Facts About Pinatas

The actions associated with using the pinata are full of symbolism. Pinatas.org states that the pinata stick represents the trait of virtue. This is the virtue children need to keep the devil from their lives. The blindfolds and the covering of a child's eyes show blind faith. Good wins over evil as the pinata breaks. The contents falling show the meaning of charity as each child claims a piece of candy.

Pinatas are a fun party item for birthday celebrations and other holidays such as Cinco de Mayo, a Mexican holiday. They serve to entertain and provide active fun with small rewards for everyone taking part. Their symbolism functions as a reminder of a child's journey through life. According to Pinatas.org, pinatas are often used for decorations on business streets in Mexico. These pinatas are for decoration only.

Pinatas are made from a variety of materials, for example many birthday pinatas are paper mache and decorated with crepe paper ribbons. However, pinatas can also be made from reeds, paper, clay jars and balloons. They come in numerous shapes with animals being the most popular. Christmas pinatas are frequently star shaped.

Pinatas range from mini pinatas for decorating to extra large for parties and celebrations. The size of the pinata used depends on the number of people at the celebration. The Guinness Amazing World Records website reports that the world’s largest pinata broke all records in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Nov. 2, 2008. The huge donkey pinata measured 28.5 meters long; 7.2 meters wide and 18 meters tall. It held 8,000 pounds of candy. It had to be broken by a wrecking ball while a huge crowd waited. The event was featured in a cruise line commercial.

The Mexican pinata song is sung by children in Mexico before or while hitting the pinata, depending on preference. It is a comical song intended to keep people laughing. It is now gaining popularity in other countries as well.