Christmas in Mexico - Feliz Navidad!

Ready for another origin story? Well, how about Poinsettias as Christmas flowers? The legend goes back to 16th century Mexico when it is told a child who was unable to buy a gift for the celebration of Jesus' birthday was told by an angel to pick the weeds alongside the church. Upon placing the weeds at the alter they blossomed into the beautiful red bloom of a poinsettia. In the 17th century Franciscan friars in Mexico were using the flowers in Christmas decorations. The star shape of the flower represents the star of Bethlehem, while the color represents the blood sacrifice of Jesus. Poinsettia's were brought to America by botanist Joel Roberts Poinsett in 1825, and obviously given a new name. The plant as an American Christmas decoration didn't become popular until the early 1900s.

Celebrations in Mexico often include a Posada, which is a procession reenacting the night Joseph and Mary searched for an inn. Children go door-to-door singing songs and asking for shelter. Each house will tell the children there is no room. Eventually, a designated place is reached where the children are welcomed in for prayer and a party. The procession may include music, people dressed as Mary and Joseph, or children carrying lanterns.

Christmas pinatas are also common. The pinatas are usually shaped in the form of a star with seven points. Each point represents one of the seven deadly sins. The candy and treats inside represent the blessings that God gives to us. And of course most people know that children are blindfolded and given a bat with which they attempt to hit and break open the pinata so the candy falls out.

The main day of celebration in Mexico falls on January 6th, Epiphany...El Dia de los Reyes (The Day of the Three Kings). On the eve of Epiphany children put their shoes outside filled with hay for the animals the Wise Men ride. The Wise Men then leave gifts for the children, which are opened on the 6th. A special cake is shared that day called Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake). Inside the cake is a small figure of Jesus (or other small trinket). Whoever receives the slice with the figure receives something special, or a special privilege. Or they may be required to make tamales for the Candlemas celebration on February 2nd, celebrating the day Jesus was taken to the church to be named, and marking the end of the Christmas season.

I'm thinking I'm going to celebrate the Mexican way and leave all my Christmas decorations up until February 2nd!

Feliz Navidad everyone!