Meaning and symbolism of the Novena of Christmas bonuses

The Novena de Aguinaldos is one of the most emblematic and beloved festivities in Colombia during the Christmas season. This tradition, which combines the religious with the festive, brings families and communities together to celebrate and reflect on the birth of Jesus.

Historical Origin of the Novena de Aguinaldos

The historical origin of the Novena de Aguinaldos dates back to the 18th century in Colombia , during the Spanish colonial era. The tradition of the Novena de Aguinaldos was inspired by the Christmas novenas that were celebrated in Spain, but it was adapted and enriched with elements of Colombian culture and religiosity.

The term "aguinaldo" comes from the Latin "haud inutile," which means "it is not useless" or "it is not without use." In the old Spanish tradition, the Christmas bonus was a gift given to people as a sign of affection and goodwill during the Christmas season. Over time, this custom was incorporated into the celebration of the Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia , where it became an essential part of the festivity.

The Jesuit priest Fernando de Jesús Larrea was one of the main promoters of the Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia. In the 18th century, Larrea, inspired by the Spanish novenas, decided to adapt this tradition to make it more accessible and meaningful to the Colombian people. In this way, the Novena de Aguinaldos became a tool to catechize and teach the principles of the Catholic faith in a pleasant way and close to the reality of Colombians.

The Novena de Aguinaldos was established as a festivity of nine days prior to Christmas Eve, and each day is dedicated to a specific reflection related to the birth of Jesus and the events that preceded his arrival in the world. Throughout the nine days, families and communities come together to pray and sing Christmas carols, thus strengthening family and community ties around faith and Christmas.

Over time, the Novena de Aguinaldos has become one of the most deeply rooted and beloved Christmas traditions in Colombia. It is an opportunity to meet with loved ones, share moments of reflection and joy, and express gratitude and generosity through Christmas gifts. The celebration of the Novena de Aguinaldos is a manifestation of the rich cultural and religious diversity of the country, since each region and community can give a special and authentic touch to this centuries-old tradition.

Meaning and Symbolism of the Novena de Aguinaldos

The Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia is a celebration that covers nine days prior to Christmas Eve, from December 16 to 24. Each day of the novena is dedicated to a specific reflection or theme related to the birth of Jesus and its spiritual significance. Below are the themes and reflections of each day of the Novena de Aguinaldos:

First Day: The Annunciation of the Angel to Mary.
Second Day: The visit of María to her cousin Isabel.
Third Day: The Birth of Jesus.
Fourth Day: The Adoration of the Shepherds.
Fifth Day: Circumcision and the Name of Jesus.
Sixth Day: The Adoration of the Magi.
Seventh Day: The Presentation of Jesus in the Temple.
Eighth Day : The Flight into Egypt.
Ninth Day: The Adoration of the Shepherds.

During each day of the Novena de Aguinaldos, families and communities gather in homes, churches, or squares to pray and sing Christmas carols, beginning a novena that includes specific prayers and Bible readings related to the theme of the day. The Christmas bonuses, which consist of sweets and typical fruits of the time, are shared among the participants as a symbol of generosity and unity.

Traditions and Customs of the Novena de Aguinaldos

The Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia is full of traditions and customs that enrich the celebration and make it special for families and communities. Some of the most outstanding traditions are:

The Candles: During each day of the novena, a candle is lit that represents the light of Jesus in the world. Each member of the family or participant in the novena holds a candle while the prayer and Bible reading are performed.

Los Villancicos : Christmas carols are an essential part of the Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia. These traditional songs, which tell the story of the birth of Jesus and the joy of Christmas, are sung by all the participants of the novena, creating a festive and emotional atmosphere.

La Posada: In some places, especially in rural areas, a representation of the posada is performed during the novena. This theatrical representation symbolizes the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph in search of an inn in Bethlehem, and culminates with their reception in a manger, where a small mass or religious reflection is celebrated.

The Aguinaldos: During the novena, it is customary for children and adults to go around the houses in the neighborhood singing Christmas carols and receiving small gifts or "aguinaldos" in exchange. Christmas bonuses can be sweets, fruit or small gifts, and represent the spirit of generosity and sharing during the Christmas season.

Typical Food: Food plays an important role in the Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia. During the festivity, typical foods such as custard, buñuelos, hojuelas and tamales are shared, which are culinary symbols of Colombian Christmas.

Cultural and Social Impact of the Novena de Aguinaldos

The Novena de Aguinaldos is more than a religious festivity in Colombia; It is a cultural and social manifestation that unites families and communities around faith and the Christmas celebration. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation, keeping the essence of Christmas alive and strengthening family and community ties. In addition, the Novena de Aguinaldos has been a source of inspiration for Colombian artists and writers, who have captured the essence of this festivity in their works. Music, poetry and literature have witnessed the cultural and emotional impact that the Novena de Aguinaldos has on Colombian society.

In summary, the Novena de Aguinaldos in Colombia is a tradition full of meaning and emotion, which transcends borders and cultures, and which is kept alive in the hearts of Colombians as an expression of their faith, their culture and their identity as a people.