California in 1834: The Memoirs of Carlos N. Híjar

Carlos N. Híjar was eight years old when he came to California from Jalisco, Mexico, in 1834. Four decades later, he described his recollections of Mexican California to an interviewer working for historian Hubert Howe Bancroft. Bancroft was interested in collecting the oral testimonies of people who had lived through California’s Spanish and Mexican periods.

This three-part series explores excerpts from Carlos’ memoirs to better understand life in Rancho Era California.

Key points of Part 1:

1. Description of Californios’ appearance, including long braided hair and distinctive hats.
2. Details about clothing, horse riding, and gender roles.
3. Observations on food. 
4. Description of the patron saint celebration in Santa Barbara, featuring bullfights and bear-bull fights.
5. A detailed account of how bull and bear fights were conducted.

Key points of Part 2:

1. Description of popular dances and songs, including details on how they were performed and celebrated.
2. Insights into Catholic feast days and their importance in social life.
3. Discussion of cattle roundups and rodeos at missions, including the process of slaughtering cattle for food.
4. Explanation of washing customs among Californio women, including their use of native plants as soap substitutes.
5. Information on the hide and tallow trade, which was crucial to the economy of Alta California.
6. Details on the relationship between missions and individual rancho owners, including their business practices and treatment of Indian workers.

Key points of Part 3:

• Detailed description of wine and brandy production methods at the missions.
• Explanation of flour-making techniques using millstones.
• In-depth discussion of marriage customs among Californios, including:
  • Selection of godparents before birth
  • Baptism celebrations
  • Arranged marriages between families
  • The betrothal process and living arrangements
  • Wedding ceremonies and multi-day celebrations
• We finish with brief insights into the general character and lifestyle of Californios.