How One Woman Saved Her Family's 300-Year-Old Candle Making Tradition | Still Standing

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  • Опубліковано 3 жов 2024
  • The art of making sacred candles has been passed down in Viviana Alávez's family for 300 years. The craft nearly disappeared from the Oaxacan village of Teotitlan del Valle in the 1980s, but Viviana kept it alive with her innovative designs and break from tradition.
    Viviana does not have an online shop. She sells her candles locally in Oaxaca.
    For information go to: / casavivianaoaxaca
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    How One Woman Saved Her Family's 300-Year-Old Candle Making Tradition | Still Standing

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,5 тис.

  • @LukeShalz
    @LukeShalz 3 роки тому +6241

    This lady speaks the most pure, elegant, gentle Spanish I’ve ever heard. The way she speaks our language reminds me of my mother’s voice.

    • @KanBig
      @KanBig 3 роки тому +80

      She’s speaking in broken Spanish. It’s not her first language.

    • @LukeShalz
      @LukeShalz 3 роки тому +23

      @@KanBig do you speak Spanish fluently?

    • @rhyanisyes4512
      @rhyanisyes4512 3 роки тому +254

      @@KanBig another Oaxacan person explained in the comments; her first language is Zapotec and it's difficult for her to get sentences right in Spanish

    • @fiatlux8828
      @fiatlux8828 3 роки тому +148

      @@LukeShalz In Mexico many native people kept their languages and traditions. She most likely speaks her people's language at home.

    • @gabbym333
      @gabbym333 3 роки тому +80

      @@rhyanisyes4512 It's not difficult for her, she just has an accent. If someone who's first language is English spoke Spanish, they would also have an accent.

  • @MalihaBookish
    @MalihaBookish 3 роки тому +13846

    $15 only???? Aaah she deserves sooooo much more for these beautiful creations

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +760

      If you are so inclined, she has an Instagram. She clearly enjoys that others enjoy her art as well. To her it is a form of currency to also know that her art is loved. Telling her that is free. I'm sure she would love to hear it.

    • @erickm119
      @erickm119 3 роки тому +390

      @@hilmojen any way to buy her work from the US? I would love to gift one of those candles to my wife.

    • @callabeth258
      @callabeth258 3 роки тому +139

      I was thinking the same and how much scented candles 1/10 the size of hers cost!

    • @crystar9235
      @crystar9235 3 роки тому +74

      @Cindy Cyanide casavivianaoaxaca

    • @teha17
      @teha17 3 роки тому +28

      @Cindy Cyanide creep

  • @andyhu7205
    @andyhu7205 3 роки тому +4213

    Her speech pattern is so much more subtle than the subtitles suggest. Her spanish is so much more delicate and humble than the translation, as a mexican, I'm so proud of her!

    • @thegreengatsby9803
      @thegreengatsby9803 3 роки тому +103

      I'm not a native spanish speaker, but I am learning and I can sense and understand the humility and delicateness in her speech :)

    • @nat207
      @nat207 3 роки тому +48

      Happy to see someone else who understood how happy and at peace she was :)

    • @AmandaVieiraMamaesouCult
      @AmandaVieiraMamaesouCult 2 роки тому +13

      @@thegreengatsby9803 Indeed, I speak Portuguese and even I could sense the way she speaks.

    • @flonx03
      @flonx03 2 роки тому +18

      @Bystander232 I feel that the translation is correct for most of that part, but literally translated it would be something like:
      "This candle is going to go to ask for the hand of the bride. This white, it's an affection for the bride. And this, the color red, it's color affection. As does color pink"

    • @AnaDiaz-wz4cf
      @AnaDiaz-wz4cf Рік тому +1

      Have you watched the business insider videos about Cochinilla farming? Or the one with the lady that makes mole with a Metate? Sweatest ladies and the way the speak and talk about their love for their craft is simply amazing! Those 2 are probably my all time favorite videos I've ever watched on youtube.

  • @isaacjewels6472
    @isaacjewels6472 3 роки тому +1252

    I love how calmly she speaks, when she said she felt her life was going to end my heart broke so bad

    • @nat207
      @nat207 3 роки тому +28

      Do not worry! It's a difference in culture. A lot of my family who has passed on has been able to sense the same thing, and although death will always be sad, I can promise you she is at peace and very happy

    • @ElizabethDMadison
      @ElizabethDMadison 2 роки тому +4

      I am a Catholic too and she has a very Catholic view, remembering that you will die is not bad it puts life in perspective and reminds you to live well in relation to God and others.

  • @ЈеленаЈариќ
    @ЈеленаЈариќ 3 роки тому +290

    What a gentle, wise, soft-spoken lady. A true artist.

  • @user-rx9ny4yo2e
    @user-rx9ny4yo2e 3 роки тому +12618

    I'm going to say it again. Bussines Insider please create a online shop where these bussines can sell the art. Not just for Viviana, but for all the people who appeared on still standing. Some of those products have a lot of potential buyers.
    Edit: For everyone talking about her Instagram and UA-cam channel thanks. But secondly what im sugesting is for ALL the people who appear on this series. Unfortunately just reaching the person directly like that is a bad method. The seller has to deal with everyone individually, the buyer gets a giant shipping fee as its done by mail, also alot of people deem It too much trouble, so even when there are means to contact the creator the need for an online shop still stands.

    • @walksthroughlife900
      @walksthroughlife900 3 роки тому +234

      Upvoting and commenting so others can see. Love the idea

    • @sommungchisblinkifyoureate6307
      @sommungchisblinkifyoureate6307 3 роки тому +29

      Up

    • @MaresBarres
      @MaresBarres 3 роки тому +115

      You would think they would have the business sense to have done that already 😀

    • @i.robles5785
      @i.robles5785 3 роки тому +115

      Business insider is gonna take a cut of the profits, what's the point? Buy directly from them.

