Feliz Navidad Is the Mexican Version of Christmas - Essay Example

The Novena commences soon after the celebration of the Lady of Guadalupe ends and symbolizes Joseph and Mary's pilgrimage to Bethlehem and Mary’s nine months of pregnancy. The celebration will generally consist of a re-enactment of the journey of Joseph and Mary on their way to the Roman Census as they looked for a place to stay.

The performance consists of simple singing or chanting of religious songs and all the homes are set up as a “Nativity scene” where the homeowners pose as innkeepers. The interesting part is that the procession carries candles and statues of Jesus and Mary as the re-enactors ask for lodging at three houses and only the third house lets them inside by the Christmas story. The guests then enter the chosen house and sing traditional Christmas and religious songs for the Virgin Mary which concludes with a famous piñata party for the children.

Of course, the ever-famous Piñata (which originates from Italian tradition) is the main object of interest for the children at these parties. This is a clay pot decorated with paper and is filled with hard candy, peanuts sugar cane, and fruit. The children are blindfolded and take turns at hitting it with a stick until it breaks so they can all have the sweet treats inside. The traditional Christmas piñata is shaped like a star and has seven peaks, which symbolize the seven deadly sins. The stick with which it is broken is a symbol of faith and therefore the destruction of the Piñata is a symbol of the destruction of these deadly sins with faith.

The Mexicans also have a very unique tradition of exchanging presents on New Year's Eve rather than on Christmas. This gift exchange is known as Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass). Some families might even wait as late as Wise Men's Day which is on January the 6th to exchange gifts because on this day the Magi brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Instead of stockings (like in the American culture) the children traditionally place their shoes near the window so the Magi can fill the shoes with gifts. The children also look forward to the Merienda, (tea time with hot chocolate) and La Meridenda, (a festive dinner) in celebration of this day.

This is a two-week national holiday for the Mexicans. The US influence is ever present as in recent decades there has been an adaptation of Santa Claus and many other American traditions. However, the strong and unique Mexican culture continues to dominate these very family-oriented traditions. The Holiday festivities end on the Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) with the celebration of a late-night Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass). This is followed by a festive dinner of traditional cuisines and sweetmeats.

The Christmas celebration hardly ends there as on December 28, Day of the Holy Innocents there is a commemoration of King Herod's attempt to slaughter all the newborn male infants including baby Jesus. The Mexicans add a comic twist to the day as they play pranks on each other just like the April fool’s day.

The Christmas season continues merrily into the Three Kings Day which symbolizes the arrival in Bethlehem of The Wise Men bringing gifts for baby Jesus. Reyes Magos is the Mexican version of Santa Claus and every January 6th the native Mexican children hope to receive toys and gifts from this mythical figure.

The Mexicans with their merry culture and strong family ties make the Christmas festivities a treat for the eyes and the soul. The final Candlemas is on February the 2nd officially marking the end of the holiday season. The decision of who hosts this party is made in a very interesting way. On the 6th of January, there is a serving of the Rosca de Reyes which is a delightful wreath made of a sort of special egg bread filled with dried fruit and sprinkled with sugar decorations and a small ceramic doll inside. Whoever gets a piece of bread with this doll which represents the baby Jesus has the honor of hosting the final party on the 2nd of February. Read More