In commemoration of the journey from
Nazareth to Bethlehem, guests sing Christmas carols and the litany to the
Virgin. Children and adults alike, carrying candles and representations of
Joseph, Mary, the angel and even the little donkey, visit neighbors and ask for
posada (shelter).
At the end of the journey, the piñata, stuffed
with candy and fruit, is broken.
The piñata is an essential part of
Mexican parties during the Christmas season. Although it is difficult to track
its precise origin and meaning, in his book Mexican Traditions,
Sebastian Verti highlights its pre-Hispanic and European roots, whereby the
struggle of good against evil is implicitly present.
The "Pastorelas"
Together with the posadas,
they constitute the prelude of Christmas in Mexico. The pastorela refers
to events prior to the birth of Jesus and culminates with the splendor of the
manger and the shepherds' worship.
The pastorela, as a scenic and
literary genre, had its roots in 16th century Spanish religious theatre, and was
later adapted by missionaries as an instrument to evangelize the natives of
America.
The pastorelas are humorous and
joyful, with an innocent, country style, where even Lucifer and his court of
"little devils" appear with naïve wickedness.
They seek to awaken noble feelings
of love towards our fellow men, as well as universal fraternity.
