Astrid Rivera Reynoso, Autor en Baby Creysi

“Rosca de Reyes”: Explanation for children

Posted on 05/01/2022 - 15:39 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The Rosca de Reyes is a delicious tradition. This explanation for children will help you tell the little ones its origin and meaning.

One of the most delicious traditional dishes is the Rosca de Reyes; just thinking of a cup of hot chocolate with a slice of it makes our mouths water; this tradition has an origin and meaning. Get together with your little ones to learn about it. This delicious tradition is an opportunity to spend time with the family, in which the little ones talk about the gifts that the Three Wise Men brought them.

Meaning

There are Roscas of various shapes and flavors today, but the meaning goes back to Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar’s visit to Baby Jesus after his birth. All the ingredients represent an aspect of that visit.

Oval shape: It represents the infinite love of God.
Dried fruits: They symbolize the jewels embedded in the Wise Men’s crowns.
Hidden child figurine: it represents Baby Jesus. It recalls the time in which he remained hidden when King Herod ordered to persecute him. Part of the tradition is that whoever finds Baby Jesus in the Rosca must take care of him until February 2^nd, Candlemas Day, and prepare tamales.
Knife: It refers to the dangers faced by Baby Jesus.

Rosca de Reyes and a cup of chocolate Photo: Shutterstock — Rosca de Reyes and a cup of chocolate. Photo: Shutterstock

Origin

Although the most widespread version of the story of the Rosca de Reyes is related to the Catholic religion and the birth of Baby Jesus, there is also another version that points to the Romans.

The Ministry of Culture of Mexico City points out that the Romans, during their celebration of Saturn (god of agriculture and time), a bean was placed inside a Rosca, and whoever found it became king for a day.

Years later, with the expansion of Christianity, this tradition took on a more symbolic and religious connotation. The Three Wise Men traveled from the East to visit Baby Jesus; as a token of their worship, they brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Another version on the origin of the Rosca refers to France; during the reign of Louis XV, a French court cook prepared the Rosca for the king, a dish that became popular among the nobility, the object that was hidden was a coin of gold.

It is believed that this dish was brought to Spain by King Felipe V. Little by little, it became a dish enjoyed after Christmas. It arrived in Mexico during the time of the conquest.

Silhouettes of the Three Wise Men Photo: Pixabay — Silhouettes of the Three Wise Men. Photo: Pixabay

When do we eat the Rosca de Reyes?

On January 6th, after the arrival of the Three Wise Men, is when we eat this dish, as it recalls the visit of Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar to Baby Jesus.

Where can we eat Rosca de Reyes?

You can get together with your family to share this tradition, but you can also visit the Festival de la Rosca y el Chocolate 2022 in Mexico City, which will take place on January 5th and 6th, from 1:00 p.m. 8:00 p.m.

This event will be held at the Lienzo Charro del Peñón, located at Adolfo Ruíz Cortines 602, Mayor’s Office, Venustiano Carranza, near Oceanía Metro Station.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

What are babies born in the Year of the Tiger like?

Posted on 03/01/2022 - 10:02 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

We have started 2022, which, according to the Chinese horoscope, will be a year of rebirth and a lot of movement. So, if your little one is about to be born or you plan to order one to the stork, you will be interested to know what babies born in the year of the tiger are like.

Although this feline is always associated with being wild and ferocious, the tiger is considered to be the noblest animal in the jungle by Chinese culture; it is a symbol of strength, of an end to evil and it personifies courage.

These tiger characteristics can be displayed by your baby if he is born in 2022

Brave and strong

People born under this zodiac sign are attributed the qualities of this feline, so if your little one is born during 2022, he will be brave and active, with an interest in challenges as well as adventures.

Chinese astrology

According to Chinese astrology, those born in the year of the tiger are kind, benevolent, and imaginative; their energy is inexhaustible, they rarely feel tired; therefore, they are difficult to control.

Tigers never give up

They are brave regardless of the difficulties that come their way, they will not give up. They are not afraid to express themselves and can be aggressive at work. Sometimes their confidence makes it hard to connect with others, so they need to open up a bit.

Because children born under this zodiac sign are usually very active and restless, as well as taking a leadership attitude, it is not easy for them to make friends.

They tend to be reserved, they do not let people get close to them.

