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A traditional icon of Mexican dress is the “rebozo,” a 500-year old cultural symbol that is alive and well today. In Spanish “rebozar” means to “muffle up,” hence English for “muffler.” From practical to elegant, these beautiful shawls enhance and complete any modern-day wardrobe.
There are hundreds of different types of rebozos, hand-woven in intricate designs and dyed from soft muted to stunning vibrant colors. The process of tying the delicate fringe thread can be very involved and takes great dedication. Today, most rebozos are made of cotton or a cotton/acrylic blend, some so fine it is difficult to tell them apart from real silk. Proof of a real silk shawl, I’ve been told, is if it slides through a finger ring. The price of an authentic rebozo is determined by these factors.
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How is a rebozo used? Dining al fresco or even in an air-conditioned room may give you a mild chill after a day in the sun. Elegantly draped over one shoulder or across your back, tied in front with a square knot, makes a stunning statement. Weddings here in Cabo are conducted in many different styles and at various locations. A beach or seaside wedding is a particularly fine place to wear your rebozo. As the sun sets and the air cools, these beautiful shawls play a dual role as an adornment for any style dress and as something to keep you comfortable.
Select locations in Los Cabos carry these lovely traditional pieces of handiwork. Leticia Klein, owner of La Casa Vieja in The Shoppes at Palmilla (Ph: 624 144-6161), says that “Some of the finest shawls are Rebozos de Santa María.” They are made in the state of San Luis Potosí and sold in beautifully carved wooden boxes, whose exotic aroma clings to the rebozo. These shawls are made with the finest silk and striking color combinations.” Leticia particularly remembers this kind of rebozo because one of her uncles, a former governor of San Luis Potosí, favored them as gifts for visiting dignitaries. She gave both her daughters one of these special rebozos as gifts, and hopes they will continue the tradition of gifting this iconic Mexican wrap.
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Picture yourself elegantly clad in one of these exquisite hand-made shawls while on vacation, and carrying on this pretty and practical style back home. Rebozos make perfect gifts, each unique and light to transport in your luggage. Whether a gift for a friend, relative or even a dignitary, these lovely emblems of Mexican culture are special in many ways.
Gregorio de Gante, a Mexican poet wrote [translated], “The Mexican rebozo is a baby’s crib, a pillow for sleeping, a window for love, a bandage for healing, a bandana for working, a feminine veil, and a national symbol”.
By Sandra Berry
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Copyright © 2009 - Joseph A. Tyson - All Rights Reserved - www.loscabosmagazine.com
Los Cabos Magazines, Inc - Tyson Promotions, Inc - Promociones Tyson, S. A. de C. V.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Mexico - Last Revision - January 28, 2009 - fap
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