Mexican Pinata

Piñatas for Mexican Theme Parties

When it comes to Mexican goods, the Piñata is one of the first things that come to mind. Piñatas are enjoyed world wide for their festive presence and the promise of fun.  They are beautiful fabulous creations and are used for party decorations and are also used as a fun game.  Usually it is heightened at the end of a party with candies and toys inside it.

In the past piñatas offered traditional motifs, such as the seven pointed star and the classic donkey.  Today, piñatas can be purchased that look like Sponge Bob, Superman, and Mickey Mouse or just about anything you desire. Most of us associate piñatas as being only Mexican but their origins are elsewhere.

Unlike most Mexican goods, the piñata’s origins are multi cultural.  The merchant and great traveler, Marco Polis is known to have seen a version of the modern-day piñata when he was exploring in the Orient 13^th Century. He observed the Mandarin people celebrating the New Year.  They were celebrating with miniature representations of animals that were fashioned out of craft materials and made hollow to accommodate seeds.  On a given holiday, it would be displayed, usually hanging from a tree branch and beaten with a stick, therefore releasing the contents inside the piñata. Seeds represented a good forthcoming harvest and also portended wealth and prosperity.

Marco Polo, as legend claims, upon returning to his native Italy,  loaded his vessel with luxurious silks, exotic spices and he also brought an ancient version of the modern-day piñata and introduced it the Catholic Church, and it became intertwined with religious holidays. It was not long before the tradition spread from Italy to Spain which in turn came to New World from Spain. The missionaries used the piñata to teach the natives their religious doctrine. Interestingly, this method succeeded in teaching the indigenous peoples of Mexico because they already had their own version of the piñata.

The Aztecs would honor their god each year with a gift. This offering took shape in the form of a clay pot that contained presents. When the contents fell to the ground, it was a sign to the Aztecs that the offerings had been received.

Wearing a blindfold while trying to break open the piñata is also rooted in the past. The ancient Mayans were known to play their favorite game blindfolded. Taking note of this practice was the Spanish missionaries and they incorporated the blindfold into the teachings with the piñata.

Today, piñatas are one of the most sought after Mexican Goods. Piñatas are in very high demand in the United States.  The most popular piñatas have to do with a child’s birthday party. Children love the game as well as the hidden treasures inside.

Getting a piñata for your next event or party will truly give it a special festive feeling. Given time I can provide any and all shapes of pinatas. If you wish, I would be more than happy to help you with the planning or simply in  making suggestions for your Mexican party.

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