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The traditional Mexican piņata is
a star with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins: greed, gluttony, sloth, pride, envy, wrath and lust.
The person attempting to break the piņata represents the good overcoming the evil by destroying the sins by hitting and breaking the piņata into pieces. The candies
and treats that come pouring out from the broken piņata symbolize the forgiveness of sins and a
new beginning.
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The piņata was
practiced as a Christian celebration. It symbolized the struggle of man and his faith.
In Mexico and Central America, the
Spanish missionaries used the piņata as a tool to help them get the attention
of the indigenous people and convert them to Christianity.
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Originally, the piņatas were
filled with local candies, apples, pears and peanuts. Today they are filled with candies and toys.
Before attempting to hit the piņatas
, the person must cover his eyes, symbolically to protect himself from being enticed by the piņatas
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