Childhood notions and holiday of Niño Dios

Abstract

The following paper has the purpose of highlighting the devotion to Niño Dios as an important
aspect of popular Catholicism, in its dimension of fervor towards the saints. This paper makes
emphasis in Yucatán, and portrays the relationship of this cult seen from a Mayan perspective about children caring, and especially about the restrain of children emotions, whose fragile balance is essential for the family welfare. In the same manner, the celebrations designated to honoring Niño Dios are routed to maintain the balance between his anger and approval. The Maya notions about children as carers, messengers and interceptors, are also relevant in this cult.