by Mary J. Andrade
In North San Diego County, many people have a posada in the days leading up to Christmas. But this celebration spans nine nights in the countries where the tradition was born.
The traditional Posadas are held from December 16 to 24. On the one hand, they represent the nine months leading up to the birth of Christ; on the other hand, they symbolize the Virgin Mary and her husband Joseph’s voyage from Nazareth to Bethlehem, in response to the order given to the inhabitants of Judea to register the census in their cities of birth. Joseph was a descendent of King David, a native of Bethlehem. Along the way, they had to find lodgings, or “posadas.”
Today, people get very excited for this magical celebration. Neighbors get together and go for a walk around the neighborhood. They stop at the front door of one of the homes along the way. When they reach their destination (the neighbors’ home), they ask for “shelter at the inn”, singing “In the name of heaven, we ask you for a room, for my beloved wife can walk no farther…”
The pilgrims and the homeowners then take part in a sung conversation, and the homeowners eventually let the pilgrim neighbors into their home.
A Catholic Tradition
The Posadas are a part of the Christmas season in Catholic households. Each country may have its own variation, so the origin of the homeowners plays a role in how they are celebrated. People usually include traditional aspects from their home countries.
Christmas came to Mexico when Hernan Cortes reached the coast of Veracruz in 1519, along with the first evangelizers, who used theater as a teaching tool in their mission work. The plays were put on in the patio next to the chapel.
In the 17th century, villancicos were born in New Spain. They were musical poems sung during mass and were mixed in with the Psalms.
Piñatas, which are never lacking at Mexican celebrations, come from Italy, where on the first days of lent a large clay pot was broken. When the tradition reached Mexico, colored paper was added. Over time, piñatas have gone through more changes.
While trying to hit the piñata with a stick, the children hear the others sing:
Hit the piñata,
try not to miss,
because if you miss,
you lose your chance.
Hit it once.
Hit it twice.
Three times now,
and your time is up.
Posadas in Oaxaca
In December, the capital of the Mexican state of Oaxaca is one big fiesta. All month long, there are cultural and social events held in the downtown area. They are days of color, music, and religion. Some celebrations include the one for the Virgin of Juquila, on December 8; the one for the Patron Saint of Oaxaca, the Virgin of Soledad, on the 18; the Radish Festival, on the 23; and the Posadas, from December 16 to 24. These joyful, colorful celebrations are also a way for the seven regions in the state to showcase their amazing folklore.
Part of the tradition includes drinking hot chocolate and eating buñuelos as the children try to break the piñata, which usually represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men. Tasty treats are also shared, as everyone sings:
Dear friends,
please hurry
with the candy,
fruit, and nuts…
