As we approach the celebration of the birth of Jesus, we asked our sisters Perú to share some of their local customs and family traditions for the season of Christmas. Here is how they responded:
Sister Genoveva Herrera, CSJ
There is a custom in some areas of Perú to give a recently married couple the gift of a nativity set, so that they will never be lacking in their home and that there will always be a child to give them joy. The infant Jesus coming into this world will bless them with all they desire. This belief is very dear to us.
At midnight Mass, it is a custom for those who live in the rural areas to bring sheep and roosters to Mass. When the roosters and the sheep begin to sing, they announce the birth of Jesus and bring many blessings to the family.
Sister Maritza Jarro, CSJ
My memories of celebrating Christmas in my family fill me with nostalgia and gratitude. On Christmas Eve, we gathered with other families to make the nativity scene out of clay and plants. Each member of the family made one of the characters; it was an honor to be chosen to make Jesus, Mary and Joseph. When making the nativity scene, each family shared special moments.
On Christmas morning, we would place the nativity scene in the sun. We got dressed up and visited each house to see how their nativity scene had turned out. My memories of Christmas are nights of vigil around a mystery that filled us with much emotion.
Sister Zaida Pérez, CSJ
For years, my family has kept the tradition of celebrating Christmas Eve with a family dinner. Our mother raised chickens and a turkey for months with the help of the family. The turkey and chickens were prepared and roasted on Christmas Eve. To accompany the roast, seven different salads were prepared: carrots, pallares, avocado with potatoes and cheese, tender quinoa leaves with potatoes and onion, lettuce with tomato and pickle, noodles with fresh cheese. Each one was dressed with oil, vinegar, salt and pepper. The whole family would participate in the preparation of the meal; the men would provide the music, the drinks and help prepare the table.
My father used to stay at home, while our mother took the kids to Christmas Eve Mass at the parish. We would come back from church very happy to sit at the table and eat together. My father liked to make a toast to Christmas so that the baby Jesus would bless us with life, health and progress in life. This was central to our Christmas celebration, as we did not always have gifts. It was a very special time to hear our parents’ stories of their families, of their youth, of the society that surrounded them.