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Sonoran Desert Research Paper

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The cultural group that I am researching is the Yaqui (Sonoran Desert, U.S. and Mexico). The topic I have chosen to research is the different rituals the Yaqui perform. The reason I chose to research the Yaqui is because they’re indigenous to the same region as I am. The Yaqui, “people of Sonora [Mexico] settled along the Yaqui river… many Yaqui emigrated to Arizona to escape subjugation” (“Yaqui.” Columbia 2016). Growing up I never realized how much history took place in Southern Arizona, so it’s interesting to be able to learn about the people who made Arizona the state it is today. It’s very important for me to learn about the Yaqui, since the Pascua Yaqui tribe is based right here in Tucson, Arizona. Knowing the history of your state, country, culture, etc. is important so that you understand the present times and how the future could be formed. As for choosing to research the rituals of the Yaqui, I thought it would be a good opportunity to learn about the different rituals that take place in their everyday lives and how these ceremonies differ from events that take place in my own life.
The Yaqui have evolved themselves into having a blended religion, with the use of syncretism. Syncretism is, “the mixing/blending of elements from two or more cultural sources to produce a new third culture or …show more content…

Matachin dancers perform during Yaqui Easter ceremonies or any other festivities. The Matachin, “represents the forces of good” (Yaqui Easter Ceremony 2009). The dancers wear bright colored clothing and have headdresses decorated with red desert flowers. These desert flowers have great symbol to the Yaqui, and “symbolize the Virgin Mary” (Yaqui Easter Ceremony 2009). Both the Matachin dancers and roses combined represent the spirit of the Virgin Mary, whom “looks favorable on the Yaqui people” (Yaqui Easter Ceremony 2009). Having these dancers brings about the good, and forces out evil within the Yaquis

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