucible of Texas liberty. It is a very real part of a Texan’s psyche. Texans quickly speak of the sacrifice that took place there followed by the unquestioned appreciation they have for the price paid. They may not dwell on it long but they certainly recognize its value to Texas’ heritage and the role it played in the very existence of Texas. It is a personal place for them even if they have never been there.” It symbolizes everything great about Texas in the minds of many people.
Won’t you join me in giving a prayer of thanks & gratitude for their sacrifice? I want to thank them for all they endured during those 13 relentless days. Their sacrifice made it possible for each of us to live in this wonderful place called Texas; a place we proudly called HOME.
Remember the Alamo!
Speaking of Food: Is It Chili In Here?
When you live in Texas, you eat your share of Mexican food–more commonly referred to as Tex-Mex. The phrase Tex-Mex didn’t appear in print until the 1940’s. The term is a combination of the words “Texan” and “Mexican.” It’s thought to be an adaptation of Mexican peasant food with Texas farm and cowboy influences but it really is broader than that. Definitions quickly blur. The cuisine, once considered a regional phenomenon, is now found throughout the world. One of the more interesting things about Tex-Mex is how much of it is not Mexican at all. Before you bite into that burrito, have you ever thought about the origins of many of your Tex-Mex favorites?
Chili, the official State Dish since 1997, goes back to the Aztecs and Mayan cultures. They made beans served in a spicy tomato sauce. The “con carne” (with meat) appears to be a Texan additive. Chili con carne is believed to have been invented in San Antonio shortly after the civil war but grew in popularity with the development of chili powder in New Braunfels in 1902. There was a “San Antonio Chili Stand” at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
The first printed references to enchiladas in America came in 1885. Described as a tortilla stuffed with various fillings of meat, cheese, chili sauce, chorizo sausage, and other ingredients, it was considered to be “a Mexican dish prepared more for turista [tourists] than for local consumption. The dish is now a staple of Mexican-American restaurants.” This is according to John Mariani the author of Encyclopedia of American Food and Drink.
For many Texans, the most common and popular taste pleaser is the everyday taco. Taco is the Mexican-Spanish word for “wad” or “plug,” referring to a light meal or snack. In Mexico the taco refers to a stuffed and folded tortilla but across the border a taco is a crisp fried tortilla shaped into a U and filled with various stuffings. Arguably, the most famous tacos in America are found at Taco Bell, started in Downey, California by Glen Bell in 1962.
Tamales have a long and illustrious history. Mexican rulers were eating Tamales long before the Spaniards appeared on the horizon. The American Heritage Cookbook from 1964 says, “It is said that tamales saved Hernando Cortes and his men from starvation in Mexico. When the Aztecs realized that the Spanish soldiers were not (as had been thought) high priests from Quetzalcoatl, the god of plenty, they stopped giving the invaders food. Cortes; however, had won the love of a woman named Malinche and told her he would have to leave if his men could not obtain food. Malinche told Cortes to storm the gates of the city on a certain evening. He did, and Malinche led a group of friends who bombarded the Spaniards with tamales.”
Tamales are often prepared for special occasions. You’ll find them as part of any Christmas and All Saints Day celebrations. For many families, making the tamales is a deeply felt tradition where each member of the family has their particular place in the assembly line process.
The food that has always mystified me is refried beans. For the longest, I couldn’t figure why you would refry beans if you didn’t get it right the first time. I’m not alone in the confusion. The term “refried” is actually a mistranslation from the Mexican “frijoles refritos,” which means “well-fried beans,” a distinction first mentioned in Erna Fergusson’s Mexican Cookbook (1934), but “refried” has remained in common parlance with regard to this dish.” Well, if at first you don’t succeed.
What do you call a Tex-Mex dish without salsa? Bland! The origins of salsa can be traced directly back to the Ancient Aztecs, Mayans and Incas. In his book, Foods America Gave the World, A. Hyatt Verrill says, “Long centuries before Columbus landed on the shores of the New World, the tomato and the peppers had spread from the land of the Incas to Central America and Mexico where they were cultivated by the Mayas. The Aztecs who called the tomato “tomatl,” which the Spaniards under Cortez corrupted to the name by which the fruit is known to us today.
They believed salsa held medicinal value as well. “The Spanish first encountered the tomato after their conquest of Mexico in 1519-1521. Sahagun was the first European to make written note of “tomates.” He claimed Aztec lords combined them with chile peppers and ground squash seeds and consumed them mainly as a condiment served on turkey, venison, lobster, and fish. This combination was subsequently called “salsa” by Alonso de Molina in 1571.” That’s according to Andrew F. Smith in his book, Souper Tomatoes: The Story of America’s Favorite Food. Recently, I learned something surprising from Jim Ullrich, one of the owners of Anna’s Unlimited, the producers Ana’s Salsa. He says, salsa has now surpassed ketchup as the number one condiment in the United States. Salsa on fries? Ummm.
