Here's a quick video clip of a kid trying to crack the pinata open.
Posada
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Thursday, October 25, 2007
How to Make a Piñata
Originally an Italian custom, the use of piñatas during holiday occasions has been adopted by the Mexican culture as their own.
Making a piñata can be great family fun. We will use the traditional design of a donkey for our example of how to make a piñata. Be sure to create your piñata in plenty of time to allow it to dry before whatever celebration you plan to use it for.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
14-inch elongated balloon, inflated (body)
5, 6- inch elongated balloons, inflated (legs and neck)
1 small round balloon (head)
10-inch bowl
One batch papier-mâché paste
2 two-page spread each of regular newspaper and the comic pages
32-oz. plastic yogurt container, cut in half horizontally
String
Hot Glue stick and gun
10 sheets of tissue paper in bright colors, cut into 3 1/2-inch squares
4 lbs. of individually wrapped candies
Time needed: Afternoon or Evening
1. Place the body balloon in a 10-inch bowl. Fold the spread of newspaper in half and then in half again.
2, Repeat the same process for the legs, neck and head of the piñata.
3. Take your pencil, wrap a square of tissue paper around the eraser end, gently twisting it slightly and dip it into glue. Place the glued portion of the tissue on the donkey piñata. Use your imagination to design a saddle, place eyes, nose and other details on the piñata.
4. Once the glue has dried and you are sure that you will not damage the piñata by handling it, pop the balloon inside and fill with candy. Cover the hole with a few squares of tissue paper and decorate as you did the rest of the piñata.
5. You can punch two holes in the piñata at the spine area of the donkey but it will hang more secure and be less likely to break before you want it to if you tie the thread around the front and back of the body to suspend it.
This article was custom created by the writers at InspiredWordArt.com
Making a piñata can be great family fun. We will use the traditional design of a donkey for our example of how to make a piñata. Be sure to create your piñata in plenty of time to allow it to dry before whatever celebration you plan to use it for.
CRAFT MATERIALS:
14-inch elongated balloon, inflated (body)
5, 6- inch elongated balloons, inflated (legs and neck)
1 small round balloon (head)
10-inch bowl
One batch papier-mâché paste
2 two-page spread each of regular newspaper and the comic pages
32-oz. plastic yogurt container, cut in half horizontally
String
Hot Glue stick and gun
10 sheets of tissue paper in bright colors, cut into 3 1/2-inch squares
4 lbs. of individually wrapped candies
Time needed: Afternoon or Evening
1. Place the body balloon in a 10-inch bowl. Fold the spread of newspaper in half and then in half again.
- Tear (don't cut) 1 1/2-inch-wide strips so they have a slightly rough edge (tearing along a straight edge works well). The rough edges help make a smooth overall surface.
- Drag a strip of newspaper through the papier-mâché paste, wipe off any excess with your fingers, and place it at an angle on the balloon.
- Place the second strip so that it slightly overlaps the first. Continue until the balloon has been covered with two to three layers of paper strips--except for a 2-inch square at the top, through which the candy will go.
- Give the papier-mâché up to 24 hours to dry before adding your candy.
2, Repeat the same process for the legs, neck and head of the piñata.
- Using what paper and past you have left, form ears to attach to the head of your donkey piñata.
- After finishing these parts and allowing them 24 hours to dry, use hot glue to attach the parts to the appropriate areas.
3. Take your pencil, wrap a square of tissue paper around the eraser end, gently twisting it slightly and dip it into glue. Place the glued portion of the tissue on the donkey piñata. Use your imagination to design a saddle, place eyes, nose and other details on the piñata.
4. Once the glue has dried and you are sure that you will not damage the piñata by handling it, pop the balloon inside and fill with candy. Cover the hole with a few squares of tissue paper and decorate as you did the rest of the piñata.
5. You can punch two holes in the piñata at the spine area of the donkey but it will hang more secure and be less likely to break before you want it to if you tie the thread around the front and back of the body to suspend it.
This article was custom created by the writers at InspiredWordArt.com
Thursday, June 7, 2007
History of Los Posadas and the Poinsettia
The History of Las Posadas
The Christmas tradition in Mexico began with Fray Pedro deGante, a missionary, in 1538. He invited local Indians from a sixty mile radius, (note: He stated in his journal 20 leagues, which amounts to approximately 3 miles per league or one hours walk.) to join him in this celebration. The purpose behind this celebration was to introduce the natives to Biblical teachings and beliefs.
The natives added their own touch to the celebration by decorating with flowers, feathers, hides and many handcrafts to create a marvelous celebration. It is said that this period of learning and decorating was the beginning of the ‘posadas’ and the birth of the piñatas. Animal entrails and stomachs were cleaned and dyed to create balloons of a sort. Many of these decorations were presented and/or mounted during a daily procession much like a parade today where the participants throw flowers, garlands and other colorful items to the crowd and surrounding areas.
The las posada lasted for nine days. This was in part to allow guests from the farthest distance away the time to join in the festivities. Padre deGante also enlisted the aid of the natives to construct and assemble a nativity scene during this period. He used the experience to teach the Indians about the birth of the baby Jesus. Talking as he worked by their sides.
The ninth day of posada ended with a re-enactment of the journey to Bethlehem that preceded the birth of the baby Jesus. Different households would volunteer for a night and host the procession as the “landlords’ that found room for the young couple and the birth place of the baby Jesus. Teenagers carry images of Joseph, the donkey and Mary riding sidesaddle atop it.
This procession is followed by a midnight mass. Christmas was welcomed after mass with a jubilant celebration that included hand made musical instruments and dancing.
Many of the traditions that began that day are still practiced today.