    • @user-rx9ny4yo2e
      @user-rx9ny4yo2e 3 роки тому +79

      @@i.robles5785 the problem is we cant

  • @ny7106
    @ny7106 3 роки тому +7155

    When she said she can feel that her life is coming to an end, i straight up cried

    • @OgolordIntl
      @OgolordIntl 3 роки тому +90

      Me too 😢

    • @cosmokaulitz22
      @cosmokaulitz22 3 роки тому +384

      She's very realistic and quite humble too when she realizes it... Most of us live as if life is endless

    • @michaelsilva7085
      @michaelsilva7085 3 роки тому +157

      Me too. My grandmother said the exact thing to me shortly before she passed. She was from South America and looked a lot like Viviana.

    • @DontcheckMyabout
      @DontcheckMyabout 3 роки тому +5

      Don’t read my name

    • @Mindofthebrick
      @Mindofthebrick 3 роки тому +159

      @@DontcheckMyabout read the room

  • @ShiroKazeRyuu
    @ShiroKazeRyuu 3 роки тому +4700

    Sad to see all these traditional crafts diminish and die because of a need for something more profitable. Glad to see she can keep the craft alive and pass it on. Hopefully we can get past this pandemic soon so people can get on with their lives again.

    • @d.esanchez3351
      @d.esanchez3351 3 роки тому +54

      Im mexican, had studied economics and understand that mexico has to industrialize and modernize for the good of the people so, i know many works like this had to disappear to the common people.
      Tho, it's so sad to think that they can disappear. I wouldn't like to see this manufactures extinct. I hope that there will always be costumers, be the church, some traditional rich man or some hippie NY shop to keep this traditions alive and well.

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +51

      @@d.esanchez3351 the original artist has an Instagram account. Always skip the middle (white, hippie) man and go directly to the artisan. I bet she would have success on UA-cam with her soothing voice as she poured candles. I speak Spanish and she could insult me and I would still be entranced. Hype her up not dude in NYC... Blech

    • @SevenHunnid
      @SevenHunnid 3 роки тому +3

      I smoke weed in my UA-cam videos to pay my rent 😂💰😈

    • @senseishu937
      @senseishu937 3 роки тому +9

      @@d.esanchez3351 never sell to a middle man, you'll never make a profit

    • @floki3976
      @floki3976 3 роки тому +12

      This reminds me of a group who tries to save a dying culture and then they got bashed for cultural appropriation...

  • @gracieosornio9291
    @gracieosornio9291 3 роки тому +715

    Viviana & grandmother were only making candles to literally put food on the table, then when she broke from tradition and had to sell a candle her grandmother cried (this was the saddest part) Viviana so humble and pure! many blessings Viviana!

    • @DB-xo6xh
      @DB-xo6xh 3 роки тому +24

      Some old traditional people in Mexico are very humble and proud people and weird about money.

    • @Jesustheomega
      @Jesustheomega 2 роки тому +5

      What is humble i been called that

    • @somerandomcube
      @somerandomcube Рік тому +3

      @@Jesustheomega it means, basically, not bragging, and being kind without expecting any reciprocation.

  • @no3miiiz
    @no3miiiz 3 роки тому +291

    You can tell she has such a gentle & pure soul. To the way she speaks & by her teaching other women outside her family the tradition. Many other people would rather have traditions die off because they don’t want outsiders to learn. God bless her & her family

    • @kellieoconnell8181
      @kellieoconnell8181 Рік тому

      The way she spoke about the 'little bees' and thier need for food and water, in regards to not being able to source the wax locally anymore- it was so touching... She is so gentle connected and aware of everything she uses in her craft- it bought a tear to my eyes. This is what art and crafts should be like.... I've had this feeling for a while ...Im not buying any mass produced crap anymore.

  • @jess.i.ca02
    @jess.i.ca02 3 роки тому +5065

    im a Spanish speaker, mexican born parents, and they didnt perfectly translate her. she has a more gentle tone. when she was talking about how her grandma was angry and crying when she changed. she said grandma a lot, it was not translted. she sounded kind of selfish in the subs but she was saying it as a more sad posible way. she has to do it to be able to survive. plus, im not exactly from this state in mexico but next time i go to mexico, ill do my best to visit and buy bc they are beautiful

    • @pollypocket4323
      @pollypocket4323 3 роки тому +78

      Thank you for clarifying!
      I really really want to visit too one day 😍

    • @emilyche1101
      @emilyche1101 3 роки тому +207

      I don't think she sounded selfish. You can see how sweet lady she is and though translations are not perfect, people can sense what she wanted to say and why her grandma reacted that way but that she understood how world is changing and they needed to adapt. It is wonderful story with best kind of people.

    • @amberslahlize7961
      @amberslahlize7961 3 роки тому +81

      I didn't get the sense that she was selfish, if anything I got the impression that the grandma was being selfish. But you seem to suggest that the grandma was feeling anguish, not rage against her granddaughter.

    • @reizayin
      @reizayin 3 роки тому +29

      Translation IS an art.

    • @megg2826
      @megg2826 3 роки тому +47

      @@amberslahlize7961 The anguish is what her grandmother was most likely feeling. Its a cultural thing. I know that my grandmother would be heartbroken if i started selling something she taught me. Also it ties into the idea of having to charge a person for something you would otherwise do for free because you are poor.

  • @trustmeimapotato4708
    @trustmeimapotato4708 3 роки тому +7836

    I'm probably the only Spanish speaker triggered by the subtitles by how they butcher what she says. She's more humble than the I made the place prettier she actually says I chose the best as in probably the best option or the best image to sell just chose to work with what they got

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +770

      Right? She also has this sweet voice and those subtitles made no sense with her kind words and disposition.

    • @carmellacandy509
      @carmellacandy509 3 роки тому +252

      Most translations are of what they are saying, not what was actually said.

    • @TheGoodContent37
      @TheGoodContent37 3 роки тому +322

      I also disliked the subtitles but in that part I think she said "I took out the most beauty I could", I think that would be the best translation. En español ella dijo "saque lo más bonito". A juzgar por sus expresiones y la forma en la que movió sus brazos yo creo que ella quería decir que tomo algo que era normal y lo hizo más bello con lo que ella tenía dentro, con su visión y talento. Fue una forma de presumir por así decirlo, pero de manera humilde o modesta.
      It seems she doesn't speak Spanish very well or that she is so old she can't talk that well. I guess she speaks more often a dialect and that's why what she says in spanish is more or less lacking. I would have loved for her to speak her fluent dialect and they would have translated that in a proper way.

