![]() ![]() The Mexican Catholic interpretation assigned meanings related to the Catholic doctrine of struggle against temptation, and used for catechism purposes. The Augustinian monks there modified European piñatas and created the Las Posadas tradition to co-opt the celebration of the birth of Huitzilopochtli, which was celebrated in mid December. According to local records, the piñata was first used for the purposes of evangelism in 1586, in Acolman, in the modern State of Mexico, just north of Mexico City. When the pot was broken with a stick or club, the treasures inside would fall to the feet of the idol as an offering. Priests would decorate a clay pot with colorful feathers. The Aztec tradition commemorated the birthday of Huitzilopochtli. The Mayan tradition was similar to the modern piñata tradition, including blindfolding the participant hitting the piñata. The European piñata tradition was brought to Mexico in the 16th century however, there was a similar tradition in Mesoamerica already. The origin of the Italian word is thought to be linked to the Latin word pinea, "pine cone". ![]() As the word's Italian origin indicates, pignatta (also pignata and pignàta) meaning "earthenware cooking pot", the Spanish initially used a plain clay container, before starting to decorate it with ribbons, tinsel and colored paper. The tradition arrived in Europe in the 14th century where it was associated with the Christian celebration of Lent in Spain, the First Sunday of Lent, "Piñata Sunday", became a celebration known as the Dance of the Piñata. After the piñata was broken, the remains were burned and the ashes kept for good luck. It was filled with five types of seeds and then hit with sticks of various colors. It was decorated with symbols and colors meant to produce a favorable climate for the coming growing season. The Chinese version was in the shape of a cow or ox and used for the New Year. There is some debate but it appears that their origin is not Spanish but Chinese. History Statue of Franciscan friar hitting a piñata in Acolman, Mexico StateĪlthough today, piñatas are typically used for a fun activity at parties, their origins lie in other customs. 'pinecone.' It may also come from Spanish piña lit. The Spanish word piñata probably derives from the Italian pignatta 'fragile pot,' itself from pigna lit. Today, the piñata is still part of Mexican culture, the cultures of other countries in Latin America, as well as the United States, but it has mostly lost its religious character. According to local records, the Mexican piñata tradition began in the town of Acolman, just north of Mexico City, where piñatas were introduced for catechism purposes as well as to co-opt the Huitzilopochtli ceremony. The Spanish brought the European tradition to Mexico, although there were similar traditions in Mesoamerica, such as the Aztecs' honoring the birthday of the god Huītzilōpōchtli in mid-December. The idea of breaking a container filled with treats came to Europe in the 14th century. Piñatas are commonly associated with Mexico. For other uses, see Piñata (disambiguation).Ī nine-pointed star piñata A woman strikes a piñata at a celebration.Ī piñata ( / p ɪ n ˈ j ɑː t ə/, Spanish pronunciation: ( listen)) is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken as part of a celebration. ![]()
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