El Salvador translates to "The Saviour"
Gods name engraved into the identity of a Nation. Makes me think that no matter what happens or how far we may go astray God gives us a name and a purpose from the very beginning, one which we can't run away from. For the rest of this month I want to focus on this country. I want to pray for Gods children in El Salvador to shine like beacons of light wherever they are, wether they are in a good situation or bad that they may remember they live in the land of "The Saviour" I pray that they may recognize the great talents God has placed on the inside of them and that they may know they are more than conquerors. I pray that faith and hope may be reborn where it has been dulled out by circumstances. I pray for a generation to rise up in great faith and snatch their brothers from the hands of the enemy. I pray for a great revival, in faith, in hope, in love, in talents, that the world may see them. Father God even now wherever they are if they feel unseen let them know that YOU SEE THEM! you always see the unseen and you raise them to great heights. Let all fear dissipate from their soul. That they may know they belong to you and nothing can take them away from your grip. Raise up voices in El Salvador to proclaim your name, Father. Amen.
El Salvador:
History:
El Salvador's early history as an independent state was marked by frequent revolutions. Following a deterioration in the country's democratic institutions in the 1970s, a period of civil war followed from 1980-1992. More than 75,000 people are estimated to have died in the conflict. In January 1992, after prolonged negotiations, the opposing sides signed peace accords that ended the war, brought the military under civilian control and allowed the former guerrillas to form a legitimate political party and participate in elections.
Education:
El Salvador has already initiated major reforms of the secondary education system, which are designed to both substantially increase access and improve the quality of education offered while ensuring its relevance to a changing, technologically driven economy. However, a large number of children cannot attend secondary school because they need to work to support their families. According to the United Nations, more than 35 percent of Salvadoran children have to work. Their jobs include working on sugar and coffee plantations, in domestic services and as street vendors.
This reality is even more critical in the rural areas where the poverty level can be as high as 62 percent. Many of these families live on less than U.S. $1 a day and cannot afford daily food. In these areas, it is common to see children begin to work at 6 or 7 years old.
The education situation past secondary school is even less promising. According to El Salvador's government statistics, only 5 percent of the population has a university-level degree. In El Salvador, a person who does not have a professional career cannot expect a good salary; even people with degrees are hired only for manual jobs that pay a minimum salary (U.S. $152 in the city and U.S.$80 in the rural areas). People who have no secondary education must work for less than the minimum salary.
Religion:
The constitution provides for freedom of religion and states that all persons are equal before the law and prohibits discrimination based on nationality, race, sex or religion.
The constitution explicitly recognizes the Roman Catholic Church and grants it legal status.
Culture:
Art
The village of La Palma has become famous for a school of art started by Fernando Llort. His childlike images of mountain villages, rural life and Christ are painted in bright colors on objects ranging from seeds to church walls.
The town of Ilobasco is known for its ceramics, while San Sebastián is recognized for its textile arts.
Poetry is popular, and well-known writers include Manlio Argueta and Francisco Rodriguez.
Music
Salvadorans enjoy the rhythms of the Caribbean. Guitars, marimbas and drums are used in church services. Most of the music on Salvadoran radio is standard pop fare from the United States, Mexico or other parts of Latin America, but there's a small underground movement of canción (folk music) that draws its inspiration from current events in El Salvador.
Holidays and Festivals
Holy Week, March or April: Celebrated before Easter. Salvadorans hold processions during this week. On Easter weekend, most people celebrate by going to church and to the beach.
San Salvador Feast (Feast of the Holy Savior), Aug. 3-6: Celebrated with a carnival, fireworks, dancing and parades.
Independence Day, Sept. 15
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Dec. 24, 25: Homes are decorated with elaborate nativity scenes that can fill a whole room, Christmas trees are decorated and children receive presents on Christmas Eve.
Sports and Games
Salvadorans love to play soccer, which is the main sport. Basketball, baseball, tennis and swimming are other favorites. An Olympic training center for swimming is located in El Salvador.
Typical Foods
Corn and black beans are the daily diet of most families. Families also like to snack on pupusas (corn cakes filled with chopped meats, beans and spices).
Sautéed Plantains
- 2 very ripe plantains
- 1 jalapeno chili seeded and sliced in thin rings
- 2 Tb. butter, more if needed
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
Peel plantains and cut into quarters. Cut each quarter in half lengthwise. Sauté plantains and chilies in butter over medium heat, turning frequently. Remove when browned. Drizzle sour cream over plantains. Serves four.
Greetings:
Spanish
- Hola (Hello)
- ¿Cómo está? (How are you?)
- Bien (Fine)
- ¿Que ondas? (How is it going?)
- Tranquilo (fine)
- Salu (Goodbye)
- ¡Puchica! (Gee! Good! Yeah!)
