FC Spanish classes one through three research the origin, symbolic meaning and cultural significance of the piñata for two weeks while creating one in their assignment titled Proyecto Piñatas.
The piñata originated in China, filled with seeds to represent a bountiful harvest. Spanish missionaries brought the tradition of the piñata to Mexico in the 1500s. Originally made of clay, piñatas were covered in papier-mache and ribbon. Missionaries shaped the piñata into a star with seven points to stand for the seven deadly sins. The blindfold represents blind faith, the stick reflects the willpower to overcome sin, spinning signifies disorientation of temptation and the breaking of the clay pots mirrors overcoming the temptation with the guidance of others. The candy that breaks out of the piñata symbolizes divine grace and blessings pouring down from above. Students create a presentation to explore the history of the piñata, each taking a piece of the culture to research.
Spanish teacher Marianela Aguilar, also affectionately known as Profesora, believes in the importance of exploring the culture behind the language.
“Mexico is our neighboring country, so I try to get a lot of culture projects from Mexico because it is the one the students know the most,” said Aguilar.” But it’s important to also know that it’s not only Mexico, it is a lot of different cultures. The students need to know that Latin American culture includes so many countries, so many different cultures.”
Presentations end with a group of students in each class leading the singing of the traditional song “Dale, Dale, Dale”, while another student tries to hit a piñata. Similar to the tradition, the student is spun three times as the other students call out to the disoriented student to guide them to the piñata. As the piñata breaks open, students race to grab candy. The hands-on experience of the project brings the tradition to life, immersing students in Latin American culture.
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