When you go out for Mexican food in Manchester—or to any restaurant—this time of year, you see Christmas decorations everywhere. However, when you visit a Mexican restaurant, you might see decorations that are different from everywhere else. Christmas is one of the biggest holidays in Mexico, and it is steeped in tradition, from the food to the celebrations to the decorations. Everything is deliberate, and the images used in Christmas decorations have special symbolism that connects to the Christmas story, religious practices, and historical events.
Learn about traditional decorations while you enjoy Mexican food in Manchester at Mi Jalisco! Here are the stories behind some of the most common Mexican Christmas decorations.
Poinsettias
You’ll see poinsettia plants used as Christmas decorations in the United States and Mexico, but they have special significance in Mexican culture. Beyond the bright red and green leaves that make these plants natural Christmas decorations, the colors also have ancient symbolism. In Ancient Aztec culture, the color red represented purity. In Christian tradition, white holds the same symbolism, so white poinsettias also became traditional Christmas decorations. Christmas is primarily a religious holiday in Mexico, so the symbolism of purity is apt alongside the story of the birth of Christ.
Nacimiento
Naciamiento is the Spanish word for a Nativity scene. In the United States, most Christians set up a small Nativity scene in their homes, but in Mexico, they take it to another level. Most communities set up an enormous—sometimes bigger than life-size—Nacimiento in the town square, and families also make a large Nativity scene the center of their decorations. In many homes, the Nacimiento takes the place of a Christmas tree. The significance of the Nativity scene places remembering the birth of Christ both physically and spiritually at the center of Christmas celebrations.
Piñatas
We usually see piñatas at kids’ birthday parties, but in Mexico, you’ll see them at Christmas. The traditional Christmas piñata shape is a seven-pointed star or a ball with seven spikes. The shape represents the start over Bethlehem, and the seven points represent the seven deadly sins. The symbolism extends to breaking open the piñata as well. The stick symbolizes virtue; the blindfold, blind faith; breaking open the piñata, overcoming sin; and the sweets inside, the reward for faith in God.