The history of the piñata

-The piñata custom originated in China.

-The Spanish missionaries used the piñata as a tool to attract converts to their ceremonies.

- The piñata is one of the many traditions in Mexico.

Although there are many stories about the piñata's history. Some say that the Native Mexicans invented it. Others say that it came from Italy during the renaissance era. The most popular story was that the Chinese invented in to celebrate the New Year.

They would make figures of cow,oxen,or buffalo. That would be covered with colored paper and filled with seeds. When Marco Polo discovered this Chinese custom he brought it back to Europe ( particularly Italy and Spain.) Where it became associated with Lent. When the Spanish conquered Mexico in the 16 century, they introduced the Spanish to this tradition.

La Piñata

What goes in it?

The things that go in a piñata are candy, and small toys.


What is a piñata, and where did it come from?

A piñata is a shaped container often made out of paper-mache, pottery,or cloth.It is decorated and filled with toys or candy or both. Most of the time they are used for ceremonies or celebrations. Piñata's are most common in Mexico, but they are considered to come from china. The idea of breaking them came from Europe. The Spanish brought the European tradition to Mexico.