We recommend: Baby names and their meanings inspired by the Sun

Origin of Chinese horoscopes

Legend has it that Buddha, on his deathbed, called all the animals on earth to leave testimony of his last wish, and there were twelve animals that came up, in the following order:

Rat
Ox
Tiger
Rabbit
Dragon
Snake
Horse
Goat
Monkey
Rooster
Dog
Pig

Buddha

In gratitude, Buddha turned these animals into the twelve zodiacal signs, assigning that each of them would rule for one year and influence the personality of those born into it.

Lunar year

The Chinese calendar is based on the lunar year, unlike the Western calendar, which is solar, meaning that the New Year celebrations in both cultures do not agree with respect to dates.

A lunar year is usually shorter than the solar year and is made up of 12 months of 29 and a half days each. Therefore, on February 14 the Year of the Ox ends and the Year of the Tiger begins.

It may interest you: Rituals to receive the New Year

Am I a tiger?

Although the correspondence between the years of the Chinese and Western calendar is not entirely exact, approximately, those who were born in 1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 and 2010 are people born under the sign of the Tiger.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de LAra

Spanish version

Five fun ways to write the letter to the Three Wise Men

Posted on 30/12/2021 - 13:13 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

One of our children’s favorite dates is the arrival of the Three Wise Men. As we see their enthusiasm awaiting for their gifts, we remember when we were their age and our own excitement of knowing if we would get what we asked for that barely let us fall asleep. We leave here these fun ways to write the letter to the Three Wise Men.

Although the Kings arrive until the night of January 5th, our little ones start preparing their wish list many days before. There are many formats and templates to write the letter to the Three Wise Men: the printed ones that are sold in stationery stores, templates on the Internet, handmade ones, and even there are samples on apps and web sites.

Writing the letter to the Kings is an excellent opportunity to spend time with your children and create beautiful memories.

3D Style

In this design, when you open the letter the wise men will pop up, as if it were a children’s book. To make this one, you will need two colored sheets of paper, scissors, glue, colors, and a piece of cardstock.

Fold a piece of paper or cardstock in half. Then cut slits at the center of your card. With the folded side facing you, cut two 1.5 inch slits. The paper between each of the cuts will form a tab that you’ll secure your pop up art too. Tabs can be wide or narrow depending on what kind of art you choose. Make multiple tabs if you are planning to add pop up art along the width of your card. Open the card and fold tabs inward. Crease each tab at the center. They should now be on the inside of the card.

Drawings of the wise men. Photo: Shutterstock

Next, draw your pop up art. Choose what will go on each tab. Cut the pop up art out and use a glue stick to secure to each tab. Fold your second piece of paper in half. This will be the outside of your final card. Glue the outside of the first piece of paper. Place the first piece of paper inside of the second piece of paper and press together, hiding the tab cutouts.

Decorate your pop up card and write a message. Put the finishing touches on your pop up card with glitter, stamps, or a fun message.

Tutorial para hacer una Carta de Reyes 3D Video: Canal ArteArt

Using recycled material

If you want your little one let his imagination fly and at the same time encourage recycling, this is a perfect option. You can use the cardboard tubes of the toilet paper to make the body of the Wise Men; to finish decorating them use old magazines, or prints that you no longer need. If you have paints from a school task, use them to finish decorating the tubes and form the details of the Wise Men.

Three Wise Men with toilet paper tubes. Photo: Shutterstock

Paper, colors and a lot of imagination

If you have young children and you don’t want them to use scissors or glue, you can boost their creativity by giving them crayons or colors to draw the Wise Men and what they want as a gift.

Templates

This is the perfect option if your little one likes to color. You can download a black and white template for your children to color as they like. If your child is older, together you can choose the design that you like the most.

Design for letter to Three Wise Men Photo: Shutterstock

It may interest you: Rituals to receive the New Year

Apps for the letter

Children using gadgets is becoming more common. If your children love technology, they can use one of the many free apps out there.

App for a letter to the Wise Men Photo: Screenshot of the Three Kings Letter app

You can also rely on YouTube tutorials to develop ideas and write to the Wise Men.

Regardless of the style you choose to write the letter to the Three Wise Men, this is a very valuable memory for both you and your little one, since the illusion of receiving the Three Wise Men accompanies us forever.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Baby names that will be trending in 2022

Posted on 29/12/2021 - 19:54 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The New Year is about to begin and it is full of plans to carry out. If among those plans is the arrival of the stork, these baby names that will be a trend in 2022 will help you. Get inspired and choose the one you like best!

Whether you choose a more traditional option, but not out of style like Mateo and Karla, or those that have become popular in recent years like Thiago and Mila; these names have beautiful meanings and are a perfect choice for your little one.

