Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Christmas Around the World – Taco Viva!

Without the help of their neighbors to the north, Mexico has a Christmas tradition that clings to the influence of the Roman Catholic church. The Mexican traditions have been created with a definite Spanish tilt. They celebrate La Posada, which is the re-enactment of the search for a place for Mary to have her child. The posada is a procession or parade of participants who go from home to home looking for a place for Mary and Joseph. Those who are participating carry replicas of Mary and Joseph. This parade takes place for nine days, from the 16th through the 24th. The participants sing, light candles and pray as they go from home to home looking for a place for Mary and Joseph.

The Posada

Santa is an afterthought in Mexico and does not have a prevalent place in their celebrations. As many know, the poinsettia is a Mexican flower, and it is a predominant in their decorations. The story is that a young boy was on his way to see the Christ child and realized he had no gift to give, so he gathered the first greens that he saw to present to the child. He brought a handful of boughs and presented them to Christ. The others laughed at his feeble offering, but the greens burst into the brilliant red star flowers that we know of as the poinsettia.

The celebrations in Mexico begin on the 12th of December, which is considered the birthday of La Guadalupana (the Virgin of Guadalupe) and finishes up on the 6th of January with the Epiphany. The children receive their Christmas gifts on January 6th, and on Christmas day, the children are given a piñata and a stick. They celebrate by breaking open the colorful piñatas.

Although Santa is not front and center, he is responsible for bringing the children their larger gifts. The smaller ones are delivered by Reyes Magos in January, and in some cases, Jesus even delivers gifts depending upon the regional celebrations. The Reyes Magos are of the traditional three kings. They are given the task of delivering the smaller gifts to the children.

Most of the families create a Nativity Scene in honor of Christ’s birth. Little children dress as shepherds on Christmas Eve as the Ave Marias is sung to let Mary know that the night has come. There is kneeling and singing before the Nativity Scene. A baby Jesus is added to the scene to represent the birth. The singing is designed as a lullaby to the baby.

At midnight sleeping is all over as the fireworks explode, bells ring and whistles are blown to announce the birth of Christ. This celebration is the call to worship as people head for Midnight Mass. The Mass of the Rooster heralds in Christ and it is said that this was the only time a rooster crowed at midnight.

At the end of mass, the feasting begins.

A wreath shaped baked bread contains a tiny baby Jesus figure. The person who gets the baby is the next host in the line of celebrations. The Christmas celebration goes on until the 2nd of February, and this person is responsible for Candle Mass Day on the 2nd. The hidden baby symbolizes the danger that Jesus was in. It was necessary to find a place to hide Christ.

This sweetbread fruit ring, Rosca de Reyes, has anise and candied fruit such as figs, cherries, mangos, lemons and oranges.

This Rosca is served with traditional Mexican food like tamales and rice. This is a tradition brought over from the Spanish. The celebration also requires chocolate. Lots and lots of chocolate.

Mexico has an amazingly rich and complex set of traditions that all come together during the Christmas season. This country celebrates joyfully, noisily and everyone joins in. It is a time of great cheer, reverence and festive family gatherings.

Who can argue with a country that has that much chocolate in their celebration?!

Here are some more colorful gifts from those artists who know how to celebrate.