    • @watchingandmakingwithwolfg7195
      @watchingandmakingwithwolfg7195 3 роки тому +18

      No your not the only one

    • @DearProfessorRF
      @DearProfessorRF 3 роки тому +237

      I am also a Spanish speaker and I understand your point. However, when translating to the general public you need to use the standard language you are targeting to avoid confusion or misunderstanding. Nothing was lost in translation and the tone of her voice conveyed her character even if one doesn't speak the language.

  • @MivusComedy
    @MivusComedy 3 роки тому +1676

    $15?! I would pay upwards of $70 for a masterpiece like that! I would love her to write a book passing on the craft for centuries! God bless this woman!

    • @Anonymous-gr1cs
      @Anonymous-gr1cs 3 роки тому +89

      it's better as $15 in mexico because she wants to be able to make it affordable because a whole week would be 1 whole meal for a family

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +8

      Go to her Instagram account and see if she will ship to you.

    • @shu9062
      @shu9062 3 роки тому +118

      In Mexico, $15 represent a lot more than they do in the US, in terms of both buying AND selling a product. The minimum yearly wage in Mexico is $2500, so her clientele couldn't possibly afford a $70 candle. By US standards, it'd be like charging $600 for it.
      On the bright side, though, those $15 can buy this woman a lot more than they would north of the border, so there's that

    • @johnmercado3730
      @johnmercado3730 3 роки тому +25

      @@shu9062 ah finally someone got it!

    • @caroorizava
      @caroorizava 3 роки тому +8

      Btw 15 dollars is a lot of money in Mexico ( I’m not 100% percent sure, but it might be like 100 or more over there.)

  • @FinhaBastos
    @FinhaBastos 3 роки тому +198

    I wasn't expecting to cry but here I am, sobbing. I hope Viviana still has many years to live to see her craft flourish.

    • @DaisyFlower055
      @DaisyFlower055 Рік тому

      I cried in the first 3 mins I’m still crying 😢

  • @cindim.martinez9476
    @cindim.martinez9476 3 роки тому +171

    I teared up when she said she could feel her life was coming to an end. Beautiful woman! So sweet and gentle reminded me of my grandmother.

  • @zinoo2942
    @zinoo2942 3 роки тому +2935

    Most people at her age would be retired enjoying the rest of their life but people in Mexico work till they die. God bless her

    • @cornbreadloverrr
      @cornbreadloverrr 3 роки тому +218

      It's more out of necessity. It's quite sad.

    • @turtlefarm8742
      @turtlefarm8742 3 роки тому +17

      @@cornbreadloverrr yep exactly

    • @zinoo2942
      @zinoo2942 3 роки тому +95

      @Megumi I’m just praying for her?

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +40

      She works out of love and dedication to her craft. You can see it in her work and eyes. She doesn't trudge to make these works of art, she pours her heart into them. She is powered by empathy and the happiness of the person who is going to love her works of art. It's rare happiness that loops like this. This is what everyone wants out of life. True happiness in a life lived well. ♥ I hope you are caring for yourself internet stranger reading this. This hard time will pass, as it always does. You are stronger than you know. Don't give up. A random person online believes in you! ♥

    • @erickm119
      @erickm119 3 роки тому +116

      @Megumi dude, do you have to be the butthole? I'm an atheist and I don't mind when others bring their God in their comments, your reply should be about the topic is at hand.

  • @eddyj1167
    @eddyj1167 3 роки тому +1639

    Crazy how there’s still even more Mexican culture that we don’t even know about just goes to show how beautiful the country of Mexico is

    • @andreaacosta272685
      @andreaacosta272685 3 роки тому +65

      There’s still more for everyone to discover!! Most people focus on what’s popular in Mexico like the beaches and vacation areas. They don’t dare to go more inland! So many little mystical towns with rich history!

    • @josiahtheblacksmith467
      @josiahtheblacksmith467 3 роки тому +38

      Mexico has a very rich culture and every area of Mexico has a different flavor of its own. Love seeing these traditional crafts as well. Wish I lived on the border again and could take a trip over the border like I used to, would be nice to go further inland.

    • @UGuessin
      @UGuessin 3 роки тому +9

      Yes! The other day I saw a guy making salt. I thought it was neat.

    • @andreaacosta272685
      @andreaacosta272685 3 роки тому +21

      @@josiahtheblacksmith467 my uncle lives in a town where it’s been know for minings but also for being mystical. For example, in order for his barbacoa to be made properly without any disturbances during the night he leaves tortillas for little elves so they don’t mess with the food. And they actually use the tortilla to braid a llegua’s (female horse) hair. Even my dad as a kid has even seen one eating salt out of my uncle’s booth. It’s up to you if you wanna believe it or not (speaking in general) but I do hehe cuz Mexico is also very involved with the spiritual world too. So to me anything can be possible!

    • @josiahtheblacksmith467
      @josiahtheblacksmith467 3 роки тому +13

      @@andreaacosta272685 similar creatures/ entities are known in many places around the world, I have no reason to doubt your father's story. Mexico is a unique place, respect to my neighbours to the south.

  • @Lex60
    @Lex60 3 роки тому +76

    Oaxaca has been a very conflictive state, so the rest of the country sometimes forgets how much beautiful art they produce. Is a joy to see an old lady like her being so happy and proud of her work, and how she steps down from the custom tradition [at least a bit] to actually make a living with her craft.

  • @marcianawebb7045
    @marcianawebb7045 3 роки тому +35

    It broke my heart because she is so selfless and when she said, “ I hope I stay like this, but year after year, I feel more tired.”
    She also said, “ I hope my daughter in law passes this tradition because my life is going to end very soon, I can feel it.”
    God bless her :)

  • @bojaes
    @bojaes 3 роки тому +389

    I cried. Thank you for coming to my city and visited one of our small villages, where traditions like these still standing. We oaxacans are full of traditions, art and culture. And so bloody proud of them. Btw, Señora Viviana speaks like this because she is an indigenous zapotec woman. Her mother tongue is zapotec, so is hard to her get the right sentence in spanish. Thank you, once again, for this. Love from my beautiful state, Oaxaca.

