We use symbols to embrace our heritage and as a means of creatively voicing an inventive yet rebellious social justice attitude. Through the symbols displayed in the mural, a novel understanding of culture is created and explored. Symbolism educates and sparks conversations among people of all ages, ethnic groups, socioeconomic backgrounds, and reading ability. Through this dialogue, we “engage in a critical process of theorizing that enables and empowers” (bell hooks, 1992) not only ourselves, but also those around us.
Nopal
The nopal cactus (Prickly Pear) symbolizes the perilous journey through the desert that so many of our foremothers and forefathers have endured. It is not only a sign of life; it is also a giver of life. It nourishes with her sweet fruits (tunas) and the water inside her body while thriving under the scorching sun.
Our familias, who crossed the Sonoran desert and other deserts, understood the nopal to mean esperanza (“hope”). She guided them to safety and prompted them to keep going.
The Aztecs, Zacatecas, Tepehuanes, Chichimecs, and Coras too utilized the fruits and green stems of the Nopal cactus as food. The memory of the nopal forever is carried in our DNA and stands as a reminder to the meaning of fortitude and the ability to survive even in the harshest of conditions.
Mariposa (butterfly)
The butterfly signals support for our immigrant communities at a time when fear of deportation and racism are on the rise. Butterflies symbolize hope and transformation and represent the spirit of our ancestors.
Butterflies represent the beauty of migration. They cross borders in search of safer habitats. Beautiful with delicate features, they know that migration is the only way to ensure survival for the next generations. For the butterfly and for the millions of people in the world forced to leave their homelands, migration is an act of survival.
Roots
Roots support and sustain us. They spread out to neighboring trees where they find stability in outreach and service to others, and in collaboration, respect, empathy, and dignity for others. A tree rooted to the earth stands in its place even when harsh winds blow. Its branches may swing to the rhythm of the wind and its leaves may fall throughout time, but it continues to stand in place, fortified by its foundation, its roots.
Hummingbird
The tiny, but mighty hummingbird inspires us to follow our dreams, even when life is filled with hardship, setbacks, or obstacles – to fight through the many challenges. The hummingbird symbolizes beauty and wisdom and although small, it has the fierce heart of an eagle. Despite its size, it shows great strength, ferocity, tenacity, and a divine power to fly. When a hummingbird hovers near you or crosses your path, it is a positive omen. They remind us to cherish the beauty of life on earth.
Yemaya
The Yemaya, a woman of color first appearing in Yorubaland (now in modern Nigeria), is uplifting, cleansing, and healing. She rises from the sea and rules over her domain with grace, beauty, and maternal wisdom. Yemaya is the most nurturing of all the Yoruba deities and is believed to be the beginning of all life. Without her there would be no living things on earth. As the Mother of All, she is very protective of all her children cares for them deeply.
Roses Emerging from the Concrete
Roses growing from concrete are powerful symbols of faith in the midst of what many say can never happen. Rarely is concrete seen as a place for a flower to grow and yet roses appear. Not because someone willed for them to be, but because they will exist, they will survive. A rose emerging from the concrete symbolizes resilience and perseverance.
Corn
Corn is more than just sustenance; it is a symbol of Indigenous survival and cultural continuity. The sacred corn way of life, Centeotztintli, connects us to identity, resistance to colonialism, inter-continental relationships, belonging, community, and spirituality (Roberto Cintli Rodríguez).
Ollin
Ollin translates to “movement” in the Nahuatl language. It represents the concept of change and transformation. It symbolizes the idea that life is in a constant state of flux, and that individuals must adapt and evolve in order to thrive. The Ollin symbolizes movement, disorder, seismic change, and transmutation. It is associated with the god Tonatiuh, the sun god, who is believed to have the power to bring about change and renewal. It is also closely linked to the Aztec calendar, particularly the calendar stone, which depicts the four eras of creation and destruction that have occurred in Aztec cosmology. It symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things and the cyclical nature of existence.
Books
The books are painted in shades of brown and represent the colors of flags from Latin American countries: Costa Rica, Peru, El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico. They challenge the notion of colorism within our communities. The pink book entitled, “Herstory,” highlights that we are from Sacramento with the capitol prominently displayed on its cover.
Red handprint across the mouth
A red handprint, usually painted across the mouth, is a symbol that is used to indicate solidarity with missing and murdered indigenous women and girls in North America, in recognition of the fact that Native American women are up to 10 times more likely to be murdered or sexually assaulted.