Acedia

I never thought it would be difficult to find a concept in my culture that had an indifferent and apathy tone. I couldn’t think of anything that I have learned in the past based on my experiences or just plain general knowledge of the Spanish culture. I remember very clearly of being told not to be that way or promote that behavior or feeling at all. One of our biggest celebration of the year is the “La llegada del Año Nuevo” – welcoming the New Year. During this celebration it is very important that you have a good time with family and friends. It is also necessary that you take the time to thank everyone and count your blessings. It is a night full of different emotions. I never understood why my family had an awesome time until almost midnight. Around 11:45 people would start gathering in a circle to get ready to recite “El Brindis del Bohemio”. This poem written by a Mexican writer in 1912 has become part of a Puertorican tradition during our celebration of New Year’s Eve. This poem talks about how we should be thankful and remember our family. Family and friends welcome the New Year together and this is when most of them feel very nostalgic and start singing the song “Mi Viejo San Juan” which talks about being away from the island. I believe during this gathering gives them the opportunity to look forward to new opportunities in the New Year, but also the sadness of being away of some family member because they have deceased or just immigrate to other countries looking for a better life. This night has always been very important to me because I was taught to give thanks and welcome the New Year with open arms. “El Brindis del Bohemio’ is also one of my podcasts. Enjoy!!