    • @lilibetclark4777
      @lilibetclark4777 3 роки тому +9

      Hey! I don't really expect you to answer, but I'm zapotec too! Well, half. My mom is white and my dad is a bad man, but I know not all my fathers side is like him. I've always wanted to learn more about zapotec life and culture from somewhere other than Wikipedia or a history book. If you could give me some examples of more zapotec culture, I'd really appreciate it! Thank you, and stay safe ❤

    • @abaddon2148
      @abaddon2148 3 роки тому +10

      please please please preserve your zapotec culture and language as much as you guys can!!! that stuff is precious and worth so much to the world

    • @pikatoasti936
      @pikatoasti936 3 роки тому +1

      So beautiful, I’m glad that I learned about these things today ☺️

    • @bojaes
      @bojaes 3 роки тому +4

      @@lilibetclark4777 I’m not Zapotec myself, I’m just Oaxacan with an afromexican grandpa. You see, culture in Latin America is not the same as you see culture as part of a “Latino race” or something. Of course there are Americans and another foreigners who are half oaxacan, but they grew up with the culture, being taught by their family. They learned and lived with these traditions, so they feel this bound. Because our culture (the Latin American in general) is about living and interacting with the culture from your country and state (Oaxaca is very different from Chihuahua from instance).
      So if you want to learn more about your ascendency, come visit us.
      Being Oaxacan isnt something that you learn. You born in Oaxaca, you learn your culture and you are Oaxacan :). Same goes for any Latin American

  • @luishernandez-ir7yy
    @luishernandez-ir7yy 3 роки тому +846

    As a Mexican, I’m so proud of people like Viviana, she’s a true hero by preserving and passing this tradition to new generations, I’m so glad her work is being acknowledge and recognized, watching this video reminds of my childhood back in my village where I grew up, the smell of wet earth and flowers, much love and respect to this lady from Canada 🇨🇦

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +15

      She is a treasure of your culture. Something to be proud of for sure! My ex husband is Mexican and I loved hlthe stories his mother (she only spoke Spanish) would tell about them growing up on the ranch. Beautiful culture and most importantly NOT what the media portrays! ♥ ♥ ♥

    • @tejidosartesanaleslagrana5856
      @tejidosartesanaleslagrana5856 3 роки тому +1

      Saludos, los invitamos a ver nuestro trabajo artesanal.

    • @laken1804
      @laken1804 3 роки тому +1

      There are many people like her all over the world who deserve recognition, but the media would rather talk about big executives making millions dollars a year.

    • @Tommy-km4tt
      @Tommy-km4tt 3 роки тому +1

      @@laken1804 that had nothing to do with his comment

  • @nonnidreams
    @nonnidreams 3 роки тому +206

    Since she taugh the other girls, besides her daughter in law, I am sure, the tradition won’t die out. It will always be revived or carried on by someone.

  • @kaiabeatty9355
    @kaiabeatty9355 Рік тому +4

    I am so happy to see other comments about how soft and melodic her voice is! I am not a native Spanish speaker, but I have been learning and speaking it for eight years. What stood out most to me was how gentle and well articulated she is; I didn't even need the subtitles to hear and understand her! This is such an amazing tradition and she is such an amazing person. When I get married, I want her candles lighting the altar!

  • @MrsOx-jz9fg
    @MrsOx-jz9fg 3 роки тому +68

    As a candle artisan myself this is hard work. Making amazing candles the proper way isn't as easy as a lot think. This women is amazing and precious. I'd love to own one of her works of art. They should be should for a lot more then $15 to the jewelry store in NYS!!
    The red pigment is called carmine and it comes from a certain beetle. Cleopatra uses it in her makeup. Its still used today by non vegan makeup companies

  • @norainnoflowers1551
    @norainnoflowers1551 3 роки тому +701

    this is the kind of gentle and loving soul I like to think Coco’s grandma was inspired by ☺️

    • @PlaceholderDoe123
      @PlaceholderDoe123 3 роки тому +83

      Grandmama Coco was based off of a different real woman, but yes, she reminds me much of her as well. ☺️

    • @I_the_Taco
      @I_the_Taco 3 роки тому +4

      Yes!

    • @aloha_lax
      @aloha_lax 3 роки тому +17

      Coco was the name of the grandma

    • @EduardoGonzalez-tc2dg
      @EduardoGonzalez-tc2dg 3 роки тому +6

      Alot of native mexicans grandma's are like this in the village not all but some .

    • @GabrielaGonzalez-uq2yr
      @GabrielaGonzalez-uq2yr 3 роки тому +5

      Wow! This is very offensive and condescending...ugh seriously

  • @maameseguwa
    @maameseguwa 3 роки тому +1006

    Gave to the church in exchange for food for 20 years?? Her grandma gave it away her whole life! What joy and peace these people have! Such beauty, Viviana.

    • @giabread
      @giabread 3 роки тому +127

      You mean exploitation. There is no joy in exploitation, even if its victims are brainwashed to think there is. I am glad this woman managed to break free enough to actually start demanding to be paid for her backbreaking work, rather than to be treated like a slave.

    • @maameseguwa
      @maameseguwa 3 роки тому +32

      @@giabread You're absolutely right. On Vivian's granny's side though, she did it wholeheartedly even if she was used. It's her blessing and their( the church's) burden. I simply admire their ability to live without being ruled by money. I definitely don't admire the people who capitalize on that.

    • @GameChanger597
      @GameChanger597 3 роки тому +55

      Yes- exploited by the church. The church could have done more than just give her a little food that was donated to them for free in exchange for her hours and hours of laborous candlework. I would not call this a blessing. I'm glad she finally began charging for her hard work. She deserves money for her services instead of being treated like a charity case by a spiritually empty church. That is not the true Church of Jesus but rather a indoctrination of meaningless traditions. Jesus is our true Church and a genuine relationship with Him is the meaning of life.

