| "body"> | | | | Spain with a Fiesta on the first Sunday of Lent |
| Like most American party-goers you probably haven't | | | | known as the 'Dance of the Piñata. Spanish |
| put thought much about the traditions and origins of | | | | missionaries later attempted to gain converts to their |
| the party pinata . Who came up with the idea for a | | | | ceremonies using the created figures. The Spaniards |
| party balloon? When did the goodie bag become a | | | | were unaware, that the domestic people had a similar |
| popular custom? If you are a parent you know how | | | | tradition filling a clay pot with selected trinkets |
| expensive these have gotten. Where did the | | | | including jewels that would fall at the feet of the |
| piñata originate? Mexico? Wrong. Like most | | | | image of their god's once struck. The Mayan people, |
| people you probably would say the pinata is a | | | | creative people that they were, are believed to have |
| Spanish tradition. I know I certainly did. However, | | | | added sport to the game by adding the blindfold, |
| after this Americanized party practice, I have learned | | | | creating a competitive edge to the game. |
| the true origin! The piñata's origins are actually | | | | Today the birthday theme piñata is an |
| Chinese, and they haven't always been simple fun | | | | extension of the celebrations once performed with |
| party provisions. I bet this origin never entered your | | | | religious intentions. Of course, the party piñatas |
| mind. | | | | contents have also changed to include items found |
| The Chinese New Year tradition involving creating | | | | most appreciated by young children including candies |
| colored paper figures shaped as like bison, oxen or | | | | and toys. Certainly, not quite like the original Chinese |
| cows is believed to have been discovered by Marco | | | | custom wishing for prosperity in the New Year, |
| Polo. As part of the Chinese ritual, the animal shapes | | | | today's use of piñatas is still one of celebration |
| were filled with seeds that would come out after | | | | and excitement. Perhaps this is why the piñata |
| hitting them. These seed would then burned and the | | | | has made it's way into many birthday parties. |
| ashes kept with hopes of good luck for the coming | | | | Knowing the origins of the party piñata may |
| year. The practice made it's way into Europe during | | | | change your outlook on this simple party game. |
| the 14th century and became part of the Christian | | | | However, regardless of how you see it, it is easy to |
| Lent celebration. The first Sunday of Lent, then | | | | see that piñatas can add a great deal of fun to |
| known as 'Piñata Sunday' and the Chinese New | | | | any celebration. |
| Year's tradition was adapted for religious purposes | | | | An interesting story. You may have thought that |
| using a pot rather than paper figures. | | | | these were Mexican piñatas. Now you know |
| In 16th century this Lent tradition was introduced into | | | | the whole story. |