Las Posadas (and other celebrations of the Mexican holiday season): Selected resources 精選資源

Encyclopedia entry on "Las Posadas"

Author: Martinez, Diego. 
Journal: Pastoral Music; Washington Vol. 28, Iss. 4, (Apr 2004): 24-26.
Abstract: December is "Mary's month" for Catholics of Hispanic/Latino descent, meaning that devotions associated with the Virgin Mary are celebrated at this time of the year. "Las Posadas" (the inns) is a pre-Christmas novena, in which participants journey spiritually and symbolically with the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph on the way to Bethlehem. Legends associated with "las Posadas," and specifics of the ritual celebration are detailed. Musicians often accompany the processions from house to house. Several parts of the devotion were crafted from liturgical elements--procession, song, litany, formal prayer--and are still parts of Catholic ritual. A recipe for "Pan Dulce," a traditional sweet bread, and readings and prayers that accompany the ritual are included.

Author: Mary MacGregor-Villarreal
Journal: Western Folklore. Vol. 39, No. 2 (Apr., 1980), pp. 71-105 (43 pages)
Abstract: This essay presents information obtained through observations and interviews conducted in December of 1975 and considers some of the issues raised concerning the role and significance of las posadas as presented publicly in present-day Los Angeles.

Author: Vance, Shelly
Journal: Arts & Activities. May2008, Vol. 143 Issue 4, p21-50. 2p.
Abstract: The author focuses on an art project which aims to help sixth-grade students create piñata. She relates that they went on a scavenger hunt for recyclable materials. She narrates that her students used excellent problem-solving skills in the construction of their animals. She relates that the making of piñatas was very detailed and time consuming.