Virgin of Guadalupe

The Virgin of Guadalupe is one of the few apparitions of the Virgin Mary that the Catholic Church regards as legitimate. Her basilica in Mexico City is a major international pilgrimage site, the focal point of which is the iconic image of the Virgin. In this image, the Virgin wears a crown atop her head and a cloak; she looks down with her hands clasped; she stands on a crescent moon as an angel holds her up. This image is significant especially for Mexican Catholics, who refer to her as the Queen of Mexico (La Reina De Mexico). December 12 is the feast day of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

According to historical accounts, the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, a peasant who had [Page 1524]recently converted to Christianity. While on his way to Mass on December 9, 1531, she appeared before him on the hill of Tepeyac near Mexico City and declared herself to be the Virgin Mary. She told him to relay a message to the Archbishop of Mexico about her desire to have a church built on the site of their meeting.

The Catholic icon of the Virgin of Guadalupe is depicted in a 16th-century painting of unknown provenance.

On December 12, the Virgin reappeared and instructed Juan Diego to pick roses to deliver to the skeptical archbishop. When Juan Diego met the archbishop, the roses spilled from his cloak, revealing an image of the Virgin. Juan Diego's cloak is still on display at the basilica that was constructed on the site of the 1531 encounter. For centuries, scholars have discussed the authenticity of the cloak and the image on it. Almost five centuries later, the image is still evident with no signs of deterioration. The Virgin of Guadalupe became a national symbol during Mexico's War of Independence from Spain (1810-21). Some ecclesiastics identified her as the “Revelation's Woman of the Apocalypse,” while soldiers placed her image on reeds and hats as they fought.

Rebels continued to use the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe on banners during the Mexican Revolution (1910-20). The use of her image in such conflicts signifies her role as the ultimate martyr and “supernatural mother” who will lead Mexico to victory. Many scholars consider the Virgin of Guadalupe to be the “first mestiza,” highlighting how she is a synthesis of Spanish colonial, Catholic, and indigenous/Aztec cultures. With such ethnic differences throughout Mexico, researchers generally contend that it is the Virgin that unites everyone. The Virgin of Guadalupe is not just an image of liberation for Mexicans, but she is also a symbol of hope for Mexican and Mexican American (Chicana) women and Chicana feminists. They have reinterpreted this icon as one that epitomizes feminine power, sexual strength, and a break from patriarchy.