There are many wonderful legends that accompany the history of Las Posada. One of these is the story of a boy named Pablo. He was a poor boy that lived during the time of Christ. Traveling many miles to see the newborn Jesus, Pablo did not want to arrive empty handed. He picked weeds from the side of the road that he traveled. When he presented these weeds to Mary, they had miraculously turned into a scarlet star, a poinsettia.
This article was custom created by the writers of InspiredWordArt.com
The Christmas tradition in Mexico began with Fray Pedro deGante, a missionary, in 1538. He invited local Indians from a sixty mile radius, (note: He stated in his journal 20 leagues, which amounts to approximately 3 miles per league or one hours walk.) to join him in this celebration. The purpose behind this celebration was to introduce the natives to Biblical teachings and beliefs.
The natives added their own touch to the celebration by decorating with flowers, feathers, hides and many handcrafts to create a marvelous celebration. It is said that this period of learning and decorating was the beginning of the ‘posadas’ and the birth of the piñatas. Animal entrails and stomachs were cleaned and dyed to create balloons of a sort. Many of these decorations were presented and/or mounted during a daily procession much like a parade today where the participants throw flowers, garlands and other colorful items to the crowd and surrounding areas.
The las posada lasted for nine days. This was in part to allow guests from the farthest distance away the time to join in the festivities. Padre deGante also enlisted the aid of the natives to construct and assemble a nativity scene during this period. He used the experience to teach the Indians about the birth of the baby Jesus. Talking as he worked by their sides.
The ninth day of posada ended with a re-enactment of the journey to Bethlehem that preceded the birth of the baby Jesus. Different households would volunteer for a night and host the procession as the “landlords’ that found room for the young couple and the birth place of the baby Jesus. Teenagers carry images of Joseph, the donkey and Mary riding sidesaddle atop it.
This procession is followed by a midnight mass. Christmas was welcomed after mass with a jubilant celebration that included hand made musical instruments and dancing.
Many of the traditions that began that day are still practiced today.
There are many wonderful legends that accompany the history of Las Posada. One of these is the story of a boy named Pablo. He was a poor boy that lived during the time of Christ. Traveling many miles to see the newborn Jesus, Pablo did not want to arrive empty handed. He picked weeds from the side of the road that he traveled. When he presented these weeds to Mary, they had miraculously turned into a scarlet star, a poinsettia.
This article was custom created by the writers of InspiredWordArt.com
Las Posadas As Celebrated Today
Rich scarlet poinsettias, balloons of all shapes and colors, religious banners and images, candlelit parades and pageants along with gaily decorated and frilly piñatas are all important parts of the Christmas celebration in Mexico. These traditions have been brought to many neighborhoods and are enjoyed by many different cultures in the United States as well.
The Christmas tradition began with a missionary, Fray Pedro deGante, in 1538.
He invited local Indians from miles around to join him in this celebration. His objective was to introduce Biblical teachings and beliefs to the natives. They loved the celebration and it became an integral part of their lives that has carried on in many ways even today. Most of these Indians were from the Poinsettia tribe. Hence, the use of the poinsettia in this celebration.
Las Posada is a series of nine day processions that begin on the 16th of December. It is not known on exactly what day of the year the first celebration took place.
Today’s customs usually begin with the setting up of a manger scene in almost every home and public square. During the nine day processions a re-enacting of the journey to Bethlehem, by Mary and her husband Joseph takes place. There are many plays and pageants and much gaiety during these nine days and nights.
At the end of the last posadas, everyone goes to midnight mass. At the end of mass, Christmas is welcomed in with the ringing of bells, blowing of whistles and fireworks of varied sorts, depending on the community.
Every region of Mexico celebrates with their own special touches included. Some may have bullfights, rodeos, parades, special holiday food booths and potluck style meals. There are often traditional dance exhibitions that anyone can join in with. There is always gay music and decorations that are beyond compare in creativity and color.
The piñata plays a special role in this celebration as well. It is said by some that this tradition began with the first Las Posada and was so popular that it is used for any and all celebrations today, both in Mexico and around the world. While some form of the piñata may have been used during this time, it is actually an Italian tradition that has been adopted by the Mexican people as their own.
This article was custom created by the writers of InsiredWordArt.com
The Christmas tradition began with a missionary, Fray Pedro deGante, in 1538.
He invited local Indians from miles around to join him in this celebration. His objective was to introduce Biblical teachings and beliefs to the natives. They loved the celebration and it became an integral part of their lives that has carried on in many ways even today. Most of these Indians were from the Poinsettia tribe. Hence, the use of the poinsettia in this celebration.
Las Posada is a series of nine day processions that begin on the 16th of December. It is not known on exactly what day of the year the first celebration took place.
Today’s customs usually begin with the setting up of a manger scene in almost every home and public square. During the nine day processions a re-enacting of the journey to Bethlehem, by Mary and her husband Joseph takes place. There are many plays and pageants and much gaiety during these nine days and nights.
At the end of the last posadas, everyone goes to midnight mass. At the end of mass, Christmas is welcomed in with the ringing of bells, blowing of whistles and fireworks of varied sorts, depending on the community.
Every region of Mexico celebrates with their own special touches included. Some may have bullfights, rodeos, parades, special holiday food booths and potluck style meals. There are often traditional dance exhibitions that anyone can join in with. There is always gay music and decorations that are beyond compare in creativity and color.
The piñata plays a special role in this celebration as well. It is said by some that this tradition began with the first Las Posada and was so popular that it is used for any and all celebrations today, both in Mexico and around the world. While some form of the piñata may have been used during this time, it is actually an Italian tradition that has been adopted by the Mexican people as their own.
This article was custom created by the writers of InsiredWordArt.com
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