The Sombrero

All right, I'll admit it, my blog has been primarily geared toward ladies fashion. So, for the one or two gentlemen out there (Hi Dad) who read my blog, today is your lucky day. I've dedicated this entry to an accessory that smacks of the tradition and gaiety of Mexican culture:

The Sombrero.

The word "sombrero" is derived from the Spanish word "sombra" which means shade or shadow. The sombrero is a wide-brimmed hat ideal for laborers who work long hours in the desert's heat and need to shield their heads, necks and shoulders from the blistering sun. The first people said to wear sombreros were Mestizo workers in the "agricultural belt", commonly known today as the border between the United States and Mexico.

Traditional sombreros vary in appearance but all are constructed out of loosely woven straw. Some are plain with unfinished edges and others are incredibly vibrant and covered in intricate embroidery.

Though the sombrero is often attributed to the Mexican harvester and charro (cowboy), mariachi musicians also embrace the hat as part of their intricate costume. It became known for the famous Mexican folk song and dance called the Jarabe Tapatio. It tells the tale of a courtship between a poor charro peasant and the woman he loves. In an effort to flirt with her, he tosses his sombrero on the ground as a gesture of kindness. In return the woman dances on and around the brim of his sombrero.

Unfortunately, most Americans are unaware of the rich history behind the sombrero. Americans refer to the traditional Jarabe Tapatio tale as the "Mexican Hat Dance" and the hat itself has become a symbol of the Mexican leaning up on a cactus while taking a siesta. For American children the sombrero is associated with the cartoon mouse Speedy Gonzales. The sombrero has also become a tourist souvenir for Americans and is often given out as a gag gift at parties.

See below to watch dancers perform the Jarabe Tapatio: