Why is the Novena de Aguinaldos celebrated in Chile?

The Novena de Aguinaldos is a traditional celebration rooted in Chilean culture during the Christmas season. This festivity, which takes place from December 16 to 24, has a deep emotional and spiritual charge for Chileans, who live it with enthusiasm and devotion.

Historical Origin of the Novena de Aguinaldos

The Novena de Aguinaldos has its roots in the Spanish Catholic tradition, which was brought to Chile by Spanish settlers during the colonial era. This festivity has its origins in the 18th century, when the Jesuit priest Fernando de Jesús Larrea, inspired by the Christmas novenas that were celebrated in Spain, decided to adapt this tradition to the Chilean reality.

The main objective of the Novena de Aguinaldos was to prepare the faithful for the celebration of the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve. The novena consisted of nine days of prayer , reflection and songs, during which the story of the birth of Jesus was covered, from the angel's annunciation to Mary until the moment of birth in the manger in Bethlehem.

Over time, the Novena de Aguinaldos was adapted to Chilean customs and idiosyncrasies, incorporating folkloric elements and typical music of the country. The festivity became an occasion to celebrate the faith and share moments of joy and fraternity with the family and the community.

Religious Meaning of the Novena of Aguinaldos

From a religious point of view, the Novena de Aguinaldos is an opportunity to renew faith in the birth of Jesus and reflect on the spiritual meaning of Christmas. Each day of the novena is dedicated to a specific part of the story of the birth of Christ, allowing the faithful to deepen their understanding and devotion to the central event of the Christian faith.

In addition, the Strennas Novena is an invitation to prayer and to meet with God within the family and the community. During the nine days of celebration, families gather to pray, sing Christmas carols and share moments of fraternity. The festivity also includes the Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, where the faithful gather to receive communion and celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Traditions of the Novena de Aguinaldos in Chile

The Novena de Aguinaldos in Chile is full of traditions that make it unique and special. Some of the most outstanding practices of this celebration are:

1. The Chilean Posadas : As in other Latin American countries, in Chile "posadas" are held, where the pilgrimage of María and José in search of an inn is recreated. Families and communities organize processions and theatrical performances that culminate in welcoming pilgrims in a manger, where a small mass or religious reflection is celebrated.

2. Chilean Christmas Carols: Christmas carols are a fundamental part of the Novena de Aguinaldos in Chile. These Christmas songs, with lyrics recounting the birth of Jesus and the joy of Christmas, are sung by the whole family and community during the celebrations. Chilean Christmas carols are usually accompanied by typical musical instruments of the country, such as guitars, charangos and accordions, which adds a folkloric and festive touch to the festivity.

3. Los Aguinaldos: During the Novena de Aguinaldos, it is traditional for children and adults to tour the houses in the neighborhood singing Christmas carols and receiving small gifts or "aguinaldos" in exchange. Christmas bonuses can be candy, fruit, small toys, or money, and symbolize the spirit of generosity and sharing that characterizes the Christmas season.

4. Typical Meals: Food plays an important role in the Novena de Aguinaldos in Chile. During the festivity, typical foods are shared such as Easter bread, mono cola (a drink made from coffee and brandy), sopaipillas and empanadas, which are culinary symbols of Chilean Christmas.

5. The Christmas Decoration: The houses and streets are decorated with lights, garlands, Christmas trees and cribs during the Novena de Aguinaldos. The decoration creates a festive and welcoming atmosphere, inviting the community to share in the Christmas spirit.

Cultural Impact of the Novena de Aguinaldos

The Novena de Aguinaldos has left a deep mark on Chilean culture and has become a tradition that unites families and communities around faith and the Christmas celebration. This festivity has been transmitted from generation to generation, and its spirit of unity and brotherhood has transcended geographical and social barriers. In addition, the Novena de Aguinaldos has been a source of inspiration for Chilean 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 Chilean society.

The Strennas Novena is a sample of the festive and hospitable character of the Chilean people, who open up to encounter God and others during this special time of the year. This celebration transcends generations and borders, keeping alive the essence of Christmas in the hearts of Chileans and reaffirming their cultural and spiritual identity.