La Novena de Aguinaldos is a nine-day prayer cycle leading up to the Noche Buena (Christmas Eve). It is a holiday tradition in Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela.
La Novena de Aguinaldos
A Novena is a nine-day prayer. La Novena de Navidad is the tradition that families use to prepare for Christmas. Like a Passover Seder in the Jewish faith, it is a family time when traditions are taught to children.
La Novena de Navidad can be a religious or a cultural celebration. It is often celebrated with extended family and neighbors. Some families celebrate in the home of a different family member or neighbor each night.
As in many holiday traditions, there are different prayers for every night. Prayers are typically shared around 6pm before dinner.
La Novena de Navidad is a Roman Catholic tradition, but there is humanity and grace to be found in all holiday traditions.
Day 1 December 16 ~ Reconciliation
Forgiveness creates peace and harmony.
Day 2 December 17 ~ Understanding
To have a good Christmas, we try to understand what it is about.
Day 3 December 18 ~ Respect
We can respect others without judging or forcing them to be like us.
Day 4 December 19 ~ Sincerity
We can look for truth in our lives.
Day 5 December 20 ~ Dialogue
The best holiday gift is a loving conversation.
Day 6 December 21 ~ Simplicity
Great people live a simple life.
Day 7 December 22 ~ Generosity
When we give love, we receive love.
Day 8 December 23 ~ Faith
Without faith we are lost.
Day 9 December 24 ~ Hope and Love
Love and hope go together with faith.
La Nacimiento
The cover painting is the version of El Greco’s Adoration of the Shepherds (ca 1605-1610) in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He did many versions of the subject and was working on another when he died.
In Latin countries, the nativity is the main symbol of Christmas. Christmas trees are Nordic in origin. Italy has a strong nativity tradition in Naples. Colombians make elaborate nativity scenes in their homes.
You don’t see many nativities in New York City because some object to the religious symbolism. New York City’s big nativity scene is at the end of the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall.