The weekday school (preschool) here at BMPCNC has for several years held a reenactment of the search by Mary and Joseph for a place of shelter before the birth of the Messiah, Jesus. Based on a Mexican festival, the preschool's version is very cute, pleasingly multi-cultural and a much beloved part of their year.
However, I made the mistake of poking my nose in about the title of the event. The culture here uses "la posada." For years I have used "las posadas." I raised the difference with Jennifer R. who has striven to find the diplomatic middle way. Alice P. has her sources; Phil C. studied Spanish in school, and I have my precedents. We all have cited our sources and invoked our authorities, to the end that we don't know quite what to call this festival!
I did a bit of research and found a pretty even split. This is the text of an email I circulated today to try to explain the differences and seek peace amongst the church staff!
"It looks like the jury will have to remain deadlocked. After a little bit of research I have found authoritative references using both la posada and las posadas. Not knowing Spanish myself, it seems that the difference is merely a matter of grammar: singular or plural. Shelter or shelters, inn or inns.
It seems to me that because the nine-day festival moves from place to place, including several stops, “shelters” would be more reasonable; but on the other hand, the characters stop at one potential “shelter” per night, making that a reasonable option.
Here are the sites I investigated:
http://www.santas.net/mexicanchristmas.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Posadas
http://www.cinnamonhearts.com/LasPosadas.htm
http://www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/worldxmas/mexico.htm
Ultimately, if you are willing to concede that I am not insane, I am willing to do that same with you! Go with what you know and/or have become familiar and comfortable with. Just know that as with so many things, there’s more than one way to skin a cat."
I threw that last metaphor in just for kicks and to muddy the issue just a wee bit more!
If you have an informed opinion, please weigh in using the comment button. I'd love to hear your information/sources, and any experiences you have had with this Christmas festival in your community or church. Feliz navidad!
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I've seen the Weekday School doing La Posada and it is fun to see the children run around the church and get rejected by the members who come and volunteer to be inn keepers. The sad part is that we learned in my Bible study class that it would go against the text of the Bible if that is what happened. Based on the greek in Luke 2:7 "kataluma" means "guest room". It's more than likely Joseph and Mary would stay at a family member's house (since it is Joseph's home town) and based on the translation there was no room in the upper guest room (kataluma). The lower family room (where the mangers are located) is down stairs. If this perks your interest you should check out Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Bailey's A Clear View of the Birth of Jesus. We have it at the church now, but it is checked out.
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