Traditional Piñatas: Keep your wits about you
Nowadays, the action of making a traditional piñata is linked to any celebration, so people must know its origins, and thus value this tradition.
The piñata has its origins in China, where during the New Year images of cows or oxen were represented, which were filled with seeds. The mandarin was in charge of breaking them and success in this task meant a good harvest. Afterward, the piñatas were burned and the seeds were collected by the people who kept them at home throughout the year as good luck charms.
During the Colony, the Spaniards used the assembly of nativity scenes and the elaboration of piñatas as a form of evangelization. The predominant piñatas at that time were the seven-pointed piñata, whose meaning was the same number of capital sins.
Covering the eyes of the person who was going to break it was intended to symbolize the person's faith. When this was achieved, the person was freed from his sins. The Acolman Convent became the first place in the country where this festivity took place. Thus, the tradition of piñatas in Mexico began.
