“Bendicion” it is the first and last word Cuban, Puerto Rican and Dominican children (young and old) say to their elders. it is said to parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, or any other elder (not necessarily blood related). it’s an “obligatory” salute. a sign of respect. it is to me, one of the sweetest words. the response is even sweeter: “Dios te bendiga” “Dios te cuide” “Santa” “Dios te acompañe” “Dios te haga una muchachita buena” and it is usually followed by whatever descriptive affection they have for you: “mi hija. mi santa. negrita. mi amor. mi cielo. mi reina. cabezona.” at the sound of it i am overwhelmed by their Love. it is never said in anger. but even if angry, the blessing is always given. i am constantly making sure my nieces and nephews say it to me. i encourage my siblings and cousins to make sure their children do not forget. it is the blessing that has kept us safe even in harms way. it is the blessing that heals us when we’re ailing. it is the blessing that lifts our sad spirits. yesterday, i sat at the dentist’s office, a young woman walks in and sees her aunt. smiling she says, “bendicion mi tia bella.” to which her aunt responds, “ay mi querida sobrina dios te me bendiga. que gusto verte.” i smiled. those words hold so much power in my life. i know when the elders in my family pass on… it is the sound of this blessing in their voice that i will miss most. i know it is one of the many words i will miss out of my parents’ mouth. bendicion. it is the word you say to receive their blessing and God’s protection. its history is biblical, but it is spiritual at its core. to me… it’s the shield of Love my elders keep me wrapped in.
Posted on: Tue, 22 Apr 2014 15:27:54 +0000
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