Traditional Pinata Shapes
Although pinatas are very popular in Hispanic cultures, they are used in many parts of the world for birthday and childrens' parties to provide entertainment and special treats for the party. Modern pinatas are colorfully decorated and come in shapes that are only limited by the imagination and talent of the pinata maker, but pinatas and their shapes have a long history steeped in tradition.
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Origins
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The earliest movement of pinatas through the world is credited to Marco Polo as he brought the tradition from China to Italy in the 13th century. The Chinese fashioned figures of cows, oxen or buffalo, covered them with colored paper and vivid decorations, then filled them with various seeds. When used to welcome in the New Year, special colors were used on the decorated vessels as well as on the sticks that were used to break them.
Italian Lent Celebrations
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During the 14th century, the pinata developed into a religious custom becoming popular in Lent celebrations. The first Sunday of Lent became "Pinata Sunday" during which pinatas shaped like clay water pots were used. It is this shape that is credited with being the shape that inspired pineapple-shaped pinatas.
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Spanish Pinatas
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When the pinata arrived in Spain, it was used as part of the Lent celebration that was becoming a fiesta period. A plain pot-shaped container was used and later became a decorated pot as the tradition moved into the 16th century. Pots used for the celebration were then decorated by being wrapped with fringed paper, ribbons and tinsel. By the 16th century, pinatas were being used in celebrations by the Aztecs and Mayans in South America.
Seven Points into 10 Points
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During the 16th century, the shape began taking on the sputnik design with seven colorful spikes emerging from the pot to represent the seven deadly sins. The pot represented Satan's face, decorated with a colorful mask to fool the unwary. As time went by, the seven deadly sins became 10 spikes that represented the Ten Commandments.
Modern Pinata Shapes
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Modern pinatas are made in the shapes of cartoon characters or toys and hobbies that interest a child. During Christmastime, star-shaped pinatas are popular to represent the star of Bethlehem. Pinatas are mass produced in factories or can be hand-crafted by skilled workers, customizing the pinatas to suit the celebration or buyer.
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References
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