The Posadas: Christmas Tradition of Mexico - Paperback

by Marilynn Hughes (Author)

The Posadas, By Marilynn Hughes - A Recitation Manual for Carolers in Spanish and English. (No Music Included. Lyrics only.)

Each December, as night falls and candlelight begins to flicker, a beautiful tradition comes alive.

Las Posadas is a nine-day Advent celebration with roots in Spain and cherished today throughout Mexico and Guatemala. Beginning on December 16 and continuing through Christmas Eve, families and neighbors gather each evening to reenact the Holy Family's search for shelter in Bethlehem.

"Posada" means lodging - and for nine nights, the story unfolds from house to house.

Carrying candles that glow against the night sky, children and adults form a solemn yet joyful procession. Some carry images of Mary and Joseph; others sing the traditional songs of the peregrinos - the pilgrims - as they knock at doors asking for shelter. At each home, they are gently refused in song, until finally, at the designated house, the Holy Family is welcomed in.

Inside, gathered around the Nativity scene, voices rise in prayer - often the Rosary - remembering the long journey to Bethlehem and the humble birth of Christ.

What follows is celebration.

There are carols (villancicos), warm food, laughter, and brightly colored piñatas filled with sweet surprises for children waiting eagerly to take their turn. In some communities, Mary and Joseph are portrayed by local families, sometimes even accompanied by a real donkey, while angels and shepherds join the growing procession.

Through candlelight, song, prayer, and joyful feasting, Las Posadas keeps alive the spirit of hospitality, community, and anticipation. It reminds us that the search for shelter is not only a story from long ago - it is an invitation to open our own doors and hearts.

This enduring tradition continues today much as it has for generations, drawing families together in faith, celebration, and hope as Christmas approaches.

Author Biography

Marilynn Hughes founded 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 and has written 75] books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Liturgical, Catechetical and Moral Theology. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon' which was released in the Fall of 2012 and has been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World' in 2009 and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences' by Dr. Thomas Streicher in 2012. Marilynn was invited to speak at the 2012 International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO) and the 2014 London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and a subject in several other Research Studies. Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter which is included in Volume III of 'The Change.' Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Marilynn Hughes was Ordained as a Christian Minister through the United National Church and the Christian National Church through which she also obtained Ecclesiastical Certification. Receiving an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics from the Universal Life Church, she was also Ordained as an Interfaith Minister, Chaplain and Spiritual Counselor. http: //outofbodytravel.org/outofbodyregistration/reviews.html http: //outofbodytravel.org/outofbodyregistration/appearances.html