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Enjoying the Piņata: Mexican Christmas Traditions

By: Annie Dubois

When Christmas time comes, many people shop for presents, prepare menu plans for the visiting family members and friends, and of course, choose Mexican Christmas traditions to make this holiday more authentic and familiar. The piņata has been used for hundreds of years in celebrating various holidays such as Easter, birthdays, and yes, Christmas.

There are some wonderful memories in my own past where a piņata was the center of the celebrations. These brightly colored objects are made of paper mache and brilliant colors. Whether the container is a donkey, a star, or some other favorite design, there are few people that can resist taking a swing at a piņata.

Traditionally, a piņata is filled with sweets such as sugarcane, but now there are toys, gifts, and even money that can come out of the favorite piņata. Once upon a time, a piņata was a clay ritual pot filled with water in the pre-Columbian Aztec days. This was a symbolic symbol for thunder and represented the pouring of rain following a thunderstorm.

Of course, another type of piņata was used to represent Huitzilocochtli the war god. This clay pot was covered in feathers and filled with little trinkets. With the addition of Catholicism to the region, these rituals were adapted to fit such religious celebrations.

There are many theoretical origins for the lovely piņata, but the truth of the matter is that it does not matter where this wonderful tradition started. What matters is that these are fun for children around the world, and while Mexico is often a traditional place where these are associated, the mighty piņata has definitely crossed the borders and are available for any culture for just about any occasion.

If you appreciate an authentic Mexican Christmas, you will appreciate the piņata. These are wonderful when filled with sweet treats and little toys. Watching the gleeful delight with which the youngster in your life swings wildly hoping to score a bit of something special is something any adult can appreciate. Of course, not only children appreciate this activity.

An authentic Mexican Christmas is a wonderful time for family and friends. Yet this symbolic piņata has spread to other holidays and celebrations. Today, you can even fill the container with other items that make it more age appropriate. Regardless of what is inside, you will find that getting to what is inside is part of the fun.

When the time comes, you can purchase the piņata for your Mexican Christmas, or you can choose to purchase one. These are available in seasonal designs or you can even create your own! The internet has definitely made it a lot easier to get the design choices you need, and you will even find that some websites offer an interesting look on the history. You will definitely get more than you expect when you choose this avenue for your shopping.

Having a great Mexican Christmas means being with family, friends, and people who care. Yes, having a celebration filled with tamales, delicious desserts, and other awesome cuisine is great, but the reason for the season is better when shared with those you love.

More about Annie Dubois and great Mexican food or gift boxes can be found at Mexican Food & Gifts To Go.

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