24 Days of Martin – Day 24: Las Posadas

“WOW!” exclaimed Martin. “Piñatas are pretty important to Christmas celebrations!”

“Absolutely,” Dad replied. “And they’re a lot of fun, too!”

“Finally,” Martin grinned, “a tradition that doesn’t involve Germany!” He started laughing as they pulled into the parking lot of the library.

Mom and Dad got out of the car. Dad helped Mom get the piñata out of the trunk, and while she walked toward the library, Dad jumped back into the car.

“BBRRRRRRRRR!” he shivered. “It’s cold out there!”

“Sure is. I’m glad you shut the door!” agreed Martin.

“Now, let’s get back to the piñatas and Las Posadas,” began Dad.

“Wait!” exclaimed Martin. “We should wait for Mom. She will want to hear this, too.”

TEN MINUTES LATER

The car door opened, and Mom sat down in the driver’s seat. She quickly closed the door, rubbing her hands together for warmth. “Sorry that took so long,” she apologized. “There were questions about the children’s reading list for next year.”

“We were waiting for you, Mom, so Dad could finish the piñata story,” Martin replied.

“Thank you, Martin. That was so nice of you and Dad,” Mom said, buckling her seat belt and pulling out of the parking lot.

“I left off telling you about how piñatas were used on the last day of Las Posadas. Do you know what Las Posadas means?” Dad asked.

Both Mom and Martin said, “No.”

“Remember Friar Diego de Soria and his permission from the Pope to hold special masses from December 16th to December 24th? Well, that permission came in a document that officially authorized the Misas de Aguinaldo, or the ‘gift masses.’ The masses were held in large open chapels (Capillas Abiertas) and were full of energy, jubilant music, vibrant lights, and a joyful community. The nine days of these masses were specifically selected to represent the nine months Mary was pregnant. These days are also called a novenario, or nine days of prayer.

“Around two hundred years after these masses began, the celebrations shifted from churches and open chapels into community centers, street festivals, and private homes. This is when Las Posadas began—to commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem seeking shelter.

“Each night of Las Posadas, community members reenact that search, walking from house to house and singing carols asking for posada—which means shelter. The people inside sing back, telling the visitors to go away. The song includes several verses of back-and-forth until finally, the visitors are allowed to enter the last house. Once shelter is granted, the atmosphere changes to a festive time. Traditional foods such as tamales, ponche (spiced fruit punch), and buñuelos (fried fritters) are served along with the treats found inside the piñata.

“The final mass, held on December 24, is known as the Misa de Gallo, or the ‘Rooster’s Mass.’ This mass is named after the legend that states a rooster was the first to announce the birth of Jesus by crowing at midnight. A final Posada is completed and the families eat Nochebuena dinner (a large dinner). Around 11:30 PM, the entire community begins to go to the local church, and at midnight, the final mass begins.

“After the mass, the largest celebration begins with fireworks and includes more feasting, socializing, and gift-giving. Some cultures even save the gift-giving for the Day of the Kings on January 6th,” finished Dad.

“Sounds like piñatas and Las Posadas are full of cultural and historical significance,” said Mom.

“Yeah!” agreed Martin. “Piñatas bring joy and excitement, and Las Posadas bring spirituality. But I don’t want to wait until January 6th to open presents.”

Mom was pulling onto their street. Dad turned to look at Martin. “Don’t worry. We’ll keep to our tradition of one present on Christmas Eve before bed. Then we’ll be up early on Christmas morning to open the rest.”

“Not too early,” laughed Mom. “How about we agree to 7:00 AM for hot chocolate and presents?”

“That sounds great!” giggled Martin. He knew he would be awake way before 7:00, sitting in the living room and waiting to see what Santa had left for him under the tree.