Cubans. Cubans are very loud and very proud. Growing up in a Cuban-American household is unlike any other. Cubans have very unique traditions, superstitions, and habits. Many of which, as young children, we were afraid to even share with our American friends out of fear that they would judge us. However strange these may seem, many times we find ourselves blindly following the traditions and superstitions. Here are a couple things that my fellow Cuban-Americans can relate to or are guilty of.
1. Noche Buena
Noche Buena, or Christmas Eve, is the biggest night of the year in the Cuban culture. Everyone is invited. No one is left out. Neighbors, friends, co-workers. I mean everyone. This night is huge for Cubans.
Of course it is not complete without "Lechón," or an entire pig. The pig is cooked in the backyard on a “Cuban Microwave” made out of cinderblocks and corrugated metal and typically isn't ready till about 10 p.m. There is also plenty of yuca, congri and Patron shots to go around. As a result, Christmas Day becomes a day of recovery.
2. New Years Eve
New Years Eve is an extremely important day with regards to superstitions, because not following these will result in bad luck for the WHOLE year.
For women, every year we must wear a brand new pair of yellow underwear for good luck. Many Cuban women buy theirs ahead of time because during the month of December, it is almost impossible to find a new pair of yellow underwear.
The grapes are imperative. It is tradition to eat 12 grapes at midnight and make a wish on each one, accompanied by a glass of champagne. The grapes represent each month of the year and it is supposed to bring good luck for the whole year.
A bucket of water is also filled and kept by the front door that evening. After midnight, the water is thrown out of the front door. This represents getting rid of all the bad luck in your house from the past year.
3. Cuban Events
Cubans are always late. Always. It’s expected. For parties, it is customary to say it starts an hour earlier than it really does. However, some family members will still be late or “on their way” for about an hour. Once arrived at the parties, it is completely necessary to hug and kiss every single family member. Even ones you don't recognize, because they definitely know who you are and will proceed to tell you how little you were the last time they saw you. The same goes for leaving the party. Plan accordingly because saying goodbye could quite possibly take up to an hour.
We are loud. We just are. I promise weren't not fighting or yelling at each other, this is a casual conversation.
At Cuban parties, there will always be a table of four older men playing dominoes and smoking cigars. Kids grow up learning how to play dominoes and practicing their strategies.
4. Home Remedies
Coughing, runny nose, or sore throat? Vick's Vapor Rub will fix all of the above! If it doesn’t, you probably need to see a doctor…
Bumped your head? Grab a quarter and press it on there! You don't want to get a “chichón.”
Cut your finger? Rub some sugar on it to stop the bleeding!
Sore muscles? Tiger Balm or "mentol chino."
And of course, a tablespoon of olive oil a day will keep the doctor away.
5. Oh, The Superstitions!
Although it has not been proven, many Cubans believe these superstitions have helped us continue surviving:
You must wait at least an hour after eating to get back in the pool, or you will get a stomach-ache.
Whatever you do, don't let that rocking chair swing by itself. This is a symbol of death.
Ladies, don’t leave your purse on the floor. Your money will run away.
Don’t leave your hair wet, you'll get a cold. And don't even think about walking around barefoot!
Your palm itches? You'll get money soon!
A baby’s first piece of jewelry is an “azabache,” which brings good luck. And of course they smell like "violetas."
6. The FOOD
A Cuban household would not be complete without the great food. Platanos. Ropa vieja (yes, this translates to "old clothes"...). Croquettas. Arroz con pollo. Flan. Queso blanco con guayava. Arroz con picadillo. Frijoles negros.
These traditions have been drilled into us for so long, whether we believe them or not, we can’t afford the possible bad luck that could be in store for us. Many of the them don't make sense, and our parents and grandparents who taught us don't even have explanations for them. Many non-Cubans will ask about them, and we will proudly continue to answer “Oh, it’s a Cuban thing.”
