Every December 7th pueblos, small colonias, or even just families gather around and celebrate an old Lencan tradition that was later turned into a Catholic tradition known as Festival of the Patron Saint, Virgin of Conception (Feria Patronal de la Virgen de Concepcion)
December 7th was the end of the year for the Lencan people and at this time they would gather as a tribe and tie a knot symbolizing a sin they had committed over the past year, against each other or the tribe. At the end they would undue the knots and burn them. This symbolized forgiveness of each sin and they were able to start a new year cleaned by the fire and burning of the old weight carried through the year.
The Catholic church took this tradition and changed it to celebrate the Virgin of Conception. In spanish giving birth is called "dando la luz" or giving light. In this the flames symbolize light and birth.
 |
| Neighbors singing christmas songs while the bon fire burned |
 |
| the kids all had sparklers |
 |
| it was really lovely to be together for this special night with the neighborhood |
 |
| its a beautiful tradition to pass onto the children sometimes we talk of how El Salvdor has no traditions but this is an example of a unique one celebrated in the eastern part of the country. |
 |
| eventually it toppled over but we all enjoyed its head as it was a chilly night and a full moon After everyone joined together and ate a potluck with pupusas, tamales, pinol, pizza (yes pizza), boiled platano, panes de pollo and hot chocolate I baked cookies and was happy to see they were eaten up! |
No comments:
Post a Comment