We recommend: Names for girls that are not common, yet very beautiful

For girl

From Aitana to Sofía, this selection of names will help you name your little girl.

A

Abril: The Romans named newborns according to the month in which they were born, the most popular wasApril, from the Latin “aprire” which means “open”, since it refers to the arrival of spring.
Aitana: It derives from the Basque word “Aitzane” which means “glory”.
Alba: It comes from the Latin “albus”. It means “the woman of dawn” or “the woman in white”.

C, E, J

Chloe: It means “grass” or “green shoots”, it is of Greek origin.
Emma: It means “the one who is strong”, its origin is Germanic.
Jimena: It means “the one who knows how to listen”, its origin is Hebrew.

K, L, M

Karla: Of German origin meaning “brave and strong” or “the one who is strong”.
Lara: It comes from the Latin “lar, laris” which means protector of the home.
Lola: It is a derivative of Dolores, it comes from the Latin word “doloribus”, which means “pains” or “the mourner”.
Lucía: It means “the one who carries or is born of light”, it comes from Latin.
Mía: It comes from Hebrew, its meaning is “the chosen one”.
Mila: It is of Slavic origin, it means “loved by the people”.

O, P, S

Olivia: It means “the one who protects peace”.
Paula: It comes from Latin and means “the smallest”.
Sofía: Its origin is Greek and means “the one who has wisdom”.

V, Z

Valentina: It comes from Latin, it means “courageous”, “vigorous”, “she is healthy”.
Valeria: Its origin is Latin and means “healthy and courageous”.
Zoé: Its meaning is “full of life”, it is of Greek origin.

It may interest you: Original Nahuatl Names for Boys and Girls

For boys

A, B, D

Alex: Derived from Alexander, it means “defender or protector of man”.
Asher: It means “lucky, happy”, its origin is Hebrew.
Bruno: Of Germanic origin, it means “shield, breastplate”.
Diego: It comes from the Greek word “didachós”, its meaning is “educated, instructed, wise”.
Dorian: It means “gift”, it comes from Dorus, a character from Greek mythology who belonged to “The Dorians” tribe.

E, G, H

Elm: It is a derivative of Erasmus, it means “protection”; it is of Italian origin.
Enzo: It is a derivative of Heinrich, of Germanic origin, it means “prince of the lands”.
Eros: In Greek mythology he is the god of love.
Guido: Also of Italian origin, it means “jungle, forest”.
Hugo: It is of German origin, it means “man of great spirit”.

I, J ,L, M

Izan: Derived from the Hebrew name Eitan means “strong, permanent” or “constant”; it became popular first in England, English-speaking countries, and later in Spain.
Jasper: It is of Persian origin, its meaning is “the guardian of the treasure”.
Lúa: It comes from Latin, it means “it shines”.
Lucas: It comes from the Greek “loukas”, which means “luminous, the one that shines”.
Luka: Derived from Lucas, it has become very popular in recent years; it also means “luminous”.
Mateo: It means “the great gift of God”, it is of Hebrew origin and a biblical name since it was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus.
Matías: It is a derivative of Mateo, and like that name it also means “the great gift of God”.
Miles: Derived from the name of Germanic origin Milo, which means “gentle”; in England it was popularized as Miles.

N, S, T

Nuño: It means “the ninth son”, its origin dates back to medieval times.
Silas: It is a derivative of Silvano which means “forest”. In the New Testament, Silas was a missionary companion of Paul and Timothy.
Thiago: Of Hebrew origin, it means “God will reward us”.

I hope these names inspire you and help you choose one for your coming child.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Rituals to receive the New Year

Posted on 29/12/2021 - 12:29 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

There are a couple of days left until the arrival of 2022 and the enthusiasm to start a new year invades us, so we are already thinking about our resolutions. From finding a partner, having a baby, losing weight, traveling more among many others, for each of these resolutions there is a ritual to carry out as we receive the New Year. Do you already have yours?

The celebration of the New Year is a long-awaited party, and the rituals cannot be missed: eating grapes, wearing colored underwear, getting under the table to find a partner, and so on. These traditions have passed from generation to generation, some people think that if they carry a ritual out, they will meet their goals for the coming year. Here are the most famous.

We recommend: How to increase spirituality in family

A grape per chime

Eating a grape in each chime in the first minutes of the coming year is the most famous ritual. According to tradition, you must make a wish for each of the 12 grapes, this represents the resolutions you will fulfill throughout the year.

