If you were to ask the first person that you saw – “where did the piñata originate from?” they’d probably say “Mexico” and you’d most likely agree. Although piñatas are often associated with the Mexican culture, you would both be wrong. Today, piñatas are used as a child’s game at birthday parties, but that was not always the case.

Piñatas most likely were first used in China during the 13th century. It is believed that Marco Polo brought them back to Europe with him. The Chinese often used the piñatas to celebrate the New Year; they also used them for other celebrations throughout the year. They were often made in the shape of buffaloes, oxen, or cows. These brightly colored piñatas would be filled with seeds that spilled out onto the ground. The remaining broken pieces of the piñata would then be burned and the villagers would take some of the ashes home with them for good luck.  Like many early traditions, this one was closely related to honoring “the gods”.

Around the same time that the Chinese were making their paper piñatas, the Aztec and Mayan Indians of Mexico were filling clay pots with nuts, berries, fancy beads even or painted stones. These fillings were used as offerings to the gods. The pots would be used during the birthday celebration of Huitzilopochtli, the god of war. They were then hung a on a pole in the temple near the place of honor for Huitzilopochtli by the priests. During the celebration, the pots would be hit with decorated sticks - breaking the pots and spilling the offerings at the feet of the god, insuring a prosperous year.

In time, the piñata became popular in Europe. It is believed that sometime around the 14th century, the Christian religion adopted the piñata to be used in the celebration of Lent. This became known as Piñata Sunday, which is the first Sunday of Lent. A piñata shaped like a star with seven points is used. The seven points are said to represent the seven deadly sins; lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, envy, wrath and pride.

Religious meanings behind the piñata were plentiful. The piñata itself was said to represent Satan. The priests related the piñata to Satan by explaining that the Devil often wears different masks to hide his identity and draw people to sin. The piñata filler represented temptation of wealth and earthly pleasures. By hitting the piñata, they were showing that they were fighting off the temptation of evil. The stick represented virtue. And of course, once the piñata busted open and spilled its contents that were the reward for not giving into temptation.

Over time, the association between the piñata and religion were lost. Today it is regarded as a form of child’s play that can often be found at children’s parties.  Piñatas are a great way to add some fun and color to your birthday and holiday celebrations. They can even be used as centerpieces or festive decorations!

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