Las Posadas CHRISTMAS POSADA
What is a Posada? This is a question that a lot of people ask as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
The tradition of the Posadas was brought to Mexico from Spain in the 1500's by Catholic Missionaries. The Posadas commemorate Mary and Joseph's difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a place for the Christ Child to be born.
In Spanish, the word means dwelling or lodging. The Posadas begin on December 16 for nine evenings, culminating with the Posada on December 24 and Midnight Mass.
The Posadas are not to be confused with a mere Christmas party. Instead, the Posadas should be seen as a religious event.
In many Catholic parishes and also in many Protestant churches and sometimes in neighborhoods, parishioners, neighbors and anyone who wishes to join in meet at the church or home at a specific time during the early evening.
The Posada often begins with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a very beautiful prayer to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. When a part of the Rosary is prayed by all those who have gathered for the
Posada, the group begins to proceed from the church to the local neighborhood.
What is a Posada? This is a question that a lot of people ask as we prepare to celebrate Christmas.
The tradition of the Posadas was brought to Mexico from Spain in the 1500's by Catholic Missionaries. The Posadas commemorate Mary and Joseph's difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of a place for the Christ Child to be born.
In Spanish, the word means dwelling or lodging. The Posadas begin on December 16 for nine evenings, culminating with the Posada on December 24 and Midnight Mass.
The Posadas are not to be confused with a mere Christmas party. Instead, the Posadas should be seen as a religious event.
In many Catholic parishes and also in many Protestant churches and sometimes in neighborhoods, parishioners, neighbors and anyone who wishes to join in meet at the church or home at a specific time during the early evening.
The Posada often begins with the recitation of the Holy Rosary, a very beautiful prayer to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. When a part of the Rosary is prayed by all those who have gathered for the
Posada, the group begins to proceed from the church to the local neighborhood.
Everyone in the town gets involved in the celebration. After food and festivities, the audience breaks into two groups to sing the Posada song while a priest leads the procession.
It’s not just a song and it's not really a play or a skit but it’s just a complete presentation.
Also part of tradition is the breaking of the pinata, representing the seven deadly sins. Once defeated, out come the fruits and candies.
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