The origin of this ritual is not clear. It is thought that it started in France around the 19th century and from there it spread throughout Europe and reached Mexico, as well as other Latin American countries. Other versions point out that around 1880 in an area of vineyards in Spain, there was a surplus harvest and the people started eating the grapes.

Copa con uvas y reloj que marca la medianoche — One grape for each month of the year. Photo: Shutterstock

Cleaning the house

Carrying out a deep cleaning of our home, to get rid of bad energies and have space for the new items, is another of the New Year’s rituals.

Cleaning the home makes room for the new items. Photo: Shutterstock

Lentils for dinner

This dish is associated with abundance, people use to eat a plate to attract it. The relationship between lentils and prosperity dates back to the Romans, who after winter, and to celebrate the beginning of a new year celebrated in March, ate lentils because they believed that their nutritional properties gave them strength for combat.

Wearing new, colorful underwear

Red is for love, yellow is for money, black is for sex, white is for harmony and peace… depending on your resolutions, you must wear a particular color of underwear on the night of December 31st to attract what you want the following year.

Red underwear attracts love. Photo: Shutterstock.

Suitcases and backpacks

Taking a walk down our street carrying our suitcases is another of the most common rituals, as it is believed that by doing this, you will travel a lot the following year.

Lady and suitcase — Take out your suitcases to travel more. Photo: Shutterstock.

Getting under the table

Surely you have seen many memes these days about people who have sat under the table and already got married. This is related to the belief that getting under the table will help you attract a partner.

The ritual works like this: in the first minutes of the New Year, you get under the table and think positively about what you expect in love.

Lady under the table — Get under the table to find a partner. Photo: Shutterstock.

Throwing water out the window

To ward off “bad vibes”, it is recommended to throw water out the window, either a bucket or a small container; although this is one of the most frequent rituals, try to use water in moderation to avoid waste.

Pour water to ward off bad vibes. Photo: Shutterstock.

You may be interested: Measures to prevent accidents at home

Lighting candles of different colors

Whether colored, with embedded seeds, in the shape of a sheep or an apple, the twelve candle ritual is another of the New Year’s custom; they represent the twelve months of the year. Catholic tradition says you should bless them during the New Year’s mass, and on the first day of each month you should light a candle.

Colored candles for all year long. Photo: Shutterstock

Putting a ring inside a glass

Another widely used ritual to receive the New Year, especially for those who want to walk down the aisle, is to place a ring in the glass to toast at midnight on December 31st.

Ring inside a wine glass. Photo: Shutterstock.

These are some of the rituals to receive the New Year. Choose yours!

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Measures to prevent accidents at home

Posted on 28/12/2021 - 08:15 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

During the holidays, accidents at a home increase by 30%. We leave you some steps to avoid accidents at home. Protect your little ones! Read these measures to prevent accidents at home.

The hustle and bustle of the holidays, the preparations for family dinners, the decorations in the home force us to take care of our little ones. These are some measures to prevent accidents at home. Follow them and take care of your little ones! Figures from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi) indicate that the first cause of death in 2020 among children between 1 and 4 years of age were accidents, while the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) indicates that during winter holidays increase the accidents of children at home by 30%, with burns and falls. Intoxication is the major injury suffered by our little ones.

Civil Protection details that accidents with Christmas trees caused 60% of homes’ fires registered in December. As if that was not enough, the Ministry of Health of the government of Mexico City (Sedesa) warns that burns in children increased 30% due to the burning of pyrotechnics, leaving injuries to hands and fingers and hearing loss.

We must apply preventive measures to protect our little ones in these situations. The National Center for Disaster Prevention (CENAPRED) and the IMSS provide some recommendations for this season:

In the kitchen

Prevent your little ones from playing in the kitchen, not even near it.
Keep children away from the stove or heater.
Do not carry a child while cooking.

Christmas trees and safe Nativity sets

Place them on firm bases so that they are away from corridors and drafts.
Do not place lighted candles as part of the decoration, as they can cause fires.

Watch out for Christmas lights

Use LED-type bulbs since they consume less energy.
Check that the contacts are not damaged and do not overload them.
If you leave the house, turn off all the lights.

Safe piñatas

Use cardboard piñatas to avoid bumps or cuts.
Take precautions when hitting it.
Avoid stuffing them with heavy or pointed objects.
Hold it firmly and outline the area.

