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While the pinata is currently known as a Latin American tradition, it is believed that the pinata actually originated in either China or Italy.
There is a belief that Marco Polo discovered the Chinese fashioning figures of cows, oxen, or buffaloes covered with colored paper and adorned with harnesses and trappings. For the New Year, the Chinese included special colors to greet the beginning of a new year. When the Chinese people knocked the figure open with sticks (also of varying colors), seeds came out. Once the remains were burned, people gathered the ashes for good luck throughout the year.
Continuing with this idea of origination, the custom came to Europe in the 14th century and adapted to the celebrations of Lent. The first Sunday became known as Pinata Sunday. The Latin prefix pina implies a cluster of flowers or fruits such as pineapples or pine cones. Thus, according to this tradition, the first pinata took on the traditional pineapple shape, and actually resembled a clay container for carrying water. At this point, the pots were not decorated.
However, when this custom spread to Spain, the first Sunday in Lent became a fiesta called the ôDance of the PInataö. While originally the pots were not decorated, later the Spaniards decided to decorate the pot using ribbons, tinsel, and fringed paper. Another tradition indicates that the pinata originated directly from Italy. According to this tradition, during the renaissance period of the 16th century, Italians began to break away from traditions handed down from Rome.
The pinata (once called a pignatta) was filled with trinkets, jewelry, or candies. A person would be blindfolded and would hit the pinata while it was swung back and forth from a rope. Once the pot had broken open, guests would rush to collect the goodies that fell from the pinata.
According to this tradition, this Italian custom spread throughout Europe and to Spain. Spaniards designed the pot to cover the rough, unglazed surface, and then brought it to America along with varying traditions, customs, and religious beliefs of their homeland. The Mexicans adopted these traditions, and the pinata quickly became one of their own. Pinatas were shaped to symbolize the Mexican heritage and took the form of pinatas as they are known today.
Regardless of the actual history and tradition of the pinata, it is a great tool to create a little spice at parties for both children and adults!