Concept in Definition ABC

A piñata is a entertainment child that is part of the birthday parties that are held especially in Latin American countries and the United States. From a historical point of view, piñatas have their remote origin in China. In addition to being a children's game, centuries ago the piñata had a religious meaning.

How to make a piñata

For your elaboration You have to use a cardboard box or a clay container that is lined with colored paper to form a flat surface. Inside, candies, small toys, pieces of papier-mâché and other decorations are placed. The container is hung from somewhere with a rope and the game consists of the kids They must hit the piñata with a stick until they finally break it. When the piñata is broken, the children are surprised with their contents and they can enjoy what they have found.

Do not forget that the piñata is made manually and in a homemade way. Normally it is the parents who make it and this aspect is part of the preparations for the celebration.

This children's game has characteristics that make it very attractive: manage to break the piñata, the surprise factor and get hold of the candies and toys.

Historical origin and evolution

The first testimony we have about piñatas is found in Marco Polo's accounts of his travels to China.

The Chinese stuffed bags made of paper and filled with ash and then beat them with a stick (this game was played to celebrate the arrival of the new year). When this custom became known in Italy, piñatas began to be used at the time of Lent. Over time, this custom spread, first to Spain and then to America.

In the expansion of Catholicism in America, the piñata kept its festive component. However, there was also a religious ingredient of the type symbolicbecause the piñata represented the good things in heaven. In this way, if the men made an effort to hit the piñata they could get a reward. This symbolic sense was slowly disappearing and in the present The piñata game is nothing more than a way to liven up a celebration or a birthday party for the little ones.

The story of the piñata and its evolution It reminds us of other celebrations with a religious or symbolic origin, such as the Halloween party or Valentine's Day.

Photos: iStock - Susan Chiang / Ryan McVay