Posadas - Understanding the Ritual

This piece has been added by Consuelo Pacheco.

Las Posadas, literally translated into giving someone a place to rest, is a ritual whose origins are not clearly known, but may have originated in Galicia, Spain several centuries ago and brought to New Mexico.

Here the tradition has been kept alive for several hundred years. Simply put, Las Posadas re-enacts the journey of Joseph and Mary seeking refuge in the dead of winter. It is a novena, or a myth/prayer drama in which community members go for nine consecutive days before Christmas to homes (whose owners offer to host the Posadas) to ask for refuge.

The group, accompanied by guitarists splits into two groups, one group with Mary and Joseph, remain outside as a choral group and the other group comes into the home. The dialogue, sung between the two groups dramatizes that journey taken by the pregnant Blessed Virgin and her husband Joseph.

The dialogue sung in verse form back and forth, emphasizes the "inn keepers" who do not want to let them in, thinking they are thieves. Joseph, in desperation says he only seek refuge for one night for the Queen of Heaven.

The group inside the home, responds in the 4th verse, "Well if it is a queen that asks in the middle of the night, is she alone?"

The group, waiting outside responds with Joseph, "My wife, is Mary the Queen of the Heavens, and she is to be mother of a being of the Divine Word." In response, those inside, ask them to come into their humble abode in a generous response exemplified by the words, "Abranse las puertas, rompanse los velos, Que viene a pasar La Reina del Cielo." Translated, it commands that the doors be open, the veils be torn apart because the Queen of Heaven is passing through.

With these words the entire group comes in, and singing joyfully as one, say how blessed they are to receive them and give thanks to both Mary and Joseph for this blessing of their home with their coming. After this, prayers are said for both the host family and the community, and a meal awaits the group. Usually, posole, tamales, bread or tortillas, red chili and the traditional Christmas cookies, called biscochitos and hot coffee and hot chocolate is served.

This drama can be seen as a re-enactment of the importance of the gift of hospitality, generosity and trust. Hospitality and generosity are the characteristic traits that mark Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Latino cultures. Trust, opening the doors and tearing down any "veils" of your home (the self), to any stranger in need of refuge was also practiced here in New Mexico until about 50 years ago. Yet, in an ambiance of mistrust, some people continue the practice of welcoming strangers into their homes.

It is trust tied to faith that when you serve the other, you are bringing into full action what it is to be truly human, to be vulnerable. In the dark of winter, when seeds under the ground are dormant, one cannot see what is growing above ground, or one cannot see clearly in darkness. It is then that one must trust. Trust that it is a virtue to be hospitable; trust in the other; and trust that life continues and exists to give light. It is in a sense very existentialist. In fact in Spanish the old term used when a woman gives birth is "Var dar luz." She is giving Light. May we all celebrate Posadas in our own way, in the way of open heart.

San Miguel Mission Chapel

This understated chapel in Santa Fe is said to be the oldest church still in use in the United States!