 I read a book, which explained the name and purpose of those pretty objects, made from little bits of coloured paper called Piņata that our Mexican-American friends Lily and Ema brought us. The children beahem with sticks at parties and celebrations and the subsequent destruction of them releases the prizes and gifts that are stuffed inside. Who knows what origin the practice has - the mind boggles! Were the original Piņata perhaps dead animals or even the stuffed corpses of Inca enemies? Must ask my Paraguayan friend if he knows anything about the genesis of this curious practice
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