The Ancient Customs of Love

Just two days before Valentine’s Day, Huichu Kuakari, an Indigenous elder of the Mesoamerican Purépecha community, held a live Zoom talk titled Love Between the Purépechas, where he discussed their romantic practices and customs of courtship. The purpose of his talk was not only to preserve traditions but also to compare ancient customs with modern love.

Most of the participants who attended the event were women.

During his talk, he detailed the romantic courting practices of the ancient Purépecha people. Some of the courting practices he mentioned include holding dances so they could meet their future spouses. These dances were supervised by an adult, like modern school dances of today. In addition, a man could not ask to court a woman with whom he had not had previous community interactions. While the words man and woman are being used when describing these practices and customs, it is important to note that most people married when they were teenagers.

Divorce among the Purépecha was not a common practice. Their customs dictated that one must be sure that love was not being confused with lust. Therefore, marrying out of a desire for a woman carnally was frowned upon.

Toward the end of the talk, Huichu Kuakari reflected on the reason he believes modern love is failing; he said, “People don’t have long late-night talks anymore. Social media has taken the magic away from that. People don’t write love letters anymore.” As he says this, his voice lowers and fades away slowly. After a brief pause, he breaks his silence with a laugh.