December is here and with it, its Posadas!
Posadas are traditional celebrations in Mexico through the 16th-24th of December. They represent the path traveled by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem when they were looking for shelter for the birth of Jesus.
The posadas are celebrated for nine days before the birth of Jesus.
The tradition is carried out by gathering two groups of people who will be visiting a different house every day. Then, one group stays outside of the house and the other group stays inside the house.
The group of people who stay outside are called the pilgrims and they sing asking for a posada. The group of people inside the house answers to the pilgrims also singing. Once the song is finished, the pilgrims are let inside the house by giving them a posada like it was given to Mary and Joseph thus, the posada celebration begins.
The celebration includes prayers, piñata, buñuelos (Mexican pastries), Mexican ponche, snacks, candles and lights.
The celebration is religious, traditional, and can be seen throughout Mexico!
Elements of a Posada
- Pilgrims: They are the physical representation of Mary and Joseph on their pilgrimage from Nazareth to Bethlehem.
- Litanies and Prayers: The posada begins by praying the rosary and the litanies which are based on the Gospel narrated from the trip to Bethlehem are sung.
- Aguinaldos (Sweets and Treats): The aguinaldos are the sweets and the fruits that are distributed.
- Piñata: The piñata must have seven points because they represent the seven capital sins. Also, the bright colors of tinsel represent the sins. It is filled with sweets and fruits. The destruction of the piñata represents the triumph over sin. Whoever hits the piñata must do so blindfolded because it symbolizes blind faith.
- Piñata Stick: The stick represents God who gives the strength to overcome sins.
- Mexican Ponche: The ponche represents the season which is prepared with ingredients that are abundant to the season.
- Candles and Bengal Lights: The candles and Bengal lights represent the light that guides the pilgrims.
You may find some of these elements in our market or at a Hispanic supermarket in your area.
