First Communion piñatas "hit" Catholic Poles' weak spot

Commonly associated with Mexico, a piñata is a container, often made of papier-mâché, pottery, or cloth, that is decorated, filled with candy, and then broken with a stick by a blindfolden person as part of a celebration. Depending on the occasion, piñatas can take various shapes, such as a chalice or communion wafer.

Already commonly used at birthday parties, the piñatas have now become very popular at First Communion celebrations. This has sparked much controversy, as on the one hand children is being taught respect to the sacrament of the Eucharist, but on the other hand they are supposed to hit a container with a religious symbol with a stick.

Loads of critical comments appeared on social media. Some even went as far as to call piñatas "entertainment for satanists", while others accused piñata producers of ignorance and parents of being naive in serving their kids such amusement. There were also plenty of ironic remarks, such as that Catholics have divided Catholics by offending religious feelings.

Another problem is putting the event itself ahead of the reason for organising it, which in this case are young people taking their first and very important sacrament.

Many parents - and consequenty their kids too - set great store by communion attire, gifts and parties. Some are ready to go as far as take big loans to cover the costs of a photographer, catering and attractions.

According to the Economic Information Bureau (KRD), as many as 26.5% of families are ready to take out loans to organise First Communion parties for their kids this year. That includes families which declare that they can basically afford hosting such an event.

A research ordered by the KRD, carried out by IMAS in March, showed that as many as 64% of parents care about a lavish atmosphere of a party, extensive menus and multitude of attractions for the guests.