Fajitas are anything but Mexican. Once again, John Mariani has an explanation. “The word derives from the Spanish faja, for “girdle” or “strip” and describes the cut of meat itself. There has been much conjecture as to the fajita’s origins, though none has been documented. Grilling skirt steak over mesquite coals would be characteristic of Texas cooking since the days when beef became a dominant meat in the American diet. But the word “fajita” did not appear in print until 1975. In 1984, Homero Recio, of Texas A & M, obtained a fellowship to study the origins of the item. He concluded two years later, ironically, it was his grandfather, a butcher from Premont, Texas, who may have been the first to use the term “fajita” to describe the pieces of skirt steak cooked directly on mesquite coals for family dinners as far back as the 1930s. Recio also hypothesized that the first restaurant to serve fajitas–though under the name “botanzas” (appetizers)–was the Roundup in McAllen, Texas. But Sonny “Fajita King” Falcon claimed to have opened the first “fajita stand” in Kyle, Texas, and in 1978 a “Fajita King” stand in Austin. The popularity of the dish certainly grew after Ninfa Laurenza introduced it on her menu at Ninfa’s Restaurant in Houston Texas, on July 13, 1973. It was under the name “tacos al carbon,” The item flourished as a “fajita” after it was featured at the Austin Hyatt Regency Hotel, which by 1982 was selling thirteen thousand orders per month.”
The proliferation of Tex-Mex cuisine is undeniable. It’s everywhere. This is good. Now you don’t have to travel very far to get your fix. The only problem now is deciding which restaurant is first? With as many Mexican food eateries available in Texas, you could go to a different Tex-Mex place for every meal of the day and not get to all of them in a year, maybe ten. Speaking of which, I feel a taco salad with a little guacamole on the side coming on. Pass the salsa por favor. Adios.
Christmas Under the Six Flags of Texas
Christmas is upon us once again. Each family has their own family traditions as it should be. Have you ever thought why we celebrate Christmas the way we do here in Texas? I’d like to share with you how each of the six flags over Texas had an influence on how we celebrate the holiday.
Christmas Under the Six Flags Over Texas
The oldest holiday celebrated in Texas is Christmas. As Texas grew under the six flags each nation brought their own customs and traditions for celebrating Christmas. You would be hard pressed to name another holiday that enjoys as many traditions as Christmas. With the season upon us once again it’s only fitting to look at some of these customs, where they come from and who was responsible for them.
Spain 1519-1685: The Spaniards came to Texas in 1519 and brought Catholicism and Christmas with them. The first indication of a celebration by the Spaniards came in 1599. They held a Christmas pageant near present day El Paso. It included roles for men and women and some of the local Indians. It is believed that the tradition of the piñata dates back to this period. The paper mache figure is filled with candy and small toys. A blindfolded player tries to break the piñata with a stick so that the treasures spill out. This exciting tradition continues to this day.
France 1685-1690: Although France ruled Texas for a short five years it left its mark on Texas Christmas traditions. Also strongly rooted in the Catholic religion, the French brought the celebration of Epiphany into the holiday. Epiphany was also known as the Twelfth Day. It takes place the twelfth day after Christmas (January 6th) and is symbolic of the time the Three Wise Men bestowed their gifts on the baby Jesus. Although France only ruled for five years, the heaviest French influence would come about 150 years later during the Texas republic period. The French opened the French Legation in Austin for their diplomats. Christmas, as it was in 1841, is celebrated there each year with traditional dress and customs. The French version of Santa Claus, Pere Noel, always makes an appearance.
The French also liked Christmas trees. The early Texans would decorate them with assorted cookies. It is thought they were to symbolize communion wafers. If Christmas was being celebrated, you can count on seeing a crèche nearby. That is the French version of the nativity scene. How can you mention the French and not mention food? During the yuletide season they would bake a chocolate cake and then roll it up to look like a Yule Log.
Spain 1690-1821: For the next 131 years Spain ruled Texas. It was during this period that all the great missions were built. The priest worked tirelessly to convert the Native Americans to Catholicism. It was common for the priest to put on pageants, festivals and great feast at Christmas to show the Indians the benefits of the church. San Antonio seemed to be particularly active in this regard. About 1731, a group of settlers came to the town from the Canary Islands. They brought a custom they called, “Las Posadas”. It means “The Inns”. The custom plays itself out as a group of families go from house to house singing Christmas carols. At each house they get turned away until, finally, they are invited in to pray at a nacimiento—the Spanish Nativity scene. Shortly afterward, a party breaks out.
At about the same time America was declaring its independence from England, another tradition took root, again, in San Antonio. A play called “Los Pastores” (The Shepherds) was performed. It is still performed at the Mission San Jose where it was first performed in the 16th century. This play portrays the story of the shepherds as they try to make their way to Bethlehem.
Another custom that grew out of the 1700’s was the Spanish “luminarias”. The Spanish Texans would light a series of small bonfires. It is thought that they would symbolize the fires the shepherds would build each evening of their journey—some even suggest that it could allude to following the north star—following the light. With the influx of more and more Americans, paper bags came into use. This is where the custom of burning a candle inside the sand filled bag came into vogue. It is still a popular custom to this day.
