Like every year in Mexico, this December 8th a new edition of the ‘Day of the Immaculate Conception’ is celebrated, a Catholic holiday that finds its origins thousands of years ago with the conception of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ. What is the history of this date and what activities are carried out in Aztec territory? Find out all the details of this celebration in the following paragraphs.
According to tradition, this date commemorates the birth of the mother of Jesus of Nazareth, who was created by God without original sin and who, from the moment of her conception, was holy and free from any guilt until her death. The day was chosen after a mathematical calculation, subtracting nine months from the date of birth of the Virgin Mary (September 8, according to the Catholic Church).
Origin of the ‘Day of the Immaculate Conception’
The origin of this festivity is due to a dogma of the Catholic Church dedicated to the memory of the Virgin Mary and her holy conception. The celebration of this day has its beginnings in the seventh century AD. C., although it was not until 1854 when Pope Pius IX established December 8 as the official date to celebrate the ‘Day of the Immaculate Conception’.
From history, it is known that this religious date was selected by means of a council with the world episcopate, where it was affirmed that the Virgin, mother of Jesus, was born without original sin and died in the same way, free of all sin. This is how Mary is described, as an immaculate young woman, dressed in a white tunic and blue mantle, symbols of purity and eternity.
How is this day celebrated in Mexico?
In Mexico, the ‘Day of the Immaculate Conception’ is usually celebrated with a traditional liturgy in honor of her image. This happens in several cities and towns in the country, being in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City and in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception where hundreds of devotees gather to hear mass in memory of the mother of Jesus.
There are several religious temples built in honor of his name, such as the one in the city of Puebla. In Oaxaca, the Nuestra Señora Inmaculada de Juquila sanctuary is frequently visited by faithful devotees of the Virgin Mary. The acts, of course, are celebrated accompanied by music, concerts and traditional dances made by the Mexicans.
