This is a beautiful Christmas tradition in southeastern Mexico that takes place during the dates of “Las Posadas”, ie from 16 to 24 December, but the duration may vary by region and end on 6 January or February 2.
Rama Veracruzana
The exact origin of this tradition is unknown, but the most distant antecedents in the colonial era, when Spanish missionaries began to spread the Christian religion, used in religious festivals, torches, wax candles, lanterns with metal armor or wood, which in New Spain were replaced with rods maguey flower. It is considered that this tradition resulted from the merger of pre-Columbian and Spanish elements, which are added as well, the black influence in the center and south of the state of Veracruz (Plains Leeward Papaloapan Basin and Los Tuxtlas), tradition it has spread to other regions of southeastern Mexico and the states of Campeche, Tabasco, Chiapas, Yucatan and Quintana Roo.
The Indians carried a festival which coincided with the holidays, carrying a branch called versúchil, representing the renewal of nature, and in which music to the rhythm of tambourines, rattles and guitars that make up the Spanish influence touched parts; and choirs, Afro-Cuban songs called keys and bonuses.
The festival starts on December 16 with the selection of a branch or Cuajilote Otate where one that has a pyramidal shape as close as possible to a pine sought. This branch is decorated with crepe paper in different colors, with cotton (or angel hair), bright stars, flowers, fruits, palms, balloons, paper lanterns or orange peel, colored paper chains, small toys or Christmas decorations.
In Alvarado branches were made from maguey flower found in the sands of coastal dunes, lightweight branches that facilitate ornamental decoration, when lanterns were not available- oranges and limes with a litlle windows to let out the light of the candles that were lit inside; the portalito adorned with baby Jesus, with paper chains and strings of tejocotes.
Source: Cruz Velázquez, Romeo and Garcia Martinez, Ariel. “Branches” and “The Old Man” in Festivities in Veracruz, Veracruz Institute of Culture.
After selecting the branch and at nightfall and is common to see street children (sometimes too young or old) dancing and singing to earn “bonus” in cash or in presents (fruits like guavas, oranges, hawthorn reeds, or toys). In procession, they go from house to house singing “La Rama”, and depending on the response received (if people open the door to give the bonus or not) sing some verses of the song (or Carol), this is done along the way prior to arrive at the house where the party was held and where they will be greeted with sweets and piñatas.
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I am always glad to learn of other cultures, thanks for sharing this
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Thanks !
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