Symbols, numbers, superstitions, food, etc.

NATIONAL FLOWER: MARIPOSA

The scientific name is Hedychium coronarium, of the family of the Zingiberaceae. Original from Vietnam.

It is a beautiful white flower, one and a half meters high. Because of it, color is relational with purity and peace. It was used as a sort of key among the women who participated in the liberation wars of the 19th century.

The butterfly is also a symbol of delicacy, grace, and slenderness of the Cuban woman.

NATIONAL BIRD: THE TOCORORO

This bird has on him the three colors of the flag. it does not survive the captivity

It is located mainly in the Sierra de Los Órganos, Ciénaga de Zapata, Escambray, mountainous complex of the Sierra Maestra, and Isla de la Juventud. It prefers forests of all kinds, and also pine forests.

It is also called “Guatani”

NATIONAL TREE: THE ROYAL PALM

Known by all Cubans as the queen of our fields, for the majesty of its structure, its peculiar size, its strength, usefulness and for being the most numerous of our trees. it represents the unyielding character of the Cuban, usually reaches a height between forty and fifty feet, and it is drawn on the shield.

Superstitions:

#1: Never take seashells from the seashore. it takes you bad luck

#2: Azabaches. it is worn on bracelets or neckless to protect you of the “mal de ojo”.

#3: Purse on the floor? You’re gon’ be poor.

#4: Don’t sweep over coins. You are going to be poor, you are taken your money off.

#5 Light ‘em up: to clean some of the bad luck you could have.

#6 Do not let a broom touch your feet because if it does you wouldn't get married.

#7 Don't open an umbrella indoors. it'll rain male bad luck.

#8 Cleaning the house with hot water brings bad things into your life. you need to clean the house with ice cold water to the neutralizate environment

#9 If you drop salt on the floor, fights are coming your way.

#10 Cinnamon powered attracts guys

#11 If you hear your name, and you know no one is there, don’t look back because it's dead.

#12 If your ear itches, it means someone is talking bad about you.

Colors.

Red: of the flag

Orange: of sunsets

Yellow: of Trinidad, because there is so common to be singing and dancing.

Green: of the traditional palms

Blue: of the Caribbean sea.

Indigo: of the mornings

Violet: for cars, so common to see a car of this color.

Food

Ropa vieja. shredded flank steak or other meat in a rich sauce. beef or lamb braised on tomato-sauce, onions, and pepper. serve over rice.

Moros y Cristianos. white rice with black beans cooked together with garlic.

Churros. fried outside and soft inside with sugar all over them.

Chicharritas. slices of banana fried in oil.

Guarapo. the sweet juice of freshly-pressed sugar cane served on ice.

Empanadas and Pastelitos. meat-stuffed, fried or baked turnovers. kind of sandwich of ham and cheese.

Boniato con mojo. sweet potatoes in a garlic citrus sauce

Chicken and rice. The same as paella.

Huevos habaneros. eggs Havana-style with tomatoes, peppers, and cumin

Flan. a mix of evaporated and condensed milk and vanilla.

References:

1. Cuba, Símbolos de la Nación Cubana. (2019, 1 mayo). Recuperado  mayo, 2019, de http://www.cubadebate.cu/cuba/
2. THE SYMBOLS OF CUBA. (s.f.). Recuperado mayo, 2019, de http://www.cubamylove.com/index.php/cuba-blog/151-cuban-culture/131-the-symbols-of-cuba
3. Katheryn Milian, K. .. (2017, 30 octubre). 20 Cuban Superstitions. Recuperado mayo, 2019, de https://www.theodysseyonline.com/20-cuban-superstitions
4. Feelin' lucky? Curious superstitions only Cubans believe - Revolución de Cuba. (2018, 2 mayo). Recuperado mayo, 2019, de https://www.revoluciondecuba.com/blog/feelin-lucky-curious-superstitions-cubans-believe/
5. Casey Mead, C. M. .. (s.f.). Colours of Cuba. Recuperado mayo, 2019, de https://www.gadventures.com/blog/colours-of-cuba/
6. Carnival Cruise Line, C. C. L. .. (2018, 8 marzo). 7 Must-Try Foods While in Cuba | Carnival Cruise Line. Recuperado mayo, 2019, de https://www.carnival.com/awaywego/travel/caribbean/7-must-try-foods-while-in-cuba
7. Sara Elliott, S. E. .. (2018, 28 junio). How Cuban Traditions Work. Recuperado mayo, 2019, de https://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/national-traditions/cuban-tradition1.htm

8. Cuban Cuisine Mega Guide: 40+ Cuban Dishes (In Cuba). (2019, 25 marzo). Recuperado mayo, 2019, de https://foodfuntravel.com/cuban-cuisine-traditional-dishes-street-food-history/