Most History

By: Lynne Beeching, Development Officer at MOSTHistory

Would you believe China? Marco Polo observed the Mandarin people making hollowed out, clay animal figures covered in ribbons and colored paper. The colors had specific meaning and the contents of the figures related to traditional celebrations. For example, the figure might be filled with seeds. Once the figure was bust open, the seeds would spill out, signifying an abundant harvest. Once emptied, the figures were burned. Polo brought the idea back to Europe.

Around the 14th century in Europe, the custom was applied to the season of Lent and the first Sunday of Lent was known as Piñata Sunday. The Italian word for a fragile pot is pignatta. Another theory concludes the Aztecs, Mayans and other indigenous peoples in the Americas made clay pots in the shape of their gods. These figurines were broken open with sticks –– the contents spilling out the favors of the gods. Aztec tradition says colorful feathers were applied to clay pots celebrating the birthday of the God of War, Huitzilopochtli.

Spanish missionaries used piñatas to attract converts and teach religious instruction. For example, the piñata style that is fashioned using a sphere with cones adorned with ribbon (today we refer to this style as the satellite) represented the seven deadly sins. The blindfolded pole bearer assumes the role of the conqueror of evil with his blind faith. As he is spun around and becomes disoriented, the other participants come to his aid by giving him directions on where to swing.

The star piñata is said to be a symbol of hope. Hung overhead, as if hanging in the heavens, the faithful look to the star for favor. Only virtue, righteousness and faith, represented by the stick, can break it open to reveal the rewards for those who have held onto their faith.

Like so many other modern celebratory practices, the piñata has a long, varied history associated with both religious and secular occasions. From clay pot figurines to a myriad of shapes fashioned from papier mâché and colorful paper, the piñata remains the perfect centerpiece for any celebration.