Posada Element #2: The Piñata
The piñata is traditionally broken after the “pilgrims” are let inside. Christmas piñatas don’t resemble birthday piñatas—they have a round base and seven conical points, which originally symbolized the seven deadly sins. Whacking the piñata blindfolded symbolizes blind faith in God, and the fruit or candy that fall out are the reward for that faith, the kingdom of heaven’s riches. (Of course, you don’t have to believe in that to hit the piñata, but that’s the history.) In Mexico, the piñata is traditionally stuffed with seasonal fruit and peanuts. Some families even use money. There’s also a traditional piñata-breaking song that starts with “Dale dale dale…“
