History
What were piñatas made of originally?
They were made of clay pots and cardboard covered in paper maché.
Who is believed to have brought the piñata tradition from China to Italy?
Marco Polo.
What is the capital city of Mexico?
Mexico City
What shape do many traditional piñatas take?
Star-shaped with seven spikes.
What is the traditional time frame of the December festival in Acolman?
From December 16 to December 24.
Where are piñatas most popular nowadays (country)?
Mexico
What did the Italian term "pignatta" mean?
It means "fragile pot."
What is a common modern use of piñatas?
They are often used at birthday parties.
During what type of celebration do people usually use a piñata?
Birthday parties.
What type of fruit was originally included in piñatas?
Mandarins, guavas, etc.
What was the religious symbolism of the original piñatas?
They represented the struggle of good versus evil and the seven deadly sins.
What was one thing Marco Polo brought back to Europe?
The pinata
Name one popular food that comes from Mexico.
Tacos, echiladads, tamales, burritos, ponzole, mole, quesadillas
What does the center of the piñata represent?
It represents evil or Satan.
How did piñatas evolve over time?
They began to take many shapes and include different fillings.
What was the route that the pinata made around the world?
Started in China, then to Italy and Spain, and then to Mexico.
What game did Roman soldiers play that involved hitting clay pots?
They would hang clay pots and try to hit them with their swords while blindfolded.
What holiday do people in Mexico celebrate with colorful decorations and festivities?
Las posadas...
What did the sweets and fruits inside the piñata symbolize?
The rewards of the kingdom of heaven.
What is believed to be the origin of the piñata tradition?
It dates back to Chinese history.
What were piñatas filled with originally?
They were filled with peanuts, mandarins, guavas, and cane sugar.
What was the festival that included the first documented piñata in Mexico?
The December festival celebrating the birth of the Aztec god, Huitzilopochtli.
What is a common filling for piñatas today?
Candy.
Why do participants wear blindfolds while breaking the piñata?
It represents blind faith in God.
What is a modern-day association with piñatas?
They are associated with birthday celebrations.