Holiday

Presented by Dr. Roy E. Howard, Western New Mexico University, Gallup Graduate Studies Center
Holiday Traditions

People all over the world celebrate the winter season with special events. Thanksgiving, Hanukah (November 28), Christmas, and New Year's Day are joined by Advent (November 27), St. Andrew's Day (November 30), St. Nicholas Day (December 6), Human Rights Day (December 10), La Virgen de Guadalupe (December 12), Santa Lucia Day December 13), Bill of Rights Day (December 15), and many others as days for remembering our traditions, our families and community, and for giving gratitude for another good year of life.
December Traditions
In the northern countries, particularly those with the harshest and earliest winters, the richest December traditions have evolved, perhaps as a response to the darkness, the cold and the isolation. We celebrate as long and as often as we can with family gatherings, bright lights, and cheerful colors. The austerity of the time leads us to remember the needy with special acts of service, and gifts. En Diciembre celebrates this universal feeling that December is special.
La Piñata
The clay pot decorated with 7 points represents the seven cardinal sins. The blind folded child with the stick represents mankind's efforts to overcome evil. The breaking of the pot represents victory. The gathering of the candy, fruit and gifts that fall from the pot represent the celebration of good. Baile de Piñata and Echen Confites celebrate the fun of the party.
Pancho Clos
As an alternative to the commercialism of Santa Claus, Pancho Clos has evolved in some communities as a black bearded man wearing a sarape, riding a cart pulled by burros. The South Pole cousin of Santa, he does not bring gifts other than candy, instead he helps the children do things for others, as exemplified in Oye Primo Pancho Clos. Also, with his burros, he can go places that Santa Claus cannot go, as in ¡Ajúa, Ajúa!
HastiinKlos
Navajo Santa Claus speaks and sings in Navajo. Visits the hogan in his shiny red pickup, or his big horse.
Babaklos
The older brother of Pancho and Hastiin, Babaklos visits the Zuni, speaking Zuni language.

Diciembre Mundial

Song Words

  


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