COMMUNITY: Mother of Mexico

Acostar is the Spanish verb for “to go to bed,” thus acostado is the “putting to bed” of Baby Jesus. Manger scenes are of major importance and central attractions in Mexican homes. Often the baby Jesus is a life-sized doll that takes his place in the manger on Christmas Eve or after Midnight Mass. The family gathers and appoints someone to carry the Baby Jesus as all sing carol lullabies to the Child. Verses include very earthy images of Mother Mary washing diapers in the river and hanging them on bushes to dry.

December 28th is a part of culture that northerners don’t get until April! Remember that the three Kings tricked Herod and did not return home through Jerusalem? On this day, people play tricks, especially involving money. One person tries to convince another that they owe a debt or need to borrow money, and once the cash has been handed over... you might hear:

Finally, some families still finish the season with the levantado. Again, the family gathers, but this time sings: “Levántate niño, Levántate ya…get up already, here comes Mary and you are asleep . . .” The hostess places the baby Jesus on a tray surrounded by candy and proceeds around to each guest who takes a treat and kisses the baby Jesus good-bye until next year.

For New Year’s Eve, one needs to calculate the number of guests coming over and multiply by twelve before going to buy the grapes. Each person needs to have one grape per clock strike for midnight. At the countdown, all are poised. The first grapes go in easily for the swallow. As faces fill taking the look of “chipmunk cheeks,” laughter begins, and the goal of finishing all the grapes by the last gong is a challenge. Those managing the task are expected to have a very good year. After midnight, you might hear fireworks. If so, it is likely that someone is exploding an effigy of the old year, preparing the way for the new to take its place.