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DECEMBER 2004
The Mexican Museum
Building D
While many people decry the commercialization of Christmas
in this country and complain of holiday shopping starting
earlier and earlier each year, Mexico has always had a lengthy
holiday season. Beginning in early December with the feast
of the national patron La Virgen de Guadalupe (the
Virgin of Guadalupe), it can last into February with the celebration
of El Dia de Candlelaria (the Day of Purification).
But unlike their North American counterparts, the Mexican
celebrations are not about shopping and spending money, but
instead maintain religious traditions, with the figures of
Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus playing central roles.
One of the most charming of these traditions is Las Posadas,
the children’s processions commemorating Joseph and Mary’s
search for shelter at an inn (posada) in Bethlehem.
Each evening children dressed as the two principal characters,
as well as an angel, shepherds, and kings, walk to a different
neighborhood where they sing the traditional Posada
song. When the couple finally finds shelter on the ninth evening,
a joyous celebration takes place, ending with the breaking
of the piñata, the decorated clay jar filled
with treats. Even the piñata is symbolic, for,
in its traditional form, it represents Satan, who often wears
an attractive mask to tempt the unwary. The blindfolded bat-wielder
depicts blind faith vanquishing Satan, and the subsequent
showering of sweets is the reward for this triumph over evil.
Celebrate Las Posadas and other Mexican holiday traditions
when the Mexican Museum presents a special exhibit and sale
this month. From
December 7 through December 23, La Tienda, the
museum’s gift shop, expands into the gallery space and
offers Latino arts and crafts, ceramics, folkloric goods,
gift items, masks, t-shirts, cards, and special holiday objects.
For museum hours, see Visual
Arts. For more information on the Mexican Museum visit
www.mexicanmuseum.org.
– Jovanne Reilly
Image: Ceramic figures, Photo: Janice Tong
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