Prepared for emergencies

In addition to these measures, it is essential to plan for these situations, to be better prepared if an accident occurs. Leonardo González, a Real Estate analyst at Propiedades.com, recommends having an emergency plan to be better prepared to resolve them.

This emergency plan at home must have the following points:

Simulate evacuation routes inside the house.
Identify problem areas and those that could cause accidents.
Always have emergency telephone numbers and contacts at hand.
Create a procedure plan among the whole family and assign roles.
Implement internal measures to act promptly.
Repair damage that could cause accidents.

This season is one of the favorites for many people; let’s enjoy the holidays with caution, let’s follow the rules to protect the little ones at home.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version: Here

We recommend: Home remedies to raise the body defenses

How do home pregnancy tests work?

How to promote spirituality in the family

Posted on 27/12/2021 - 14:22 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

Parents are concerned that their children grow up healthy and strong, that they have good grades, and play sports. But what about their spiritual development? From the family, we can promote spirituality and have many benefits. We tell you what they are!

Panterita Roch, a spiritual coach, explained that we tend to think that we are separate entities, in which the body is on one side, and the mind on the other, and spirituality entails an enormous effort on our part; however, there is nothing more natural, because, above all, we are spirit.

We can make spirituality part of our daily lives and foster it with some small practices in our families. Panterita Roch shares with us some of her advice to promote family spirituality.

Some of the benefits that spiritual development gives us are:

It helps relax and release stress.
It promotes the development of values.
It encourages empathy, compassion, and dignity.
It helps develop respect for us and others.
It encourages questioning and growth.

Besides these benefits, we may add a more balanced life, better communication among family members, and an atmosphere of peace and generosity, which provides us with an optimal solution to solve everyday problems.

“Although these benefits sound idyllic, the truth is that these are natural characteristics of our essence that always accompany us; we just have to change our approach and remember what we are”.

Take advantage of everyday activities

The practices in our routine are a good time to practice; if we want to teach our family to be grateful, we can start by giving thanks when we finish a meal.

You can thank the Universe or anyone you have faith in so that it begins to become a conscious habit.

Involve your partner

Before starting to teach your children, talk to your partner so that everyone takes advantage of the moments of coexistence and promotes spirituality in a didactic way.

“You should first strengthen your own beliefs and help each other find inner balance. There will always be questions to ask and challenges to overcome, but together is better”.

Encourage service to others by example

An old saying says that “you have to lead by example,” so if we want to instill in our little ones to help others, we must start with ourselves, either by donating something or allocating part of our time to some tasks.

“Nothing like your example to make service to others organic and natural; this will help us develop empathy for others and see other people as part of yourself, which is one of the most important lessons of selfless service”.

Meditate together

Doing meditation, a daily family practice is the best way to encourage spirituality in our little ones.

“Hold short sessions if you have never done it before and increase the time depending on the need of the family members. Five minutes will be enough. Remember that deep breathing is key, inhaling deeply in five seconds, holding the air for three seconds and then releasing it in five seconds; the important thing is that they can relax and connect with their inner self”.

Learn together

Researching about topics that catch your attention and discussing the points that are most interesting to you will unite you more.

Panterita Roch commented that you could start fostering spirituality in children as soon as they begin to be aware of themselves; the ideal age is five years old to help them manage their emotions and frustrations at that stage.

“The important thing is that you connect, express your concerns and triumphs, and that family members represent physical and spiritual support for each other”.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version

We also recommend: The genealogical tree a tool to know our roots

10 family movies that teach the value of tolerance

Energetic ties between parents and children: the invisible family legacy

Home remedies to raise the body defenses

Posted on 27/12/2021 - 10:17 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

Many people look forward to the holiday season. It is the time to get together with friends and family, but low temperatures are a factor that can cause respiratory diseases. These home remedies will help you raise your defenses and be stronger against any illness.

A balanced diet is key to having strong defenses, since consuming certain foods provide us with nutrients to strengthen our immune system. However, we can help ourselves with some home remedies, which combine different natural products to keep us strong.

However, we must not forget that no home remedy or food is the cure for an illness. If you or your little one have any discomfort or symptoms, you should go to the doctor to get the appropriate treatment.

Honey lemon tea

This recipe is a granny’s classic home remedy because when we go down with a cold, they tell us that this drink will help us cope with the symptoms. Honey has many benefits: it is rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, it is a natural sweetener, and best of all, it only has 64 calories.

On the other hand, the lemon has a high content of vitamin C; it also has antiviral properties that help raise the defenses against possible viral infections. Attention! It helps our body to strengthen our immune system, but it does not mean that lemon cures a viral or bacterial infection.

