Holidays Around the World: Mexico

in Mexico, the storytellers were the Three Kings.

they told of beautiful candlelight processions, the sounds of children's laughter, the tale of how poinsettias are a Christmas symbol that originated in Mexico, and the sweet smells of the season that make Christmas a magical, meaningful time of community.

in Mexico, Christmas is called La Navidad & its main celebration is called Las Posadas, which means "shelter." during Las Posadas, Mexican families recreate the journey of Mary & Joseph seeking shelter in Bethlehem. for nine nights, beginning December 16, Mexican children dress up like the holy family & visit their neighbors as part of a candelight procession. beautifully carved Nacimientos (nativity scenes) are set up in different homes. the prayers & festivities begin when the procession of Mary & Joseph is welcomed in.

on January 6, the day the Three Kings arrived in Bethlehem bringing gifts to Baby Jesus, Mexican children leave their shoes on the doorsteps in a special celebration called Dia De Los Tres Reyes (Three Kings Day). When the children awaken the next moprning, they are delighted to discover wonderful toys & gifts in and around their shoes.

the legend of the poinsettia tells of a girl named Maria & her little brother Pablo. they were very poor but always looked forward to the Christmas festival. each year a large manger scene was set up in the village church. the two children loved Christmas but were always saddened because they had no money to buy presents to leave for the Baby Jesus. one Christmas Eve, Maria and Pablo set out for church to attend the service. on their way they picked some weeds growing along the roadside & decided to take them as their gift to lay at the manger. they were teased by the other children but they said nothing, knowing they had given what they could. as Maria & Pablo began placing the green plants around the manger, miraculously, the green top leaves turned into bright red petals. soon the manger was surrounded by beautiful star-like flowers: the poinsettias we use to this very day.