    • @giabread
      @giabread 3 роки тому +29

      @@maameseguwa You admire her brainwashing? Because that's what it was. Do you think that woman did not have needs? For food, for basic human comforts, for healthcare, for childcare? That same woman who could NOT AFFORD TO EDUCATE HER GRANDDAUGHTER?! She was not ruled by money?! The Catholic church has been exterminating, enslaving and exploiting the indigenous population of the Americas for centuries, the individuals mentioned in the video literally did not have the money to educate their kids, largely because they were giving the fruits of their labour to that same exploitative institution, and you're admiring them for BEING VICTIMS?! Dude. Make the connections here. They weren't making some grand idealistic hippie new age choice to live without money. They simply did not know any other way to live because their slave owner dnied them even the ability to conceive other ways to live - that's how complete their brainwashing was. That is not something to admire, that is something to be revolted by.

    • @giabread
      @giabread 3 роки тому +28

      @@GameChanger597 Right? RIGHT?! That same lady could not even afford to educate her granddaughter. That is how the church wanted them - dirt poor, illiterate, entirely dependent on them for their survival and pathetically grateful for being put in that position, while the clergy lived in luxury and diddled their kids.

  • @Consleboy
    @Consleboy 3 роки тому +257

    Where can we support her directly? Her work is amazing and such a sweet soul 😭

    • @d.esanchez3351
      @d.esanchez3351 3 роки тому +20

      Go to Oaxaca I guess jajajaja.
      No, but really, sadly digital money isn't common in México, much less in the rural sout. So it's hard to buy stuff from rural artisans if you're not in town.

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +19

      Oh... And she is on Instagram! I am sure you can Google it more if you want. She definitely seems like a worthy place to put your pandemic dollars. Small business is already hard and her attitude has got to be rewarded. What a lovely lady and a great story!

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +9

      Looks like my link got seen as spam... You can Google her and find more. I just Google her name, Oaxaca and candles and boom she was there.

    • @mbr0916
      @mbr0916 3 роки тому +22

      Her IG is casavivianaoaxaca 🌸

    • @evieshore3270
      @evieshore3270 3 роки тому +1

      @@mbr0916 thanks !

  • @kiwikiwifruitfruit
    @kiwikiwifruitfruit Рік тому +2

    I met this woman a couple of weeks ago! I was honored to be shown around her house and work, she's so proud of what she does and was lovely

  • @akiramakara2062
    @akiramakara2062 3 роки тому +41

    God I want to support this incredible woman directly. Viviana deserves everything ♡

  • @--Paws--
    @--Paws-- 3 роки тому +238

    Just $15, the craftsmanship could go for higher and the amount of work just to make anyone item could add more to it. She is truly generous.

    • @GameChanger597
      @GameChanger597 3 роки тому +30

      I don't think it's about generosity. I think it's the fact that people in Mexico don't have that kind of money to pay on a candle. The supply and demand for her product is relative to where she lives. She certainly deserves more.

    • @hotpotato1898
      @hotpotato1898 3 роки тому +10

      it may not seem like that much money to us, but that $15 in Mexico has a much larger buying power than it does where you live

    • @ThomasWeissJr
      @ThomasWeissJr 3 роки тому

      @@hotpotato1898 not really. i live in mexico and while things are cheaper it's not THAT cheap..

    • @l.b.3152
      @l.b.3152 3 роки тому +1

      Do know the cost of living it is much lower in Mexico than the US. Not everyone can afford to pay $15.00 for a candle. For us it’s very cheap but not for the rest of her community.

  • @oopsy444
    @oopsy444 3 роки тому +321

    "there's water and food for the little bees" omg shes so adorable

  • @gp2779
    @gp2779 3 роки тому +96

    Handcrafted candles and each colours represent a meaning symbolically. This is true craftsmanship here. I’m from Asia so chances of me flying to South America is rare, and I couldn’t afford to purchase her candles. I just wish that they are living a decent and stable life, and if I ever have the financial support one day, I’d love to pay them a visit and learn how to make candles too.

    • @dream.5708
      @dream.5708 3 роки тому +1

      Same i really wish to buy her work but my chances of flying there is rare too

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +2

      @@dream.5708 She has an Instagram account. Not sure if she sells online but worth a check. casavivianaoaxaca

    • @creakystaircase
      @creakystaircase 3 роки тому +3

      Just so you know, Oaxaca is in Mexico, which is in North America, not South America.

    • @soulassassin0g
      @soulassassin0g 3 роки тому

      @@creakystaircase to people outside of our continent think all Spanish speaking countries are in South America since that's where the majority of the Spanish speaking countries are.

    • @gp2779
      @gp2779 3 роки тому

      @@soulassassin0g Popular to contrary stereotypes I also happen to know that Brazil speaks Portuguese, while Haiti and French Guiana speaks French haha. However I’m just not familiar with the geographical continent of Mexico.

  • @rebecaanastacia3020
    @rebecaanastacia3020 2 роки тому +4

    Her voice is so kind. I'm Brazilian, I speak Portuguese, but I could understand what she said and it is so sweet. So sweet. I felt like she could express the pain of a tradition being lost.

  • @krispybeats6615
    @krispybeats6615 3 роки тому +326

    Should be more people like her in the world... To make every corner as beautiful as one of her marriage candles 😊

    • @honeyspice8989
      @honeyspice8989 3 роки тому +3

      No more people need to be like her, no time to wait for another to come alone to act like her. It is time people start changing for the good of their heart and others.

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +1

      We can all be more like her by being kinder to each other. I try to. She is lovely and I wish people like her were our idols and not silicone filled mimes.

    • @krispybeats6615
      @krispybeats6615 3 роки тому

      @@hilmojen one love ;)

    • @SevenHunnid
      @SevenHunnid 3 роки тому +1

      My job is to literally smoke weed on my UA-cam channel lmao😅👀

  • @yokaibyte2133
    @yokaibyte2133 3 роки тому +183

    They need to sell their flowers, etc online and I bet they would have a mass influx of orders.

    • @ashishawasthi8977
      @ashishawasthi8977 3 роки тому +8

      Candels are delicate

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +3

      She has Instagram... Not sure if she sells online or not

    • @iorihoward4654
      @iorihoward4654 3 роки тому +1

      @@hilmojen What’s her Instagram?

