Cinco de Mayo

Most people don't know that back in 1912 Hellmann's mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico. But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank, and the cargo was forever lost.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss.

Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning, which they still observe to this day. The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5th and is known, of course, as Sinko de Mayo!!

Do you believe it? Hah! Someone sent this to me in an email. It made me laugh so I decided to share it here.

Growing up in southern California, I learned to use tortillas to scoop food instead of a fork. I was farmed out often to spend a few days here and a week there with people willing to take me. So I learned many different customs and stayed with families of various nationalities and customs. I can still remember the first time a wonderful Mexican family showed me at their dinner table how to eat rice and beans with the tortilla. I was probably four years old. When I got older, Cinco de Mayo was celebrated in a big way throughout southern California. I am not living there now, but I bring the traditions with me to the mid west and enjoy them in our little hippie house in a happy way.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo, todos!!