She Was a Whiz…at the Rebozo

Guatemalan culture is known for its vibrant colors, fabrics, and beauty. The Guatemalan women are known for carrying and “slinging” their babies from birth to well beyond their toddler years. Children spend their days in what are called Rebozos, thick or thin cloths that mold to the child and mother and allow for the mother to carry a child front or back, on the hip, in a cradle, and from 0-36 months.

In the cold early mornings, babies’ heads were covered with the handkerchiefs so they could breathe warm air. The Guatemalan women waved their arms in excitement as they spoke, and their babies were always along for the ride. Women lugged heavy bundles on and off buses. They walked in plastic shoes with slight heels, or none at all, but always laughing. Their babies were always there, hanging on their mother’s breasts, or on their side or back. Some had runny noses beneath their big brown eyes. While women walked or shopped or sold goods as the market, the babies went right along. They wore hats in the hot sun, or where tucked deep inside their carrying shawls while they slept. Once in a while one fussed.

When our Foster Mom took the bebé, tired and fussy, and cradled him in her Rebozo he instantly calmed. She glanced at me, smiled, and said “Él era frío” (He was cold.) I think she was just a whiz.

Here is how the Rebezo is worn (the pictures are a bit rudimentary but you will get the point).