People have been celebrating Las Posadas since its introduction in Mexico by Fray Diego de Soria in 1587. On the nine nights before Christmas, friends and neighbors gather to recreate the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem and their search for lodging on the night of Christ's birth. These ceremonies are called posadas, which means inn or lodging. With lighted candles the procession goes from house to house and shelter is denied. Finally, the procession comes to a home where they are welcomed with refreshments and a piñata game for the children.
Tonight, Sister Petra (an old friend of my mom's) graciously invited us to attend "Las Posadas" at La Villa (Catholic Church). We had such a great night of singing and laughing and eating and talking and watching all the people. The "sisters" organized the event that brought different people of all ages and ethnic groups to participate. Walking from place to place and listening to the songs (all in Spanish),
reminded me of my childhood.
My Mom's family used to get together on Christmas Eve to celebrate the birth of Christ and have a great time with the family. The night would start off with a prayer and a Christmas Pageant play. The kids each took part in it and had a blast reinacting the Christmas story. Then we'd eat menudo and tamales (of course, talking away with our family and the kids running around with excitement like mad-children). Then, we would gather together to do "Las Posadas", going from room to room singing the songs and rejoicing at the end b/c finally "Mary" was able to settle and give birth to Jesus. We'd sing American Christmas songs and gather around the tree to open presents. Our family was so big that we had to pick names, which was always fun! We'd each get a chance in the "spotlight" (in front of the tree and everyone else) to open our gift from our cousins. When it was 11:30ish, we'd all get our jackets and jump in the car to go to La Villa for midnight mass. Once there, sometimes, we kids were able to dress up like angels to sing. What a night that would be for us all... young and old alike! :)Okay, sorry for the long detailed flashback... here are some of the pics that I took tonight! :) We has such a fun and blessed time.
Me & Rachel in front of the chapel.
R and Mom
Sister Petra (the lady who invited us) asked us if R could be an angel. When we asked her she said yes. They found the smallest outfit and it was still big, but we tied it up real well and off she went. :) She really took her part seriously. ;) She kept running to catch up with the other "angels". ;)
Tia Paz and Daisy showed up during the singing outside. Rachel and Daisy were helping each other to catch up to the other "actors". :)
God truly blessed us with a fun night. I am glad that R was able to experience one of our Mexican traditions first-hand. I believe that these experiences will help my little girl to embrace our Mexican heritage.
"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David), to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child." "And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
-- Luke 2:1-7
Aunt Elia (married to Uncle Juan), Tia Yvonne (hostess and one of my mom's older sisters) and again Uncle Juan and Sister Cathy's head. ;)
The guys on the corner are Uncle John (married to Tia Paz) and Uncle Salo (my mom's twin brother).
I was very honored to be able to visit with my aunts and uncles that day. I will cherish this memory forever. :)
