Mas

Las Posadas is an annual Mexican tradition that commemorates the arduous journey of Joseph and Mary as they attempt to find lodging for the imminent birth of their child.  The nine days of Las Posadas symbolize the nine months that the Virgin Mary carried the Baby Jesus, who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, according to Christian beliefs.  Posadas means lodging or shelter in Spanish.

The days of Las Posadas are December 16-24, leading up to Christmas day.  Sometimes Las Posadas take place Dec. 15-23, so as not to interrupt celebrations on Christmas Eve.

Each evening of Las Posadas, a procession arrives at a home.  Standing outside with lighted candles, the processioners plead for shelter by singing the verses of Las Posadas, translated from Spanish as:

“In the name of Heaven

I ask you for lodging,

Because she cannot walk,

My beloved wife.

The group inside, playing the role of the innkeeper, sings in response:

This is no inn,

Keep on going,

I won’t open the door,

In case you are a truant.”

The singing goes back and forth until the verses lead the hosts to realize just who it is that is pleading outside their home.  Then, of course, they open their doors to the visitors, and sing another verse:

“Enter, holy pilgrims,

Accept this dwelling;

Not only of this humble house,

But of my heart.”

The festivities continue inside the house. Piñatas are broken and villancicos (Christmas carols) are sung.  Traditional foods, such as buñuelos (fried, sugar-coated pastries), tamales and ponche (fruit punch) are consumed as family and friends celebrate the season each evening of Las Posadas.

If you would like to have the experience of Las Posadas, you can create it in your neighborhood:

•  Call your neighbors, describe the plan and invite them and their children to take part as processioners, inn-keepers or both.

•  Set a date to start and to end Las Posadas.  Determine your route.

•  You can carry statues of Joseph and Mary, or use a small boy and girl to play the roles.

•  Every evening, pass out candles to the kids and to their parents, who will act as a traveling audience.

•  On the first day,  go to the first house on your predetermined route and greet the residents with a Christmas carol before asking for lodging for Joseph and Mary.  Repeat the procession on the following eight days, going to different homes each night.

• The traditional celebration takes place over nine evenings, but if you want, you can easily condense the festivities into one evening.  Have the procession visit eight houses and be turned away at each house.  The ninth home offer shelter to the pilgrims and hosts the celebration that follows.

Source:  circolite.com & ehow.com

Today’s Lesson:

1)  What does Las Posadas commemorate?

2)  What do the nine days of Las Posadas symbolize?

3)  On what dates are Las Posadas are celebrated?

4)  What happens when shelter is given to Mary and Joseph?

•••••••••

Answers

1)  They commemorates the struggles of Joseph and Mary in their attempt to find lodging for the birth of Jesus.

2)  The nine months that the Virgin Mary carried the Baby Jesus.

3)  From December 16-24, or December 15-23.

4)  The festivities continue inside the house - piñatas are broken, villancicos are sung.  Traditional foods, such as buñuelos, tamales and ponche are consumed as family and friends celebrate the season.