    • @crystar9235
      @crystar9235 3 роки тому +9

      @@iorihoward4654 casavivianaoaxaca

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +2

      @@crystar9235 thanks! That's the one! She is also on YT according to the insta page!

  • @noodleoo.
    @noodleoo. 3 роки тому +50

    These should be going for way more than 15 dollars. I would pay at least $100, considering all the time and effort going into making one of these candles.

    • @masqueraderue2254
      @masqueraderue2254 2 роки тому +12

      In Mexico $15 is expensive, people don't get paid as much compared to the US but yes I would also gladly pay $100 dollars for it too ^^;

    • @orionfernandes4587
      @orionfernandes4587 2 роки тому +1

      So pay then, the Mexican can’t afford $100 for a candle

  • @kingbugszy
    @kingbugszy 3 роки тому +100

    She has been working real hard just to make enough money to buy food and other things just for her family ✨

  • @ovaisamin4155
    @ovaisamin4155 3 роки тому +57

    It really hit me hard when she said, "My life is going to end, I can feel it". Cheers to her anyway for holding on to her tradition.

  • @AOAvina
    @AOAvina 3 роки тому +78

    These beautiful works of art need to be in a museum ASAP, just like those marble relics from across the pond, these are works of art with huge significance

  • @ashketchup247
    @ashketchup247 3 роки тому +135

    $15?!?!?! I've seen much smaller and less labor intensive candles go for over $30 I figured the huge one were easily over $75.
    One of her daughters needs to get her a website and some higher prices.

    • @supersaiyanblue9400
      @supersaiyanblue9400 3 роки тому +18

      Its 300 pesos and as a hispanic I can tell you its more expensive for them than for us like you can survive with just like 80 dollars there

    • @ashketchup247
      @ashketchup247 3 роки тому +6

      @@supersaiyanblue9400 I'm American so I used the USD conversion they said in the video because I dont know the equivalentcy of pesos.
      Regardless, it would be nice if she didn't have to worry about going out of business for such beautiful handcrafted goods.

    • @supersaiyanblue9400
      @supersaiyanblue9400 3 роки тому +9

      In one day an avrage mexican makes like 6 bucks so you would have to work in fields for 3 days just to get a candle my parents always said that they would get like a dollar a month and save up for years to go get some cloathes

    • @ashketchup247
      @ashketchup247 3 роки тому +3

      @@supersaiyanblue9400 Yeah that's why I said sell it online. American people will pay a ton of money for the story and skills behind something.

    • @CarolinaRodriguez-me3hm
      @CarolinaRodriguez-me3hm 3 роки тому +7

      If she increases the price won't be affordable to many locals. Not only she is in a hard economic situation

  • @men_del12
    @men_del12 3 роки тому +8

    I love how she steps further beyond the traditions making that she had learned and yet still also preserving them by not trying to be trendy or the "latest updates" for simply market target aim. She truly knows what she's doing & still has pure reason to even improve the candle making. Even I can just learn so much already from her wisdoms as succesors of traditions & also passing it into the next generations. This is so brilliant video too watch & I'm glad I get to watch it.

  • @cadavher
    @cadavher 3 роки тому +16

    I wish I had known about this woman and her craft when my family had visited wahakka, would have been so neat to see it up close. We got to see so many homes that locals welcomed us into, to take a look and I'll never forget them. I would have paid 10x what she charges for a candle just to sit and watch the process in person. I was in the church and had no idea the candles were made by one family, I hope I get to go back one day.

  • @krisshasree1286
    @krisshasree1286 3 роки тому +32

    This video is so heartwarming. I can't believe people are still making candles naturally. Viviana making the candle flower by hand. WOW INCREDIBLE.

  • @Albedo_vsp
    @Albedo_vsp 3 роки тому +62

    As a candle collector who has over 100+ candles, **I need one to add to my collection.**

  • @aneshaelizabeth
    @aneshaelizabeth 3 роки тому +39

    She seems so sweet!! As someone who makes candles I really appreciate this. I don’t think I could ever create something this beautiful.

    • @tejidosartesanaleslagrana5856
      @tejidosartesanaleslagrana5856 3 роки тому +2

      Greetings, we invite you to watch our artisanal work.

    • @alexandrah5571
      @alexandrah5571 2 роки тому +1

      You make your own work, that is yours and beautiful because you made it with your own life experience. Every artist has something unique to give. God bless you

  • @asadzady1998
    @asadzady1998 3 роки тому +4

    She sounded like such a pure, calm and composed old woman. You can hear the wisdom in each of her words, as if a grandma is talking to you. May God bless her. Such a mesmerising form of art

  • @burak5601
    @burak5601 3 роки тому +8

    What a lovely lady. Her voice is full of wisdom and kindness of a mother, I wish her the best

  • @onfourtris3301
    @onfourtris3301 3 роки тому +76

    Salute to you Viviana. She seems to be a kind, selfless, hardworking and sweet grandma. She's so creative and patient with her craft and I love that her daughter in-law supports her. 💓🕯️💓

  • @carlosa.9533
    @carlosa.9533 3 роки тому +281

    What a beautiful voice

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому +14

      She should read children's bed time stories. Imagine a soothing meditation from her telling you to breathe in and relax. Someone get her a mic! ♥

    • @Bbyface._Amayaa
      @Bbyface._Amayaa 3 роки тому +5

      @@hilmojen she should sing baby songs (forgot what they are called)

    • @iamaorchard.1289
      @iamaorchard.1289 3 роки тому +2

      @@Bbyface._Amayaa lullaby’s

    • @hilmojen
      @hilmojen 3 роки тому

      @@Bbyface._Amayaa Omg yes! I would buy that to lull me to sleep... Can you imagine? 😲

    • @cuale1693
      @cuale1693 3 роки тому

      @@hilmojen m2b

  • @clarissaurrutia9556
    @clarissaurrutia9556 3 роки тому +63

    She remind me of my grandma 😭❤️ such a strong and hard working woman, standing up to your elders is not easy I’m glad she’s thriving

  • @stellinal9613
    @stellinal9613 2 роки тому +4

    I'm sad that so many crafts like this are being lost because they aren't valued enough. The tradition was to give them away for free and the community would take care of them as thanks. So many crafts today are dying so thank you for making these videos highlighting the ones we have left.

