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Las tradiciones mexicanas de la Navidad
Piņatas are included in practically all Mexican celebrations, including la Navidad and las Posadas. During the merrymaking of the fiestas, the children look forward to the breaking of the piņata and the scramble to gather candy, fruit, nuts, and coins. There are many theories about the origin of the piņata. It is believed that Marco Polo brought the piņata to Italy from the East in the 12th century. They were made by the Chinese in form of animals and were covered with bits of colored paper. They were used to celebrate the new year, and the coming of spring, with the hopes of a good agricultural year. After being brought to Europe, the piņata was used for more religious reasons. At that time it was traditionally a clay pot filled with candies and other treats. When the Spaniards arrived in the New World, the piņata came along with them in their efforts to convert the natives to Catholicism. The most typical Mexican piņata represents the struggle between man and faith, a piņata with seven points that represent the seven sins of the Catholic religion. Of course Mexican piņatas are seen in all shapes and forms, evolving from the religious use brought over by the Spanish priests. Read a web page in Spanish about the piņata.
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[Lake
Tahoe Community College] [World
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Study Abroad] |
