The inns! They are a christmas tradition so rooted and significant in the mexican culturebut do you know what the litany What should be sung to carry out this activity? Below we tell you.
Origin of the inns
According to an article in the National Commission of Protected Natural Areashistory tells us that the posadas arrived with the Spanish conquest, thus changing the tradition of the Aztecs, who celebrated during the month of Panquetzaliztli (December) arrival of their god Huitzilopochtli. This celebration began on December 6 with a duration of 20 days and consisted of placing flags on the fruit trees and banners in the main temple.
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However, with the arrival of the Spanish this changed, since the celebrations called “bonus masses”, carried out from December 16 to 24.
These masses were supposedly held outdoors, where passages were read and performances alluding to Christmas were performed, what we know today as pastorelas. In addition, small gifts known as “aguinaldos” were given to attendees.
Although, after the independence of Mexico, this custom of attending the celebrations of the “bonus masses” disappeared, so it was the faithful followers who rescued it and carried it out in their own homes, thus giving rise to the tradition of the “posadas”.
Additionally, the word “posada,” which means “lodging” or “refuge,” also symbolizes Mary and Joseph’s search for a safe place to give birth to Jesus.
Meanwhile, Mexican families recreate this search, asking for refuge in different houses.
To do this, the participants were divided into two groups: the “pilgrims” who were looking for an inn, representing Mary and Joseph, and the “owners of the inn.”
On the other hand, friends, neighbors and family who gather to relive the sacred story perform songs and prayers for these festive activities.
Litany for inns
One of the most important songs during the night is the Litany to ask for an innwhose creation is allegedly attributed to Fray Diego de Soria, an Augustinian friar who arrived in Mexico in 1586. Fray Diego de Soria was a missionary who worked to evangelize indigenous Mexicans and promote the Catholic faith.
Here are the complete lyrics of the song to ask for posada:
Litany to ask for an inn
-Pilgrims: In the name of heaven, I ask you for lodging, because she cannot walk, my beloved wife.
-Innkeepers: This is not an inn, keep going. I can’t open it, it’s not some scoundrel.
-Pilgrims: Do not be inhuman, show us charity, the God of heaven will reward you.
-Innkeepers: You can go now and not bother me, because if I get angry I’m going to beat you up.
-Pilgrims: We come exhausted from Nazareth, I am a carpenter named José.
-Innkeepers: I don’t care about the name, let me sleep, because I already told you that we shouldn’t open.
-Pilgrims: Posada asks you, beloved landlord, for just one night the queen of heaven.
-Innkeepers: Well, if it is a queen who requests it, how come she walks so alone at night?
-Pilgrims: My wife is Mary, she is queen of heaven, and she will be the mother of the Divine Word.
-Innkeepers: Are you Joseph? Is your wife Mary? Among the pilgrims, I didn’t know them.
-Pilgrims: May God repay, gentlemen, your charity, and may the sky fill you with happiness.
-All: Blessed is the house that shelters this day the pure Virgin, the beautiful Mary!
(The innkeepers open the door and let the pilgrims enter)
Enter holy pilgrims, receive this corner, that although the dwelling is poor, I give it to you from the heart! Let us all sing with joy as we consider that Jesus, Joseph and Mary come to visit us!
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Meaning of the nine days of posadas
Each of the nine days of the posadas has a different meaning (humility, strength, detachment, charity, trust, justice, purity, joy and generosity), and those who usually carry out these celebrations according to tradition celebrate them. every day in a different house or block.
However, some consider that they are nine days to symbolize the months of Mary’s gestation.
CSAS