  • @hematiwari3405
    @hematiwari3405 3 роки тому +8

    She is so talented and inspiring. We need to protect such artists and their art all around the world.

  • @dreamcatcher2960
    @dreamcatcher2960 3 роки тому +44

    She's a true artist. Her work is absolutely beautiful and you can see the love in every candle she makes. It's a shame that she gets paid so little for it and that traditionnal handmade art like this is bound to diseappear. I wish she had a website to sell her creations.

    • @annedonnellan6876
      @annedonnellan6876 3 роки тому

      Hopefully that money goes a long way where she lives

    • @JuriAmari
      @JuriAmari 3 роки тому

      She has an IG casavivianaoaxaca. Hopefully we can bring more attention to this beautiful art form. ❤️

    • @Lily-iq1ub
      @Lily-iq1ub 3 роки тому

      She did teach it to young women in her village,so that’s nice.

  • @SmallBusinessHacks
    @SmallBusinessHacks 3 роки тому +20

    This is the kind of story that inspired me to create a channel to help small businesses! Refreshing to watch such a beautiful initiative!

  • @shamleemossang6277
    @shamleemossang6277 3 роки тому +11

    Such calmness in her speech and presence. Very hard to find a person as her these days. Angelic!!!

  • @tonirivera3693
    @tonirivera3693 3 роки тому +3

    The humility and tenderness in her voice 🥺
    Someone else commented that her tone wasn't well translated in the subs and they're absolutely right. She is a kind and hard working woman that sought to keep her family afloat.
    A friend said they should up-sell to NY because artesian work like that is rare and you know if someone made something like that in the states it would go for 100's of dollars if not more.
    God bless this woman and her family.
    Hearing her speak reminds me of one of my relatives, soft spoken and humble. True beauty through and through.

  • @tima2553
    @tima2553 3 роки тому +18

    What a sweet elegant women. If I was rich I would’ve sent her cash to retire in a nice cozy house of her choice. But I’m only a single mom and everything is the limit. She is a sweet sweet soul! That hard work & dedication... Touched me 🥺❤️

  • @jlop4590
    @jlop4590 3 роки тому +19

    Omg i dropped in tears when she said her life is ending... uhhh man this is such a beautiful women and so kind.

  • @morningstarrss
    @morningstarrss 3 роки тому +32

    Hearing her talk really touched me 💓

  • @erinstephens9996
    @erinstephens9996 3 роки тому +13

    Her work is such an art, it’s beautiful and the fact she taught herself to make the flowers is amazing, she is quite an incredible women

  • @kottonkandy0962
    @kottonkandy0962 2 роки тому

    Viviana’s voice is so soft and beautiful. You can just feel how much of a kind and wonderful woman she is.

  • @kittenzxoxo
    @kittenzxoxo Рік тому +1

    This is so sweet made me miss my grandma we have lost so many fun decorative traditions over the years with new technology and new art…

  • @JennsCorner777
    @JennsCorner777 3 роки тому +85

    The laughter of multi generational Latinas gathered at home....makes me really miss my grandmother. What a wonderful story and such a beautiful woman.

    • @KanBig
      @KanBig 3 роки тому +4

      I wonder if she calls herself “latina”

    • @kimberlypatton9634
      @kimberlypatton9634 3 роки тому

      The very icing on the cake!

    • @cinemaspin
      @cinemaspin 3 роки тому +2

      She is Zapotec, (indigenous) not this colonized pushed blanket term "latina" .

    • @shy3805
      @shy3805 3 роки тому +1

      @@KanBig No, because latina is a made up word from the USA to group a people to denied their true identity.

    • @andystartswitha5270
      @andystartswitha5270 2 роки тому

      please do not refer to Viviana and her family as “latina.” they are indigenous women, zapotecas of oaxaca. our communities and pueblos in “latin america” aren’t hispanicized and have our roots that go back thousands of years before colonial settler states like mexico were formed.

  • @vanP591
    @vanP591 3 роки тому +13

    Each candles are a work of art. Wow. Its beautiful. All are natural. From the wax to the dye colors. All those folds and carves are hand made. Her art deserves more recognition. I hope someone will put up an online store. Or a tiktok account or youtube. I would immediately subscribe. Candle community is a thing out there

  • @chriscoutinho23
    @chriscoutinho23 3 роки тому +44

    Vivianas voice is so sweet.

  • @NigelBillingsley
    @NigelBillingsley 2 роки тому +1

    she sounds so nice and humble
    i wish her and her family the best

  • @emp1668
    @emp1668 2 роки тому +1

    This story of hard work ,persistence,and love. Heartwarming. Take care ladies.

  • @thatonekidonaboat1269
    @thatonekidonaboat1269 3 роки тому +5

    I dont know too much Spanish, but its lovely to hear some words I recognise- like 'siempre' meaning always. She has such a soft and lovely voice

    • @ninjamusic9554
      @ninjamusic9554 3 роки тому

      @Squ¡¡d what if I speak it in Gringo accent?

  • @MillionaireMindsetClub
    @MillionaireMindsetClub 3 роки тому +786

    Now THAT is art. Not the NFT stuff

    • @GGOWO
      @GGOWO 3 роки тому +21

      Not is just tax evasion and money laundering

    • @marsjmc2572
      @marsjmc2572 3 роки тому +22

      This is Art! but yall dont understand nfts, no doubt people are using it for those purposes. Take a look at foundation . app some amazing artwork.

    • @rhy8336
      @rhy8336 3 роки тому +67

      I wouldn’t try to gatekeeper art like that. Art takes so many forms. a portion of the people making nfts might have ulterior motives but there are plenty of beautiful nfts and other things you might not consider art

    • @Iamreal11xingping
      @Iamreal11xingping 3 роки тому +2

      If only she can make digital version of every candle she makes... That would sell like crazy means who needs actual product right, feed us bytes bits and pits

    • @trickmiller8169
      @trickmiller8169 3 роки тому +8

      @@GGOWO most expensive art purchases are literally for investing, tax evasion, and money laundering.

