Eva Rodriguez Luna, of Knoxville, learned the art of piñata making from her parents when she was a small child. Eva’s parents taught her the real meaning of the 7-pointed piñata, which represents the destruction of evil and the triumph of good. The origin of this tradition dates back hundreds of years, and each component of both the piñata itself, and the activity surrounding it, symbolizes a different aspect of overcoming the seven deadly sins. Eva explains, “I think that as time has passed, the traditional piñatas of our country have been distorted, that is, it is common to see piñatas of animated characters in shopping malls, but it is increasingly rare to see 7-pointed stars or our beautiful Lele doll (Hispanic children’s icon), so I would like people to know the original Mexican piñatas.”
To this day, Eva continues the tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation in her family. Eva says, “Preserving the cultural tradition and Hispanic heritage is important not only for those that come from Hispanic countries, but also Hispanic people that were raised here in the United States that may otherwise never really learn the traditional ways of their ancestors.”
Eva makes piñatas for family gatherings and on special occasions like Christmas, Las Posadas, and birthdays. Recently, she has been teaching children how to make contemporary and traditional piñatas in the local schools. She volunteers her talents during Hispanic Heritage month to create displays and make piñatas for the different fiestas. She is passionate about educating those around her about this tradition, saying, “It is important to educate people about the differences, the beauty that goes with it, and importantly to pass it on to future generation of Latinos living here in Tennessee. It allows people to feel a sense of belongingness and comfort.”
This year, Eva will teach two apprentices, Mauricio Luna and Alejandra Berry. She has taught them informally in the past but is excited to do a deeper dive. Eva’s son Mauricio explains, “The tradition of creating piñatas holds deep significance within my family and my heritage, and it’s definitely important to preserve this beautiful artistry. It’s easy to lose traditions such as piñatas over time; people get caught up in their daily lives and eventually forget where they came from and the traditions that their culture has brought them. Forgetting this tradition would mean losing the rich history that comes with it.” Alejandra is a schoolteacher and is eager to deepen her knowledge of the tradition for her own understanding as well as so she can pass it on to others: “I grew up in a Hispanic household in the United States in which piñatas were always bought for celebrations. I have not however really known or understood the rich cultural traditions that go with it until recently meeting and learning from the master artist…I often feel like I am lost in my own culture, as I do not live close to my own family. The art of piñatas will allow me to feel connected to my own culture as I often feel alienated because of lack of resources.” Alejandra is hopeful for the positive impact of carrying on this tradition, stating, “I believe if given the chance more people would want to learn about the important role of the art of piñatas, how it shapes and connects all of us…It makes me have a sense of belonging, something that I have lost in the everyday grind of life. The beauty of creating something so colorful and symbolic is worth preserving.”