specialtivity

Red Candy Jade, Dalmatian Jasper Gem, Black Bead Cha Cha Bracelet

Red Candy Jade, Dalmatian Jasper Gem, Black Bead Cha Cha Bracelet

Thecrochetcubby

Very Soft Child Size Loom Knitted Hat/Beanie

Very Soft Child Size Loom Knitted Hat/Beanie

ResetarGlassArt

Yellow Gold and Black Drop Earrings, Checked Dichroic Fused Glass

Yellow Gold and Black Drop Earrings, Checked Dichroic Fused Glass

Covergirlbeads

Blue Flower Lampwork Bead Handmade Glass Floral Organic Navy Oval SRA

Blue Flower Lampwork Bead Handmade Glass Focal Oval Organic Navy SRA

TwistedThreadAndHook

Blue Wheel Rug - Soft Rug for Children Room Decor or Boy Nursery

Blue Wheel Rug - Soft Rug for Children Room Decor or Boy Nursery

KevsKrafts

Heart Wreath Portrait Wood Art Handmade from Oak Wood

Heart Wreath Portrait Wood Art Handmade from Oak Wood white Any Age Unisex

RSSDesignsInFiber

Crocheted Lace Mat of Bright MultiColor Flowers in Dark Green Border

Crocheted Lace Mat of Bright MultiColor Flowers in Dark Green Border

SewAmazin

Halloween Cats on Black Pet Bandana Collar Slipcover

Halloween Cats on Black Pet Bandana Collar Slipcover

ElunaJewelry

Fluorite Necklace with Glass Clasp, Beaded Fluorite Jewelry, Metal-Free

Fluorite Necklace with Glass Clasp, Beaded Fluorite Jewelry, Metal-Free

evezbeadz

59x25x18mm LEGO Block Rainbow Candy Sprinkles Resin Pendant

59x25x18mm LEGO Block Rainbow Candy Sprinkles Resin Pendant

bluemorningexpressions

Pink and Blue flower Charm Bracelet with Green Leaves and Glass Pearls

Pink and Blue flower Charm Bracelet with Green Leaves and Glass Pearls

shymouseecrafts

Colorful Flowers and Red Hearts with White Background Bias Tape

Colorful Flowers and Red Hearts with White Background Bias Tape

KatsAllThat

Autumn Leaves Miyuki Seed Bead and Leather Cuff 8 inch Bracelet

Autumn Leaves Miyuki Seed Bead and Leather Cuff 8 inch Bracelet

cardsbylibe

Best Wishes Polka Dot Dress Handcrafted Card With Pearl Accents

Best Wishes Polka Dot Dress Handcrafted Card With Pearl Accents

craftingmemories

Crochet Bead Bangle Bracelet

Crochet Bead Bangle Bracelet

postcardsintheattic

Antique Postcard Vintage Cordial Thanksgiving - Turkey & Pumpkin Arrangement plus

Country Harvest scene 1910 - Embossed - Autumn

Antique Postcard Vintage Cordial Thanksgiving - Turkey & Pumpkin Arrangement plus Country Harvest scene 1910 - Embossed - Autumn

hollyknittercreations

Multicolored Flower Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties

Multicolored Flower Hanging Dish Towel With Hand Knit Topper and Ties

adorebynat

Robot Favor Tags Embellishment for Boys Toddlers

Robot Favor Tags Embellishment for Boys Toddlers

jnldesigns

Olive,Burgundy,Copper Fall Watch Band

Olive,Burgundy,Copper Fall Watch Band

QuiltTops

Completed Quilt Top Bubble Gum Fun With Applique Top Plus Backing

Quilt Top Bubble Gum Fun With Applique

dianesdangles

Turquoise Nuggets and Rhodonite Gemstones Wooden Beaded Necklace

 

Turquoise Nuggets and Rhodonite Gemstones Wooden Beaded Necklace

jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Fancy Jasper Swarovski Crystal Hematite Memory Wire Bangle Bracelet

Fancy Jasper with clear Swarovski Crystals and Hematite spacer Memory

LittleApples

Orange white stripes clownfish glass keychain or necklace sea creature

Orange white stripes clownfish glass keychain or necklace sea creature

Wyverndesigns

Fun And Funky Kaleidoscope Hand Knitted Wool Mittens Braided Cuff

Fun And Funky Kaleidoscope Hand Knitted  Wool Mittens Braided Cuff

ShadowDogDesigns

Swarovski Rainbow Chakra Earrings Handmade Spirals Jewelry Balancing

Swarovski Rainbow Chakra Earrings Handmade Spirals Jewelry Balancing

craftsofthepast

Eighteen kt Turkish Gold Earring Dangles, Art Glass, Sapphire, Quartz

Eighteen kt Turkish Gold Earring Dangles, Art Glass, Sapphire, Quartz

PrettyGonzo

Crystal Dangle Earrings in Tibetan Prayer Flag Colors Handmade Jewelry

Crystal Dangle Earrings in Tibetan Prayer Flag Colors Handmade Jewelry

ThaddeusRose

Crystal Earrings, Teal, Light Amber, Dangle, 1.75 inch, ear wires

Crystal Earrings, Teal, Light Amber, Dangle, 1.75 inch, ear wires

Thesingingbeader

Dragon vein agate necklace multicolored quartz large chunky gemstones

Dragon vein agate necklace multicolored quartz large chunky gemstone

Umeboshi

Queen of Hearts Pastel Dichroic Handmade Glossy Fused Glass Pendant

Queen of Hearts Pastel Dichroic Handmade Glossy Fused Glass Pendant

PutmanLakeDesigns

Quilted Scrappy Table Runner w/ Prairie Points in Fall Colors

Quilted Scrappy Table Runner w/ Prairie Points in Fall Colors

Dreamcatcherman

Dreamcatcher Gemstone Bracelet with personalized engraved charm

Dreamcatcher Gemstone Bracelet with personalized engraved charm

TheOldBarnDoor

Victorian Swedish Scripture Card Psalm of David 103 Verse 22 Bountiful Vase of Flowers

Victorian Swedish Scripture Card Psalm of David 103 Verse 22 Bountiful Vase of Flowers

Grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy this video of Christmas in Mexico City.

Finish up your chocolate, hit the pinata one more time, and let’s head out to our next destination!

Enjoy

Julie and Blu