An enduring phrase in Cuba describes someone who causes trouble and then denies their involvement: “Like María Ramos' little cat, who throws the stone and hides the hand.”
What many Cubans may not realize is that behind this saying lies a real story, which, according to various accounts, took place in Havana at the beginning of the 20th century.
This tale was recently revisited in a video by Aliannis Sarduy Hernández, explaining that the alleged event occurred in the Jesús María neighborhood of Havana.
Historical Sources and Local Lore
Historical sources cited in the video reveal that María Ramos was a well-known woman in the area, working as a prostitute.
A Crime Unfolds
The story narrates how a man named Virgilio, identified as María Ramos' pimp, was found dead in the kitchen of her home with a wound on his forehead. Nearby lay a grinding stone typically used for household tasks.
Suspicion fell on María. During the trial, she pleaded innocence, claiming that the only other living being in her house at the time was her cat, Mimi. She suggested that the cat might have accidentally knocked over the stone onto the victim.
The explanation did not satisfy the court or the press, who followed the case closely. María Ramos was convicted, but the saga did not end there.
The Birth of a Popular Verse
In the wake of the trial, a satirical verse began to circulate: “María Ramos' little cat, who throws the stone and hides the hand, who killed Virgilio and his brother. What a murderous cat! What a sinister fate!”
Over time, this verse was simplified and became a staple in everyday language, used to denote hypocrisy or a lack of accountability.
While there are no conclusive documents to verify every detail of the case, like many stories passed down orally, parts of the narrative may have evolved over the years.
Nonetheless, the expression has endured and remains an integral part of Cuban cultural repertoire, retaining its original meaning and impact.
Understanding the Expression “María Ramos' Little Cat”
What does the expression “María Ramos' little cat” mean in Cuban culture?
It refers to someone who causes trouble but denies their involvement, embodying hypocrisy or a lack of accountability.
Is the story of María Ramos based on true events?
The story is based on accounts from the early 20th century in Havana, but there are no definitive documents to confirm all its details, and it may have evolved over time.