Dolls, Dolls, Everywhere!

After chowing down on some delicious chilaquiles with Aunt Marian in Tepoztlan, we walked out of one of the most colorful restaurants we've eaten in here in Mexico. Were we ever surprised to stumble upon a river of people heading to the cathedral all carrying elaborately dressed dolls in baskets! Old women, fathers, even macho looking, teenaged boys had their "Niño Dios" dressed in flowing white clothing tucked in the crook of their arm.

Since this is just the type of exciting surprises that living in Mexico for the year affords us, we joined the stream and headed to the cathedral. On route, we passed by many booths at the market selling all sorts of white, doll-sized clothing for the dolls that represent Baby Jesus. One can buy booties, caps, gowns that look like baptism garb, mittons, and even a special throne for their Baby Jesus.

Here in Mexico, Nativity scenes are VERY elaborate, including every animal you can imagine, cacti, and many villagers. Families leave the manger empty until December 24 when they cradle and rock Baby Jesus, and them place him carefully in his bed of straw. Apparently, they leave the baby there, dressed only in it's swaddling clothes, until February 2 (La Candelaria) when they take it out and dress it in fancy, white garments. La Candelaria is the day that children, Baby Jesus, and even seeds for planting later in the year are brought for a blessing for the year. The churchyard in Tepoztlan was filled with hundreds of families bringing their "Niño Dioses" for their yearly blessing. For our family, it was a delight to observe the people of Tepoztlan as they participated in their tradition of honoring Jesus.