  • @Bridget9927
    @Bridget9927 3 роки тому +11

    Her candles are BEAUTIFUL!!!!

  • @forgottenangel8
    @forgottenangel8 3 роки тому +4

    I love candles and so happy that they have continued to treasure this tradition! It's so beautiful!

  • @mml0082
    @mml0082 2 роки тому +1

    Wow they’re gorgeous ! 🕯 💐 she seems so sweet.. I bet she gives the most warm grandma hugs 🥺

  • @DIAMONDStudios
    @DIAMONDStudios 3 роки тому +249

    She is so inspired the Women.

  • @bronzalba1159
    @bronzalba1159 3 роки тому +129

    She is a woman of faith and she will prosper

  • @pooltablemechanic
    @pooltablemechanic 3 роки тому +32

    Such a soothing voice she has

  • @ktmonnin
    @ktmonnin 3 роки тому

    I appreciate Viviana speaks calmly and slowly. Great for anyone learning Spanish to follow

  • @akp.0811
    @akp.0811 3 роки тому

    Incredible envy for her work!

  • @Seyta_
    @Seyta_ 3 роки тому +54

    definitely a hard task, respect to her and her family ❤️

  • @someman8772
    @someman8772 3 роки тому +25

    Damn, that place in New York that buys her stuff better pay well for that shit.

  • @anubisgodess2353
    @anubisgodess2353 3 роки тому +16

    I don't know why but I think this is why I cried when I watched Coco even though they may have struggled they kept to their Traditions to stay alive. They adapted with time but they still kept to their roots and and family and are passing on the traditions. 😢🤗☺

  • @soonhoonluvb0t
    @soonhoonluvb0t 2 роки тому +1

    she seems so sweet 🥺😭 i want to see her in person and just hug her

  • @oneplate6489
    @oneplate6489 3 роки тому +2

    Oh my, I don't even speak spanish but the softness of her tone and her rythm remind me so much of my great aunt. Beautiful craft!

  • @tonydanza395
    @tonydanza395 3 роки тому +37

    God bless the Mexican people. I hope she is ok during this pandemic. I hope she and her family is ok.

  • @kreterakete
    @kreterakete 3 роки тому +10

    How blessed soft and warm she is

  • @gaa4everalvarado864
    @gaa4everalvarado864 3 роки тому +37

    Muy cierto la vela es muy sagrada - representa la luz de la vida y la cera el cuerpo! Gran Bendicion Viviana !

  • @maywalker997
    @maywalker997 2 роки тому +4

    Sometimes to save a tradition, you need to break with a tradition a bit. I'm glad she found ways to express new creativity and charge for the candles, their value is great and her creations are stunning!

  • @CiscoZero
    @CiscoZero 3 роки тому +9

    I'm emotional or something, but this warms my heart to no end. I'm tearing up.

  • @tranminhhieu9492
    @tranminhhieu9492 3 роки тому +5

    She has a gentle voice of every grandma

  • @Chocolettino
    @Chocolettino 3 роки тому +32

    She literally creates beauty out of nothing. What an artist!

  • @Createshareandgive
    @Createshareandgive 3 роки тому +6

    What a beautiful art form, sending her and her family continued blessings.

  • @Koyita7
    @Koyita7 3 роки тому +4

    She was always such a beautiful hardworking woman, she found a way to keep her family afloat even if they weren’t on board from the get go. Such an inspiration.

  • @madisonmorris7394
    @madisonmorris7394 Рік тому

    She speaks very slowly and is very easy to understand without subtitles! It’s wonderful practice for those learning!

  • @brendapelcastre1560
    @brendapelcastre1560 3 роки тому +69

    Que historia tan hermosa, la cultura mexicana no deja de sorprender, una tradición que realmente se debería de trata como arte, estos temas deberían de tomar más relevancia en México.

    • @l.b.3152
      @l.b.3152 3 роки тому

      Bien dicho Brenda! Créeme, México es apreciado y honorado en otros países, especialmente en Europa. Estaba en Grecia, y una greca me preguntó de donde yo era, cuando le dije México, la señora respondió, “tu país tiene una gran historia! Que país tan bello, con una cultura impresionante y su gente el igual. “ aquí entre nos, sólo la gente ignorante que no ha salido de sus cuatro esquinas no saben reconocer, o apreciar la cultura.

  • @TofuLenny909
    @TofuLenny909 3 роки тому +8

    I couldn’t handle it when she said she knew her life was going to end soon. Such a eerie feeling 🥺

  • @MyMelanin
    @MyMelanin 3 роки тому +37

    Wow. Thank you for this.
    They say, when someone says they l can feel it coming, listen to them.

    • @i.n.o6425
      @i.n.o6425 3 роки тому

      Bru I started tearing up a bit when I heard her say that

  • @ІгорЛисенко-ж9н
    @ІгорЛисенко-ж9н 2 роки тому +1

    I used to make simple candles in my childhood, so I am very excited to watch this video about such big beautiful candles and the craft who made them.

  • @heidibevan1916
    @heidibevan1916 3 роки тому +17

    As a candle maker myself I found this fascinating & I have nowhere near the skill of this AMAZING lady, I hope that at least for now, Viviana is still doing ok 😔😊

  • @DslaX01
    @DslaX01 3 роки тому +5

    I love it when people keep the traditions❤️ She made her own candle world.It’s amazing how she creats these candles. As people pass it to the next generation, someday someone like her makes something new out of it❤️

  • @ronaksuvarna6724
    @ronaksuvarna6724 3 роки тому +8

    This woman is literally a lovely woman, may God Expand her business & bring a smile on her face forever. Amen💛

  • @Rooooo11
    @Rooooo11 3 роки тому +2112

    Such a humble and wise woman. I wish her business and her family prosper in doing what they love. with joy 🙏🏻💞

    • @mohammad6608
      @mohammad6608 3 роки тому

      :) we all do

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      @MarilynMorton70 3 роки тому

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      @klefray5241 3 роки тому

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      @rayvelarie7984 3 роки тому

      Trading crypto with expert Gregory Randall has been a game changer for me

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      @lincolnparker6108 3 роки тому

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