The Christmas posadas These are traditional festivals that take place in Mexico and other Latin American countries in the nine days before Christmas, from December 16th to 24th.
These celebrations commemorate the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph upon their arrival in Bethlehem as they searched for a place for the birth of Jesus.
Religious meaning: The posadas commemorate the journey of the Holy Family and the wait for the birth of Jesus. The celebration includes prayers, songs and a depiction of the moment when pilgrims ask for shelter. The main goal is to prepare the mood for Christmas, strengthen faith, humility and the value of hospitality.
Cultural significance: Over time, posadas have incorporated festive and communal elements such as piñatas, Christmas carols, typical food and family coexistence. They have become an expression of identity that strengthens social bonds and maintains beloved traditions during the holiday season.
Breaking the piñata during posadas is a tradition with strong religious and cultural symbolism.
As many know, the traditional piñata is usually in the shape of a seven-pointed star and each point represents one of these stars seven deadly sins.
In this sense, the breaking of the piñata symbolizes the fight against sin and the reward of virtue.
Some of the most representative elements of the piñata and their meaning are the following:
- The piñata: It represents temptation and evil and is often attractively decorated to attract attention.
- The seven peaks: Each peak symbolizes one of the deadly sins: pride, greed, lust, anger, gluttony, envy and sloth.
- The stick used to break it: It represents the strength of faith that helps overcome sin.
- The sweets and fruits that fall: They are the reward for overcoming temptation and remaining faithful and represent the blessings that come as a result of virtue.
Although most of these elements are well known, there is one whose symbolism is usually ignored and that is the element of blindfolded
And this act, which only seems to hinder the process of breaking the piñata and obtaining the sweets, in reality symbolizes blind faith in divine power, because whoever breaks the piñata does so trustingly, without seeing.
This act evokes one of the most important principles of Catholicism, namely the fact of believing in God with great faith even when we cannot see him: “Blessed are those who believe without seeing.” says one of the most famous passages in the Bible.
In addition, covering the eyes marks the The Catholic must have full confidence that God will guide him in his struggle against evil.
Over time, the custom of breaking the piñata has also taken on a festive and playful character, becoming an act expected especially by children at posadas.
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