In Mexico the Christmas festivities begin December 16 with Las Posadas. It is the beginning of nine days of celebration for the nine months Mary carried Jesus in her womb. I think this is a wonderful tradition that reminds us of the plight of the homeless during this time when it is tempting to focus on ourselves and our own cozy homes and families.
The posadas re-enact Mary and Joseph's cold and difficult journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of shelter; in Spanish, the word means "lodging."
Traditionally, a party is held each night in a neighborhood home. At dusk, guests gather outside the house with children dressed as shepherds, angels and sometimes, Mary and Joseph. An angel leads the procession, followed by Mary and Joseph or by guests carrying their images. The adults follow, carrying lighted candles.
The "pilgrims" sing a song asking for shelter, and the hosts sing a reply, finally opening the doors to the guests and offering festive foods. The party ends with a piñata in the shape of the Christmas star.
Las Posadas Song
The Pilgrims…
In the name of the heavens
I request lodging from you,
Because she cannot walk,
My beloved wife.
The Innkeepers…
This is not an inn,
Go on ahead
I can’t open up for you
In case you’re a crook.
The Pilgrims…
Don’t be cruel,
Give us charity
That the gods of the heavens
Will give it to you.
The Innkeepers…
You can go now and
Don’t bother us
Because if I get upset
I’m going to beat you.
The Pilgrims…
We come tired
From Nazareth
I am a carpenter
Whose name is Joseph.
The Innkeepers…
Your name doesn’t concern me
I’m going to sleep
Because I already told you
That we don’t have to open up.
The Pilgrims…
I’ve asked you for lodging
Dear innkeeper
Because the mother is going to be
The queen of the heavens.
The Innkeepers
Then if she is a queen,
Who requests it
How is it that at nighttime
She’s traveling so alone?
The Pilgrims…
My wife is Mary
Queen of the heavens
And mother who’s going to make
The divine oath.
The Innkeepers
You are Joseph
Your wife is Mary
Come in travelers!
I didn’t know it.
The Pilgrims…
May God pay gentlemen,
For our charity
And may the heavens overwhelm you
With Happiness!
Everyone…
Happy (or blessed) is the house
That shelters today
The pure virgin
The beautiful Mary.
Enter holy pilgrims
Receive this haven
That although it’s a poor dwelling
The dwelling…
I offer to you from the heart.
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