Mexico 1821-1836: By 1821, Mexico had won its revolution from Spain and in so doing, became the ruler of Texas. Because of its rich and deep heritage with the Catholic Church, it became law that no protestant churches could be started in Texas. Almost all of the new settlers from the United States were protestant. Conflict was inevitable. To get around the law, one man went so far as go up to Illinois, form a protestant church and then moved it to near present day Bastrop. In 1834, they held the first legal Protestant Christmas celebration in Texas. Another Christmas symbol you’ll recognize comes from this time period. The American government had its eye on Texas for some time. It sent Joel Poinsett to Mexico with the purpose of purchasing Texas for the United States. Why not? Jefferson got a deal on the Louisiana Purchase. While in Mexico he saw flowers that the Mexicans called “The Flower of Christmas Eve”. He took some home with him.
These were hard times for the settlers that continued to stream into the future republic. These, for the most part, were not rich people. They did all they could to coax a subsistence off the land, cattle or tiny retail establishments. There were not many luxuries. It would be a good Christmas if they could find eggnog or even fresh milk.
The Mexicans would enjoy a Christmas meal, which would include tamales. Tamales have become a tradition especially in Texas and the southwest. The tradition is covering more geography each year. This is also the time when the Midnight Mass became popular.
Republic of Texas 1836-1845: Up until the Republic of Texas was established, Christmas was really focused around and in the church. Once Texas became a nation, it was no longer illegal for Protestants to form churches and celebrate to their own liking. This is when more activities away from the church began to surface. Balls, dances, hops and square dances were held wherever people gathered. For the most part the people were poor and could not afford much in the way of gifts.
While the Republic of Texas took root, people of various ethnic backgrounds where moving in—bringing their homegrown customs with them. There were the Germans, the Czechs, Irish, Scots, and others—all adding to the tapestry of Texas. Although the French used Christmas trees in their observance of the holiday, it was the Germans that took the Christmas tree very close to the heart. Although the earliest use of “Christmas trees” goes back to the Druids of England (who did not celebrate Christmas), the Germanic people somehow came up with the connection between the “Tree of Knowledge” in the Garden of Eden. Since apple trees are bare during the winter, they used evergreens and put apples on it—later it would be roses—even later decorations of various types. These trees were often placed on the table. The big floor to ceiling jobs is strictly an American custom.
Ironically, the first artificial trees came from Germany too.
Gifts given during this time were usually quite practical—scarves, socks and other homemade toys or crafts. The United States received a gift during the season of 1845. The Lone Star became the 28th star on the flag of an ever-expanding nation.
Antebellum Texas 1845-1861: The period of statehood between its joining the union and the Civil War is known as the Antebellum period of Texas. It was during this period Santa Claus first appeared in Texas. The real St. Nicolas lived in Turkey during the 4th century. He is reported to have died on December 6th. This is the date that many Czech and Polish Texans celebrate his day. Most Americans today got their first real look at the jolly old elf through Clement Moore’s famous 1822 poem, “A Visit From St. Nicolas.” You probably know it better as ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” He had eight tiny reindeer. Rudolph, a strictly commercial addition, would not show up for about 120 years. By the mid 1800’s, stockings were hung from fireplaces all across Texas (and America for that matter). By now people of all ethnic backgrounds were observing many culturally diverse traditions like Yule Logs, popcorn strands, wassail punch, mistletoe, and general revelry. The holidays would take on a different light over the next five years as Texas became part of the Confederate States of America.
Confederate Texas 1861-1865: These were extremely tough times in Texas. Constant shortages made gift giving and even, at times, eating a challenging situation. People had to be self-sufficient. They made their own shoes and clothes. They would send what little they could to their family members off fighting the war with little guarantee they would ever receive the packages. Wars end. The Civil War was no exception.
United States 1865-Present: The Reconstruction period right after the war was particularly harsh. It was felt by all southerners that they were being punished for the war. Shortages continued as the people tried to reestablish their lives. In time, things did get better and Texas began to flourish. Christmas cards, an English invention, caught on—a tradition we joyfully continue to this day. Christmas Seals first appeared in 1907. The world famous fruitcake came from a bakery in Corsicana in 1896. It was a German recipe and it’s still being made today. Texans celebrate the holiday according to their own customs and desires.
If you would like to find out more about how Christmas was celebrated under the six flags, you might consider reading, “Texas Christmas As Celebrated Under the Six Flags” by Elizabeth Dearing Morgan. From my house to yours I hope you have a wonderfully joyous holiday season. However you choose to celebrate, may it be all you hope for.
Speaking of Texas blog
As I get things organized for the coming year, I wanted to let you know this new blog will be just what the title suggests. I will be blogging about this wonderful place we live, Texas. Those of you who know me know of my book, Texas in Her Own Words. I have been blessed to have traveled this extraordinary place and spoken with her even more extraordinary people. What started as a love has turned into a passion. I love spreading what I call the ‘Gospel of Texas’ I hope you will choose to follow my comments & observations of the great state of Texas. Some will be comical, some poignant, others just an observation or two. I am certainly open to your responses. We’ll get started shortly. In the meantime, take care of your precious selves.
