Piñatas

by Señora Paula Counce
Once again, the Spanish I classes of Señora Counce made piñatas as part of their study of Spanish culture. Many spent hours in the process. They started with a balloon, tore newspaper strips, dipped them into wheat paste or watered-down glue, and covered the balloon. The piñata was sealed and decorated in creative ways.

Most people have played "Hit the Piñata" at a birthday party. The history of the piñata is actually interesting. Piñatas may have first been discovered by Marco Polo on one of his trips to China. When the piñata was carried to Europe in the 14th century, it was used in religious ceremonies. They resembled clay containers for missionaries to North America in the 16th century used the piñata to teach religious lessons. The most traditional style piñata has the seven points representing the seven deadly sins of greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath, and lust. The blindfolded participant represents a force fighting against those evils. He uses the stick of virtue to break the piñata. The candies and fruits that may be inside represent the rewards for being faithful. Today, most piñatas are used at festivities for pure fun.

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