What are the customs and taboos in Mexico?
In addition to being influenced by Catholicism, the living habits of Mexicans also retain their unique traditional colors. The national flower of Mexico is the cactus, the national bird is the eagle, and the national stone is obsidian.
Etiquette
In Mexico, acquaintances usually greet each other with hugs and cheek kisses. In solemn social occasions, men will kiss and hand the ladies politely. When foreigners meet Mexicans for the first time, smiles and handshakes are the most common greetings, and the salutation is to add “Mr.”, “Ms.” or “Mrs.” before the surname of the partner.
Apparel
Mexicans generally attach great importance to dressing outside, and their clothing is both modern and ethnic. In traditional festivals, there are courteous men in straw hats, various national costumes and mustaches, and charming women in brightly colored, embroidered long dresses and flowers. On formal occasions, Mexicans dress solemnly, in suits or skirts.
The clothing of urban residents has basically been Europeanized, but traces of traditional culture can still be seen, such as men’s white shirts still embroidered with patterns. Rural men usually wear a white shirt, white or beige trousers, a straw hat, a red silk printed scarf around the neck (sometimes tied around the waist), and leather sandals. Women often wear embroidered dresses and shirts in bright hues, in a variety of patterns and styles.
Food
The Mexican diet is rich and diverse, and it is a fusion of world cuisines. The traditional food of Mexicans is corn, beans and chili peppers, tortillas and chili peppers are world famous. Mexicans like to eat chili peppers, even if they eat fruit, they will sprinkle chili powder. Mexico’s rich cactus is a delicious vegetable. Insects such as agave worms, grasshoppers and ant eggs are also favorite foods of Mexicans.
Tipping Culture
Mexico has a culture of paying and tipping. Passengers who eat in regular restaurants usually have to pay an additional service charge equivalent to 10% to 15% of the meal price. In the parking lot, airport, supermarket payment counter, gas station and other places where passengers go, there will be people who will actively assist, and appropriate tips ranging from 2 to 5 pesos should be given according to the situation. Carrying luggage is usually 10 pesos or $1 per piece.
Custom Taboo
The least favorite color of Mexicans is purple, the favorite color is white, the most hated number is 13, and they don’t eat dog meat. Mexicans consider purple an unlucky coffin color and should be avoided. This has evolved into a big taboo—giving gifts to Mexicans, not purple items or gifts wrapped in purple. It’s also not welcome to wear purple while visiting people or ostentating. In Mexico, yellow flowers signify death and red flowers signify spells. In business events, be aware that smiling and shaking hands is their way of greeting in Mexico.
In Mexico, generally do not ask each other, especially women’s age, do not casually inquire about other people’s marital status, and do not inquire about other people’s wages, income and property. There are many church activities in Mexico. If you happen to encounter a religious event, you should watch it quietly, don’t come up to disturb it, especially be careful not to talk about related topics with the believers, and don’t casually mention the Virgin of Guadalupe, because this is considered blasphemous the behavior of. If you visit the Indian ethnic settlements in Mexico, you should pay attention to respecting the customs and beliefs of the local people, and don’t act rashly, so as not to act disrespectful to the gods they worship.
