Alex Palmer - The Atlas of Christmas: The Merriest, Tastiest, Quirkiest Holiday Traditions from Around the World

While Christmas began as a day to honor the birth of Jesus, just how this is done has grown and evolved in some surprising ways throughout the world. The approaches that different countries take to recognizing the season reflect their particular history and heritage, and how cultures adapt the same materials to suit their own place.

T he story of Christs birth remains the central focus of Christmas celebrations throughout Latin America and Spanish-speaking parts of the world. But while nativity scenes and tributes to the Virgin Mary and Wise Men are widespread, the people of Mexico take a slightly different path in honoring the tale. A man and woman dress up as Joseph and Mary and reenact the search for lodging on the night when Jesus was born. The couple, often played by adolescents, leads a procession of children costumed in silver and gold robes as well as musicians and other parishioners to a predesignated house. This is the posada, or inn, and the residents take on the role of skeptical innkeepers of Bethlehem. They greet the visitors at the door, listen as the couple explains their plight, and reluctantly refuse them entry. But after some further back-and-forth, typically in song or verse, the innkeepers finally recognize the holy couple and warmly allow them inside.

The whole procession moves indoors, where participants gather around the nativity scene to pray, read scripture, and sing carols before moving on to the next posadaoften visiting three or four homes in a night. From the last posada, everyone heads to Mass, after which they cut loose with a more relaxed party that usually includes feasting on tamales, pan dulce, and champurrado (a corn-based hot chocolate popular in Mexico) while the children take shots at a clay piata full of candy and fruit.

While some celebrate las posadas only on Christmas Eve, many perform the ritual every night from December 16 to December 24nine nights, representing the nine months of Marys pregnancy. The specific songs may vary and for some performances, Joseph and Mary may even ride atop donkeys or incorporate other dramatic elements. The tradition dates back to at least the seventeenth century, introduced by Augustinian missionaries as a Christian alternative to the Aztec custom of celebrating the god Huitzilopochtli at about the same time of year. The practice grew more popular over time and spread throughout Latin America. The performance of requesting and being granted shelterafter several denialshas particular resonance for Mexican American immigrant communities of the United States.