Para Pedir Posada Adentro Y Afuera

Para Pedir Posada, meaning "To Ask for Shelter," is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration. It recreates the journey of Mary and Joseph as they searched for lodging in Bethlehem before the birth of Jesus. It’s a beautiful tradition celebrated both adentro (inside) and afuera (outside), involving songs, prayers, and ultimately, a welcoming feast.

¿Qué es Para Pedir Posada?

Simply put, Para Pedir Posada is a reenactment. A group of people representing Mary and Joseph, called the "pilgrims," travel from house to house asking for shelter (posada). The people inside each house initially refuse them, until finally, they are welcomed into one home.

Pedir Posada Afuera (Outside)

The main activity afuera involves singing and travelling.

1. Form a Procession: A group gathers, often led by children dressed as angels. One couple is selected to represent Mary and Joseph.
2. The Journey: The procession moves from house to house. Sometimes only one house is used, with participants moving around its perimeter.
3. The Dialogue (Songs): The pilgrims sing traditional songs, asking for shelter. Those inside respond with songs denying them entry. These songs are like a call and response, a musical conversation.
4. Example Song (Pilgrims): "En el nombre del cielo, os pido posada, pues no puedo andar, mi esposa amada." (In the name of heaven, I ask you for lodging, for I cannot walk, my beloved wife.)
5. Example Song (Inside): "Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante, yo no puedo abrir, no sea algún tunante." (This is not an inn, go further, I cannot open, lest you be a rogue.)

Pedir Posada Adentro (Inside)

The welcoming celebration takes place adentro, once the pilgrims are finally granted entry.

1. The Welcome: Finally, at one designated house, the door is opened. The people inside sing a welcoming song.
2. Example Song (Welcome): "Entren, santos peregrinos, peregrinos, reciban este rincón, que aunque es pobre la morada, la morada, os la doy de corazón." (Enter, holy pilgrims, pilgrims, receive this corner, that although the dwelling is poor, the dwelling, I give it to you from my heart.)
3. The Celebration: Inside, the atmosphere transforms into a festive celebration.
4. Piñatas: A star-shaped piñata filled with candy and fruit is often broken, symbolizing the defeat of evil and the sharing of blessings.
5. Food and Drink: Traditional Mexican food like tamales, buñuelos (fried dough pastries), and atole (a warm corn-based drink) are enjoyed.
6. Prayer: Often, a prayer is recited thanking God for the coming of Jesus.

Key Takeaways

• Para Pedir Posada is a communal event, bringing people together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.
• The songs are essential. They tell the story and create the atmosphere.
• The tradition emphasizes hospitality and generosity.
• It's not just about religion; it's also a cultural celebration, reflecting Mexican heritage.

So, Para Pedir Posada is more than just asking for shelter; it's a journey of faith, community, and the joy of Christmas celebrated both adentro y afuera!