The History of the Posadas
In the year 1526, Spanish missionary priests came to Mexico to evangelize the indigenous people who, at that time, worshiped many gods. Led by Friar Martin de Valencia, they evangelized the people. But to reach the younger children, they started the posadas by telling the story of the birth of Jesus. They merged it with the pre-Hispanic Feast of the Aztec gods they celebrated for three days in December and extended it to nine days, symbolizing the nine months of the pregnancy of Mary and the journey to Bethlehem.
In the posadas, the people are divided into two groups. One represents the pilgrims, Mary and Joseph, and the other represents the people of the town refusing to give shelter. In the end, they receive shelter, symbolizing each one of us receiving Jesus into our hearts. To make it even easier for children, they sing the story.
Las Posadas is celebrated in cities and towns across Mexico. Each evening during the festival, a small child dressed as an angel leads a procession through the streets of the town. The procession is primarily made up of children dressed in silver and gold robes carrying lit candles and images of Mary and Joseph riding a donkey. Adults, including musicians, follow the procession, which visits selected homes and asks for lodging for Joseph and Mary. Traditionally, the procession is always refused lodging, though the hosts often provide refreshments. At each stop, passages of scripture are read and Christmas carols are sung.
Mass is held each day after the procession, and, at the conclusion of the service, children break open piñatas filled with candy, toys, and, occasionally, money. The piñatas are usually crafted in the form of the Star of Bethlehem, which is said to have guided the three wise men of biblical tradition to the newborn Jesus.
The piñata symbols:
Candies and Fruits: symbolize the happiness of the union with God
The seven spikes of the piñata: symbolize the seven capital sins and breaking them
Blindfolding: symbolizes the victory of God over evil, by faith
The posadas are traditionally celebrated on December 16th through the 24th. The Religious Education families are invited to celebrate with the Hispanic Committee on December 21st in Culemans Hall from 10:15 a.m.-11:30 a.m.