Ointments with ginger

Ginger is a plant native to Southeast Asia which is used in many food recipes, but it is also used to calm many ailments, since its properties provide many benefits, including raising our defenses and it is udes in many home remedies.

Gingerol is the main active compound in ginger and the one that gives its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; it also helps reduce stress and therefore raise our defenses. Whether you consume it in tea, or in some food, the ginger ointment helps stimulate the respiratory tract, thus helping to decongest.

To prepare this ointment, boil a few pieces of this root; then grind the root (if you have a mortar, it is much better, otherwise you can crush it with some hard object to apply pressure). You are going to grind the root until its consistency feels like a paste, and at night, apply it on the chest.

Saltwater washes

Another home remedy: Making a solution with salt and water helps clean the mucous that is generated in the respiratory tract. Pour a teaspoon of salt into a glass of water and stir. Whether you gargle or put small drops directly into your nose with the help of a dropper, it will help keep your breathing passages clear, due to the astringent properties of salt.

Garlic

Because it contains phytochemicals (compounds that help promote the immune system), garlic is a food that you can eat in small pieces or you can add it to your meals. It will help you raise your defenses.

It may interest you: Pets: gift or responsibility?

Juice against flu

This drink is also a mom’s classic because as soon as the winter arrives, moms prepare this juice for their children. The ingredients, orange, pineapple, guava and a few drops of lemon, are rich in vitamin C to raise defenses.

Remember that these home remedies only help us raise our defenses and they complement other factors such as sleeping well and eating a balanced diet. Check them and prepare for your little ones the one you consider best.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

We recommend: How to prepare a homemade oral saline solution

How do home pregnancy tests work?

Tips for a green Christmas

Posted on 22/12/2021 - 16:46 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

Climate change is becoming more intense, and its effects more visible. Therefore, it is vital to make small changes in our routines to leave a better world for our children. These tips for a green Christmas will help you have a greener Christmas to pollute less.

Teresa de Jesús Mijangos Arrazola, a specialist from Unidad de Medio Ambiente, Arqueología y Biodiversidad de Enel Power (Enel Green Power’s Environment, Archeology, and Biodiversity Unit), commented that, although many of the activities we carry out during the Christmas season seem to be far from sustainability, there is much we can do to live a greener Christmas.

“We must track a more sustainable route for our planet, which involves providing green grains of sand to create and seek a fairer world for our sons and daughters. Involving them in the creation of a white Christmas can be a strategy that, in addition to keeping the Christmas spirit on, can contribute to the mitigation of climate change”.

The specialist explained that some of the traditions of this season, for example, the lights of the Christmas tree, or even the Christmas tree, affect the environment. She estimated that electricity consumption increases around 30 percent during these days due to the lights we decorate our homes with.

From a young age, we must explain to our children the importance of caring for the environment and promoting sustainable actions from home, like applying these tips for a green Christmas:

LED lights

Let´s decorate our homes with Christmas lights that have LED bulbs since they use 75 percent less energy than conventional lights. Plus, they last longer. Similarly, turning off the Christmas lights at night will help you save electricity.

Avoid gift wrappings

Although having the tree surrounded by gifts, with their Christmas wrappings and bows, is a practice in many homes, and it causes a lot of emotion for the little ones, it is not friendly to the environment, so the environmental specialist, Teresa de Jesús Mijangos Arrazola recommends avoiding wrapping paper and using materials that can be reused.

Wrap gifts using reusable materials. Photo: Shutterstock

No food waste

Christmas dinners are an opportunity for all family members to get together. It is believed that we must cook too much food for everyone to be satisfied; however, most of the time, there is too much food left over, and it ends up in the trash. Preparing the proper portions will avoid this waste.

Fair portions to avoid waste. Photo: Shutterstock

Long-lasting tree

Christmas trees, whether natural or artificial, are a source of pollution. If you decide to use a natural pine, you can take it to a collection center to turn it into compost when the holiday season is over.

Decorated Christmas tree Photo: Shutterstock

If you decide on an artificial one, try to use it for many years. According to data from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, they are made of plastic, so they take up to 500 years to degrade, according to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat).

“We consider that having a more sustainable Christmas and New Year is possible. Sustainability is no longer a temporary issue; it is a requirement to guarantee the green future that our sons and daughters deserve”.

