The Trinidad Trading Company carries interesting art and distinctive wares from the global marketplace. Our collection of items for sale would be incomplete without the images and icons of Our Lady of Guadalupe because her image is both the symbol of Mexican nationalism and a testament to religious faith.

My Introduction to Our Lady of Guadalupe

Guadalupe, La Reina de las Americas, first came to my attention in the early 80ís at a mercado in Guerrero, Mexico. A lovely grey haired woman sat next to a table laden with amazing intricate miniature marzipan fruits. Tiny baskets of the hand made sweet treats filled the table. Beautiful bright colored bananas, apples, strawberries, oranges and cherries begged to be tasted.

Behind the miniature marzipan was a large shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. It was April and Christmas lights sparkled around her picture. She was adorned with roses and lit candles cast light at her feet. I felt graced by the presence of the Virgin of Guadalupe, a feeling of peace cascaded over me. And so began my love and devotion to Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe. Yes, I did purchase dulces from the lovely woman, and when I think back to my first meeting with Guadalupe, I remember fondly those tiny marzipan fruits.

The History of Our Lady of Guadalupe

How did Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe come to be loved and revered by people all over the world from all walks of life? This is her miraculous story!

It is said that the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego, whoís Aztec name was Quauhtlatoatzin, for the first time on December 9, 1531 on Tepeyoc hill just north of what is Mexico City today. Tepeyac hill was the site or the temple of Tonatzin, which was destroyed by the Spanish conquistadores, who believed their religion, Catholicism, to be the only true religion.

The Goddess Tonatzin is the manifestation of the Earth Mother known as Coatlicue, the mother of all living things. The Earth Goddess Tonatzin and her temple were sacred to the indigenous people of Mexico.

At the first appearance the Virgin of Guadalupe told Juan Diego that she wanted a church to be build on Tepeyac hill and that he should inform Mexicoís first bishop Zumarraga, but the bishop did not believe Juan Diego. The Blessed Guadalupe appeared 3 more times in the next few days. The last time on December 12 1531, the Virgin of Guadalupe, speaking in Nahuatl, told Juan Diego to gather the roses that were growing miraculously on the wintry hill site. He wrapped them in his ayate, a coarsely woven cape, and the Virgin told him not to open it until he reached the bishop. When Juan Diego opened the ayate in front of Zumarraga the roses spilled out and they found the image or the Virgin of Guadalupe imprinted on the cape. This cape with the image is still in good shape after 475 years and on display in the Basilica.

Annual Celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe

The celebration of the Virgin of Guadalupe is on December 12. Millions of the faithful from around the world pay homage to the ìReina de Mexicoî. Today her shrines are to be found everywhere. You will find Guadalupe in homes, businesses, along highways, in cars and of course, churches. Her image is created through many art mediums including: paper, wood, cloth, stone, clay and more..

Trinidad Trading Company is excited to offer you contemporary Mexican art that reflects the love of the Virgin of Guadalupe. May the blessings of Guadalupe grace your home and bring beauty to you.  

The Celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe is observed throughout the Christian World. (Our Lady or Guadalupe)		Another classic artistic rendition of the Our Lady of Guadalupe. A religous Icon. (Our Lady or Guadalupe)(More Religous Art and Beads)