| Keyword |
Description |
| Vernacular |
The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region |
| Edification |
The instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually |
| Allegory |
A story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one |
When Spanish friars arrived in Mexico in the 1500s, they had a big problem. They wanted to convert the Indigenous people to Catholicism, but the locals had a completely different way of seeing the world. The Spanish believed in sin and salvation, while the Indigenous people believed in keeping the universe in balance. The friars realized they couldn't just translate the Bible and expect people to understand. Instead, they decided to look at the calendar. They noticed that the Indigenous people already had a huge celebration in December called Panquetzaliztli, which honored the birthday of their Sun God, Huitzilopochtli.
The friars decided to use this coincidence to their advantage. They replaced the Aztec festival with the Christian season of Advent. To make the new religion appealing, they created the Misas de Aguinaldo. These were early morning masses where the priests gave out treats like sweets and dried fruit. The friars knew that to truly reach the people, they needed more than just food; they needed stories. They began using vernacular plays and music to teach religious lessons. This is how pastorelas (plays about shepherds) and posadas (processions asking for shelter) were born.
These events were designed for edification, or education, turning religious lessons into fun spectacles that everyone could enjoy. Over time, these traditions moved out of the church and into the neighborhoods. What started as a religious lesson became a beloved party. Today, Christmas in Mexico is a mix of these old strategies. Even though the religious meaning has faded for many, the allegory of light winning over darkness remains. Just like their ancestors, people today gather to celebrate hope during the darkest days of the year.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Universe |
Universo |
| Coincidence |
Coincidencia |
| Religious |
Religioso |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think the priests decided to use plays and gifts instead of just reading from the Bible?
- Is it better to keep old traditions exactly as they were hundreds of years ago, or is it okay to change them to fit new times?
- The article says people went to church for the treats, not the religion. Do you think that matters if they ended up learning the stories anyway?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Imagine you are a teenager in the 16th century seeing a Pastorela play for the first time. Write a diary entry describing what you see, hear, and feel.
- Write a short paragraph explaining why Posadas are an important part of Mexican culture, based on what you read in the article.
