Méndez et al. 2012 (Conference Paper) Mexico

The use of Epiphytic Bromeliads in the Celebrations of easter in Zaachila, Oaxaca, México.

Author(s):—E. Méndez G., D. Mondragón C. & L. Gómez H.

Publication:— (2012).

Abstract:—Numerous species of bromeliads have high ornamental value worldwide because of its beautiful foliage and flowers, for the easiness of cultivation and its resistance to many plagues. In Oaxaca the ornamental use of the bromeliads, is widespread. In Zaachila, Central Valley, Oaxaca, Mexico, there has been an ornamental use of epiphytic bromeliads linked to a very important religious holiday: Easter. In order to analyze the cultural significance of the use of these plants, the species that they use, collection sites and the final use of these samples, an ethnobotanical study was conducted in spring 2011, using qualitative-ethnographic tools, such as semi-structured interviews and direct observation of residents. It was found that participation in the collection, receipt of the collectors and the whole holiday, create the space for coexistence, cooperation and cultural transmission between generations, which is a central part of the membership of the community where were identified 16 different species of bromeliads, the collection takes place in the woods near Zaachila, however, some collectors reach areas of Puebla and Chiapas to bring some species, and this samples are discarded at the end of the celebration, that’s why the propose is to promote conduct workshops with the people in order to inform about the care of bromeliads to be planted in trees in the community.