Christmas In Central And South American Nations

11. Christmas in Central and South American Nations

In Central and South American nations, which have a fairly large Christian

population, the Nativity or Manger Scene is the main decoration in homes at

Christmas time. In Mexico, a Christmas tree may also be set up in some homes

along with the Nativity scene or Nacimiento. The Christmas tree is usually a

small artificial tree, called arbolito. It can also be as simple as a branch cut

from a special type of tree or a type of shrub that is then minimally decorated.

The primary Christmas celebration in Mexico is called La Posada. It is a

religious procession that dramatizes how Joseph and Mary tried to find a place

where Jesus could be born. During the procession, the participants carry images

of Mary and Joseph and go from house to house seeking a place to stay. During

Midnight Mass, which is called la misa del gallo or 'rooster's mass,' those in

attendance sing lullabies to Jesus. On Christmas Day children receive gifts as

well as candies that are stuffed into a piñata. This may be one or more

sculptures made of papier mache that are hung from the ceiling. Children are

blindfolded and take turns hitting the piñata until it breaks and scatters the

candies on the floor. All the children then scamper around as they try to get as

much candy as they can. Children also receive a gift on Jan. 6 from the Three

Wise Men, if they were good.

People in Venezuela usually put out pesebres, which show the Nativity

scene, on Dec. 16. Early morning church services, called Misa de Aguinaldo, are

also common from Dec. 16 to Christmas Eve. After Mass on Christmas Eve, a grand

dinner is traditionally enjoyed.

In Argentina, red and white garlands are used to decorate houses. After

attending Midnight Mass, Argentinians have a meal, toast each other, dance and

go out to see fireworks. The meal may be roasted pork or turkey, stuffed

tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas bread and puddings. Drinks such as cider and

juice made from different fruits are used for the toast. Christmas gifts are

opened on Christmas Eve just before the family retires to bed.

In Chile, Santa Claus is Father Christmas and is known as 'Viejito

Pascuero.' He arrives in a similar but slightly different manner than Santa

Claus because his reindeer is pulled by a taxicab. Chileans use small figures

made from clay to place near the Christmas tree in a display called pesebre to

show the Nativity story. The traditional Christmas dinner includes chicken soup

with stuffed potatoes, onions and corn on the cob. Another favorite item is a

Christmas bread that is called pan de pasqua and which is made with candies and

fruits.

Christmas customs in Brazil originate from the many different ethnic groups who

make up the country. The Nativity scene is called the Presepio and can commonly

be found displayed in homes, churches and stores. Papai Noel, or Father Noel,

resides in Greenland and brings gifts at Christmas. He is said to wear silk

clothing because Christmas occurs during summer when it is very hot in Brazil.

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is called Missa do Gallo, because the coming day

is announced by the rooster and the Mass finishes at 1 am on the following day.

A traditional Christmas dinner, called Ceia de Natal, includes ham, turkey,

colored rice, a variety of vegetables and fruit dishes. Christmas Day Mass at

Catholic churches are mainly held in the late afternoon because people enjoy

sleeping late or going to the beach after having Christmas dinner. Christmas

festivities, which include folk dancing and singing, continue until January 6th,

which is called Three Kings Day.