How did they live at the Carmelo Mission?

Life at the Carmelo Mission was highly structured and regimented, revolving around religious devotion, communal living, and labor. Here's a glimpse into the daily lives of the residents at the mission:

Daily Routine:

1. Morning prayers: The day began with prayers, with the mission bells summoning residents to early morning mass and prayer services.

2. Work assignment: Following prayers, individuals were assigned tasks based on their skills and abilities. Work could include farming, carpentry, blacksmithing, sewing, cooking, and other essential activities.

3. Labor and chores: Residents spent most of the day engaged in physical labor, contributing to the mission's self-sufficiency. They tended to crops, cared for livestock, and performed various tasks to sustain the community.

4. Mealtimes: Meals were served communally, with a simple diet consisting of local produce, meat, and fish.

5. Evening prayers and reflection: In the evening, residents gathered again for prayers, often ending the day with a period of reflection and contemplation.

Living Conditions:

1. Accommodation: Mission residents lived in communal dormitories, with men and women housed separately. The living spaces were basic, with shared sleeping arrangements.

2. Clothing: Residents were provided with basic clothing made of wool, cotton, and leather. These garments were modest and functional, often made within the mission itself.

3. Food and nutrition: The diet at the mission was simple but nutritious, with a focus on locally grown crops, fruits, and vegetables. Meat and fish were also consumed when available.

4. Healthcare: Medical care at the mission was limited, but the missionaries often provided basic medical assistance to the residents and indigenous communities. Native healing practices were also incorporated.

Missionary Impact:

1. Religious conversion: The primary goal of the mission was to convert the local indigenous population to Catholicism. Missionaries taught Catholic doctrines and practices, seeking to integrate indigenous beliefs with Christian teachings.

2. Cultural exchange: The mission served as a meeting ground for different cultures. The indigenous people shared their customs and knowledge with the missionaries, while the missionaries introduced European practices and technologies to the region.

3. Social organization: The mission created a hierarchical social structure, with the padres (priests) at the top, followed by the indigenous leaders, and then the general population. This structure reflected the power dynamics of the colonial society.

4. Economic and agricultural development: The missions contributed to the economic development of the region by introducing agricultural practices, livestock farming, and various industries. They played a crucial role in shaping the future economy and agricultural practices of California.