The Pinata Is So Much More Than Just Fun

The Moral Of The Piñata

The original piñata was a decorated clay pot, called a canter way-back-when. Which, in times past, represented the devil, who often changes himself to an angel of light, a mask, 2 Corinthians 11:14, “And no wonder, for satan himself masquerades as an angel of light,” to entice humanity. The first piñatas looked something like an early space vehicle, like Sputnik, with seven points, each with flashy ribbons. These points or cones represented the seven deadly sins, greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath and lust. Painted beautiful and bright, with flashy decorations, the piñata was indeed tempting. The candies and fruits placed inside represented the many temptations of wealth and earthly pleasures. With all of this, the piñata reflected various theological virtues in the religious instruction of both adults and children. The blindfolded batter represents the foremost force in confronting evil, which is faith, Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” The people congregated near the contestant twirled him or her around to confuse the sense of direction and space. Life often leaves us reeling. Sometimes the spins numbered thirty three in memory of the life of Christ. Other times, 39 revolution like the stripes Jesus suffered before going to the cross. The voices of others cry out guidance: ¡Más arriba! Higher! ¡Abajo! Lower! ¡Enfrente! In front! (Some call out false directions to further disorient the hitter.) The piñata served as a symbol of Hope. Psalm 147:11, “The Lord delights in those who fear Him: Who put their hope in His unfailing Love.” With the piñata hanging above their heads, people watched towards the sky or heaven yearning and waiting for the prize. The stick for breaking the piñata symbolized virtue, as only good can overcome evil. Once broken, the candies and fruits represented the just reward for keeping faith. The piñata embodied, Charity. With its ultimate breaking, everyone shared in the divine blessings and gifts. Malachi 3:10, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. The moral of the piñata: all are justified through faith. Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”