Teresa de Jesus Mijangos Arrazola

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver

Spanish version

We recommend: Names for your baby inspired by Christmas

Origin of the piñata

Posted on 16/12/2021 - 19:48 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The posadas have already started, and one of the elements that cannot be missing is the piñata, whether in its traditional shape as a star or a fashionable character. It is one of the funniest traditions of the holiday season. Do you know what the origin of the piñata is? Here we tell you.

The Catholic tradition indicates that from December 16th to December 24th, posadas take place, remembering the days when Mary and Joseph asked for posada (shelter) before the birth of Jesus Christ.

We recommend: Rituals for abundance

From China to Europe

There are different versions about how piñatas arose; one of them has to do with China, where a clay cow, ox, or buffalo was covered with colored paper, and agricultural tools were hung.

On one of his trips, the explorer Marco Polo observed that to celebrate the Chinese New Year, the inhabitants of that region broke an ox figurine, which was filled with seeds. This anecdote is described in his book The Travels of Marco Polo.

The merchant, too, took this game to Italy, where it took the name of “pignatta”, “fragile pot” in Italian because it was made with a clay pot. However, some say that the origin of this word does not come from being made with a pot, but because the first “piñatas” were always made in the shape of a “pineapple”, lined with colored tissue paper, and that is precisely from why the word “pignatta” means “fragile pot”.

As this custom spread throughout Europe, they were integrated into the celebration of Lent. In Spain, the piñata was broken on the first Sunday of Lent, so this Sunday was known as “Piñata Sunday” for many years.

The tradition or game consisted simply of breaking a clay pot covered with colored paper with a stick filled with candy, and people were blindfolded to break it.

Pre-Hispanic piñatas

Another version dates back to the Mayans, who had a game where they hung a clay pot full of cocoa beans, which they had to break blindfolded. But a similar tradition is also associated with the Aztec civilization, which celebrated the god Huitzilopochtli. This celebration coincided with the European winter.

In the ceremony, the priests of the Templo Mayor placed a clay pot on a pole in the temple and filled it with small precious objects obtained as loot from their victories. The pot was richly decorated with multicolored feathers, it was broken with a stick, and the gifts it contained were spilled at the feet of its god, signifying the offering of the people.

Evangelization

During the Spanish conquest, the Catholic priests used the piñatas to preach the gospel. The idea was quickly accepted due to the background of the Aztec culture.

It is estimated that the first “official” posada in New Spain was held in 1586. The Augustinian friars of Acolman de Nezahualcóyotl, in the current State of Mexico, near the archaeological site of Teotihuacán, received authorization from Pope Sixto V to celebrate the “aguinaldo masses”, which would later become the posadas. It was at these masses that the friars introduced the piñata.

Meaning

According to catholic tradition, the elements of the piñata have the following meaning:

Star shape: Its seven peaks represent each of the seven sins
Blindfolded: It is the blind faith with which temptations are overcome
Stick: Remember the fight against sins
Fruit and candy: It means the riches of the kingdom of heaven

How can you make a piñata?

You can use a clay pot or a balloon and newspaper clippings, glue, tissue paper, and cardboard cones. Once you have these materials, take the pot or the balloon, and place the glue all over the surface to stick the newspaper clippings.

Once you’ve glued the cutouts and the balloon or pot is completely covered, glue the cardboard cones, forming the spikes of the piñata; you can even tape them. Let dry for a few minutes.

Once you have assembled the piñata, decorate it with tissue paper, you can put other ornaments such as stickers or colored ribbons.

Tell your little one the origin of the piñata and together make yours.

Artisans making a piñata Photo: Shutterstock

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

Rituals to attract abundance

Posted on 16/12/2021 - 14:40 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The Christmas season makes us think about what happened to us in the year and plan what we want for the next one. One way to fill ourselves with energy is through rituals to attract abundance; we leave you some to do as a family and attract abundance.

Spiritual coach, Panterita, shares with us that to obtain the abundance we desire, we must let go of past experiences, even the bad ones, to make room for all that is good.

“Abundance is energy; it is an energetic current that flows from you and through you. You can make room in your energy, but if you are full of emotions you have not released, you are not making room for new things to come into your life”.

Preparation

Before performing the ritual, you must prepare internally by looking for the right place and time for your family to be relaxed, but also externally: clean your home, especially the area of the house where the ritual will be performed.

Internally, you will think about what you want to achieve by 2022: if you’re going to change jobs, buy a house, buy a car… Panterita comments that when one thinks about the goals I want to achieve, I am charging myself with energy.

