Research Paper Mexican Christmas

When most people think of Christmas, they imagine the traditions associated with Northern Europe; Santa Claus, Christmas tress, mistletoe, etc. However, the Mexican Christmas tradition differs quite substantially to the popular celebrations of the holiday that we see in the United States and elsewhere. As a product of Spanish imperialism in the 1500s, Mexico, its culture and customs, are somewhat integrated with those of it’s conquers. Christmas is an en example of said Spanish culture influences, but what is interesting is: Mexicans have also added to this holiday a number of interesting traditions of their own. In this essay, I will explains the Mexican Christmas tradition and define the ritual processes that accompany this annual tradition.

The actual gift giving of this custom is done on January 6th. The tradition begins with what is known as the Posada, which is Spanish for Inn or Lodging. There are nine Posadas and these celebrate the part of the Christmas story where Joseph and Mary looked for somewhere to stay (Cooper). For the Posadas, the outsides of houses are decorated with evergreens, moss and paper lanterns (Cooper). From the 16th- 24th of December people in Mexican neighborhoods assemble with one another and move through the street to a certain house. One there the neighbors take part in sinning a song back and fourth to one another after which they enter the house for a party. There is a party everyday during this period. January 6th marks the visit of the three kings of the story and it is a tradition which gifts are given to children of Mexico. The last day of the Christmas tradition takes place on February 2nd. On this date Mexicans bring the infant Jesus models to church to receive a special

It is a ritual in which a whole community of people both interacts and part place in. Communalism is a big part of tribal rituals, as states by Durkheim, “The means by which human beings are brought together as a collective group…Ritual functions to strengthen the bonds attaching the individual to the society of which he (sic) is a member.” The Mexican Christmas ritual does just that by incorporating the involvement of a large number of people. Within the tradition there is also a clear “betwixt and between” or liminal space that we see on nearly every day of the tradition. Before the party begins, people must first engage in the walking and the singing; they are not allow entering the house just yet and are put in a middle space. It is not until they are allowed in that they transition as pilgrims to guest that are allowed in to enjoy in the