La Piñata
Piñatas are a fun and festive way to learn about Mexican culture. However, the piñata is more than just a fun craft item: it has a rich history and cultural background. This project combines Internet searches with a piñata-constructing activity.
Before you construct a typical Mexican piñata, you will be doing research and completing an activity packet that will help you understand the importance of the piñata in Mexican culture and festivals. Each of you is required to complete and submit this packet for a grade. However, the actual design and construction of the piñata will be accomplished as a small group of 3 students.
For each question that you answer, please list a web site that
you used in addition to the one I have listed.
Even though you know that piñata is correctly spelled with "ñ", you will discover that not everyone on the Internet knows that! So, you will have to do a search using "piñata" and one using "pinata". Remember that to type an "ñ" you first type "option" and "n" at the same time, then retype the letter n by itself. Are there other words that you might add to the word piñata in your search? You might consider using "Mexican", "craft", "fiesta", or "festival".
I. What is a piñata? Describe a piñata in detail.
Suggested web site: http://www.guidezone.skl.com/liz_mexico_other.htm
Additional web site:______________________________________________
2. When did the custom of the piñata originate? What were the very early
piñatas made from and in what shape were they? Why?
Suggested web site: http://www.studyspanish.com/comps/pinataen.htm
http://www.pinatadesign.com/page2.html
Additional web site______________________________________________
3. From which language did the word "piñata" originate? What was the original word? What does the original word mean?
Suggested web site: http://www.infolnk.net/juanddpeza/pinata.htm
Additional web site:______________________________________________
4. The piñata is more than a festive, fun treat. There is much symbolism involved in the piñata. Name at least 5 symbols involved in the piñata.
Suggested web site: http://www.infolnk.net/juanddpeza/pinata.htm
Additional web site: ______________________________________________
5. Name at least two festivals or special occasions where the piñata is used. Describe these events in as much detail as possible.
Suggested web site: http://www.demon.co.uk/mexuk/update/dic96/posadas.html
Additional web site______________________________________________
6. Piñatas are made in many shapes and designs. Name 12 designs
(appropriate for the Spanish classroom!) that you found on the Internet.
Suggested web site: http://www.pinatadesign.com/page3.html
Additional web site______________________________________________
7. Several Mexican and Mexican American artists use the piñata as the theme of their art work. Two contemporary artists using the piñata theme are Esperanza and María Elena. Do an Internet Search so you can view their art work. Write a short introduction of each artist. Also name one of work of art dealing with piñatas of each of the artists and write your own impressions of each piece of art.
Suggested web sites:
http://www.azteca.net/aztec/art/esperanz.html
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/3028/index.html
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Studios/3028/FE00002.HTM
8. Get together with your small group partners. Choose a piñata-making method from the Internet that interests your group and that matches your artisitic and creative abilities. Give a step by step description of how your piñata will be made.
Suggested web sites:
http://www.educ.ksu.edu/Faculty/ParmleyJohn/Classroom%20Technology/mexspanar
tpro.html
http://star.ucc.nau.edu/ES/Pinata2.html
http://www.nacnet.org/assunta/nacpinat.htm
Additional web site______________________________________________
9. Your group needs to decide on a design for your piñata. Sketch that design here. Then list all of the supplies you will need to complete your piñata.
10. Now you are ready to construct your piñata! ¡Buena suerte! ¡Diviértete!
Carla Crosser-Harrington
Red Oak High School
Red Oak, Iowa 51566