The History of the Piñata
The history of the piñata unveils many intriguing facts that go way beyond the playing of a game, though they for certain have been intended for fun. Most believe that piñatas have always been just a fun activity for parties. Yet the piñata has a long history... Though widely recognized as being a part of the Hispanic heritage, however the piñatas actually originated in China, around the time of the European Renaissance during the 16th century.
Marco Polo, while in China, observed figures made to look like cows, oxen, and other animals. They were coloured with bright materials and adorned in assorted ways. This was to greet the new year in China. The Chinese would bash the figures with colored sticks, and seeds would spill everywhere. That's right! Seeds were inside instead of candy and toys. The remains would then be burnt, and people would gather the ashes produced for good luck in the new year.
This custom outspread to Spain in later centuries, but involved a clay pot called la olla. Paper decorations and ribbons were wrapped around the pot to make it festive. Later the missionaries brought the custom to New Spain. There it encountered a kindred tradition. Which was to honor the Aztec god of war, a decorated, filled pot was broken in the temple at the feet of the god's statue.
The Catholic missionaries also employed the bright piñata to teach religion. A conventional Mexican piñatas has seven conelike points symbolizing the seven deadly sins—greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath, and lust. Inside the piñata is where you find tempting sweets and treats, representing the pleasures of life. The person wielding the stick of virtue represents faith, which can defeat evil, and the treats represented the hope of reward.
People of today utilize the pinata during many festivities, such as Christmas and birthday parties. Most youths have had the experience of creating a pinata, and most adults have attempted to hit one at least once in their lives.
Marco Polo, while in China, observed figures made to look like cows, oxen, and other animals. They were coloured with bright materials and adorned in assorted ways. This was to greet the new year in China. The Chinese would bash the figures with colored sticks, and seeds would spill everywhere. That's right! Seeds were inside instead of candy and toys. The remains would then be burnt, and people would gather the ashes produced for good luck in the new year.
This custom outspread to Spain in later centuries, but involved a clay pot called la olla. Paper decorations and ribbons were wrapped around the pot to make it festive. Later the missionaries brought the custom to New Spain. There it encountered a kindred tradition. Which was to honor the Aztec god of war, a decorated, filled pot was broken in the temple at the feet of the god's statue.
The Catholic missionaries also employed the bright piñata to teach religion. A conventional Mexican piñatas has seven conelike points symbolizing the seven deadly sins—greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath, and lust. Inside the piñata is where you find tempting sweets and treats, representing the pleasures of life. The person wielding the stick of virtue represents faith, which can defeat evil, and the treats represented the hope of reward.
People of today utilize the pinata during many festivities, such as Christmas and birthday parties. Most youths have had the experience of creating a pinata, and most adults have attempted to hit one at least once in their lives.