Piñatas History and Significance

History Piñatas were used by Spanish Catholic priests to teach religion to the Native peoples of Central and South America in the 16 th century, almost 500 years ago! Some say piñatas are even older, but there is not much record to prove it.

Significance The priests used the piñatas as an analogy, or an object lesson, to help the natives understand different parts of Christianity. This is what a traditional piñata looks like:

Significance Each part of the piñata represented something different: – Round body: the devil – 7 cones: sin/ the 7 deadly sins

Significance Blindfold: Faith Stick: Virtue Person: Us (humans)/force against evil Candy: Reward for overcoming sin

Piñatas Today Today piñatas have lost their religious meaning and are used as a fun activity for all kinds of celebrations: – Christmas – Birthdays – Family gatherings – Almost every holiday

Piñatas Today Piñatas can look like anything nowadays. Anything from animals to cars and trucks; or to your favorite cartoon character or superhero.

Piñatas are Fun! Let’s go have our own piñata breaking party!