The Washington times., 1901-12-22
YULETIDE CELEBRATION
IN LHND OF THK HZTECS
Eight Days Devoted by Mexicans to Religious and
Social ObservanceS

CITY OF MEXICO. Dec. 1G.--Mexico
las commenced its Christmas celebration.
| But any foreigner would have to be told
OF the fact for the style OF joIl:feation
that is going on bears not the slightest
resemblance to the holiday season of
either the United States or Europe.
The American small boy would feel lost
down here at this time of the year. With
no sleds. no skates. no Christmas trees,
the occasion would not be Christmas. and
even the hrecrackers which are shot of
with great liberality, AID the fireworks
which are 10 be seen in all parts of the
country would not atone for the customs
of the day as it is celebrated in the Unit
ed States.
But the Mexican likes his way of cele-
brating best and all the efforts which
some of the resident foreigners. especially
he Germans and Americans, have made
to introduce the Christmas tree and other
customs. have met with quiet. but deter
mined opposition. To the Mexican small
boy his style OF celebrating Christmas
is the only proper one, and the innova-
tions which are offered him seem as
strange and unsatisfactory as does his
way 10 the northerners.
Fun in the Posadn.
But if the ideas of the people of this
land are unusual as to the proper way
to honor the season they manage to get
plenty of enjoyment out of it. For nine
days, beginning on December lG. they give
themselves up 10 a series OF semi-re-
ligious, semi-profane "posadas" The
last OF these comes on Christmas Eve
and is fitting climax to what has gone
before. Then, with the exception of the
honorinG OF the saints days, they rest un-
til the first of the year, when they again
go about their regular duties.
From a picturesque point OF view
Christmas loses nothing by coming to
Mexico. The posadas" contain as much
fun and fully as much of religious re-
membrance as does the celebration in the
United States. And. besides. there are
nine days. or. rather, nights, OF them
which, for the children. is an improve
ment over the single Christmas.
The story of the ''posadas" Is a curious
one. The word means an abiding place"
OF an inn" The ceremony is derived
from the journey which Joseph and Mary
took just before the birth of Christ. when.
in obedience to the order OF the Roman
rulers, they made their way from Egypt
to their old home so that they might be
registered In the census which had been
ordered.
According to Bible history this Journey
occupied nine days and was brought to
an end by the birth OF Christ in the
manger at Bethlehem. The representation
Of this journey constitutes the religious
part of the ceremony of she ''posada" "
The expense in many houses is very great.
and it is only In the homes Of the most
wealthy that all Of the nine s'posadas" are
celebrated.
In ordinary circumstances the members
OF nine families Join together and one
nights celebration is given in the home
OF each Then the total cost OF the en-
tertainment is divided among all. Be-
sides this economy the joining OF the
families of Intimate friends in the one
celebration adds TO the pleasure of all.
The ceremonies. night after night, are
much the same. though as Christmas ap-
pToaches, and with, II the climax OF the
entertainment the costliness OF the pres
ents and the decorations increase.
The celebration as given here would be
impossible in an American home, but the
way that Spanish houses are built
around large patio with the doors OF all
the rooms opening Into it-makes it easy
of accomplishment. During the day the
house in which the "pOsada" is TO be
given is decorated with flowers and
streamers OF woven greens. At night, !
about o'clock the members OF the DIFF |
ferent families arrive. When all have I
the ceremony begins.
Enter the Holy Family.
From the zaguan. the covered entrance !
of the house, appears a burTo. ON its I
back, dressed in Oriental robes, sits |
woman, member of one OF the families,
Who is supposed to represent the Virgin
Mary. BY her side. In flowing robes and
carrying a staff, walks a man who is sup
posed TO be Joseph
The two travellers enter the patio Of the
house. II is supposed that they have
been travelling all day on their journey
TO Judea and that they are tired and are
in search OF shelter.
As they enter the patio Joseph stops
the burro at the door and knocks for ad-
mittance. As he does so he sings an old
song which. freely translated, is this;
In Heavens name