Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The day for the Mission Indians began at sunrise. They would gather for morning prayers and then head out to work various tasks. Women prepared the fields for planting and harvested the crops. They cared for the mission's livestock, and they cooked, cleaned, and sewed for their families and the friars. Men hunted, fished, and built houses and other structures for the mission. They collected firewood, watered the plants, and did carpentry and masonry work.
Each person in the mission had their own specific role and responsibilities, and they were expected to work hard and obey the friars.
Children attended school at the mission, where they learned about the Catholic faith, as well as basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. They also learned practical skills, such as farming and carpentry, that would help them survive in the mission community.
The mission Indians lived in small, one-room houses made of adobe bricks or wood. They slept on mats or animal skins, and they ate simple meals of corn, beans, and squash. They often went barefoot and wore simple clothing made of cotton or wool.
Religious Life
The Catholic faith was central to life at the mission. The Indians were required to attend mass every day and to participate in religious rituals and ceremonies. They were also expected to confess their sins to the friars and to receive communion regularly.
Despite the friars' efforts to enforce Catholic beliefs, some of the Indians continued to practice their traditional religious beliefs. They often combined Catholic rituals with their traditional ceremonies, and they secretly worshipped their old gods and goddesses.
Social Life
The mission Indians lived in a close-knit community. They helped each other with their work, and they shared food, clothing, and shelter. They also celebrated holidays and special events together.
The Indians had a strong sense of community, and they were fiercely loyal to their mission. They were proud to be part of the mission community, and they were grateful for the protection and guidance of the friars.
Challenges and Difficulties
Life at the mission was not always easy for the Indians. They were often overworked, and they were subjected to harsh punishments for disobeying the friars. They also suffered from disease, malnutrition, and other health problems.
Despite the challenges, the mission Indians were resilient. They adapted to the new way of life, and they found ways to preserve their culture and traditions. They also managed to find joy in their lives, and they were grateful for the opportunity to live in the mission community.
The San Fernando Mission is a reminder of the complex and challenging history of the mission system in California. It is also a testament to the resilience and strength of the Native American people.