“The intention, when you think about what you want, you are aware of it, you impregnate it with energy to become a reality. This feeling, that energy is going to make this work”.

What do you need?

Once you have cleaned your house, found the place, as well as the time to perform the ritual, and that you have done this exercise of thinking about your goals, you’ll need:

• One purple candle: purple is the color of transmutation; we will use it because we will let go of everything we don’t want.
• One golden candle: it helps us bring abundance. If you don’t get a golden one, it can be red, yellow, or orange.
• paper and pen
• A pot or cauldron
• Music: you can search for mantras or frequencies

Visualize what you want

Once you and your family have found the right time and place, you are going to take the candle, the paper and the pen; with the candle in your hands, you will close your eyes and inhale deeply three times; while you do it, you will think about everything that happened to you in this 2021 and give thanks.

“You will say three times thank you, and then you will think about everything that happened this year. You are going to write everything. First, you will write the phrase. Thank you three times: Thank you because I had a job this year. And also, be thankful for the bad because everything you consider to be something bad is a teaching that shows you what your soul has to work on”.

By doing this ritual, you let go of everything that happened to you and make room for new things. The next step is to think about what you want for the next year, visualize it, and you are going to write it down on a piece of paper; then, take the golden candle, and again you will imagine what you expect from the following year.

“We are going to light the golden candle. You will take it into your hands and set an intention on it; this intention is what makes the difference. You will feel and remember the happiest moment in your life, and you will transmit that feeling of love from your heart to the candle, and you will infuse it with energy”.

Now that you have visualized your life in 2022 write down what you saw and put it in place in your home or office to constantly see it. Get together with your family; each one may think about what they want for the following year and do this ritual to receive abundance.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

It may interest you: Meaning of the Christmas Nativity Set

The meaning of the Christmas Nativity set

Posted on 15/12/2021 - 15:13 by Astrid Rivera Reynoso

The countdown to Christmas is almost over; the houses already show the season’s decorations. In the Catholic tradition, in addition to the tree, another important element is the Nativity set, which has a special meaning that you can explain to your little one. Involve him in its placement!

This element under the Christmas tree represents the arrival of Jesus Christ to the world, an event that is celebrated at Christmas according to Catholicism; it is made up of a crib, remembering the place where He was born, as well as figures of the characters and elements that were part of this event: Baby Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the Three Wise Men, among others.

It is usually assembled from December 8th, the day of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception; Baby Jesus is placed until midnight on December 25th.

We recommend: Names for your baby inspired by Christmas

Meaning of the elements:

Joseph: Obedience and strength

Mary: Love and Kindness

Shepherds and crib: humility

Baby Jesus: Light amid the darkness

Three Wise Men: Royal and Divine Nature of Jesus

Lambs: Innocence and sacrifice

Star: Light of Hope

The origin of the Nativity Set

This tradition dates back to the 11^th century when Saint Francis of Assisi, in the town of Greccio, Italy, made a live representation of the Birth of Jesus; since then, this custom began to spread throughout Christian countries.

For a long time, the Nativity Set consisted of a live representation of this event in Churches; with time, figures were made to be placed in homes.

It is thought that the first Nativity scene with figures made of clay took place in the Italian city of Naples at the end of the 15^th century. King Charles III, who ruled Spain and Naples, ordered that this representation of the Nativity scene with clay pieces be spread throughout all his domains.

Arrival in Mexico

The Nativity set came to our country after the conquest of the Spaniards; it was known by the name Bethlehem, the town where Baby Jesus was born. As part of the evangelization, the Franciscan friars used the Nativity scene, the pastorelas (plays that recreate the biblical passage where the shepherds follow the Star of Bethlehem to find the Christ Child), and the posadas (a party to commemorate the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph’s search for a place to stay where Jesus could be born) to teach Catholicism.

All around the country, Nativity sets births are made in different materials; they can be made of clay, such as those made in the Metepec, State of Mexico, or those made with polychrome tin in Tlaquepaque, Jalisco.

Famous Nativity sets

Every year in different parts of Mexico City and the country, Nativity sets are placed that are highly visited. One of them is the one that is placed in Coyoacán Square, which is a must-see during these holidays. If you have the opportunity to travel, you can visit Tepotzotlán, in the State of Mexico, famous for its pastorelas and Nativity scenes.

Translated by: Ligia M. Oliver Manrique de Lara

Spanish version

It may interest you: Tips for a green Christmas

Older posts

Newer posts