Definition of "ata" []

• A suffix in New Latin (and Italian) nouns, some of which are found in English, as armata.
• A suffix in New Latin names of zoölogical divisions, properly adjectives, agreeing with animalia understood: as, Articulata, jointed animals; Annulata, ringed animals, etc.
• The name in Bengal, Assam, and other parts of India of the sweet-sop, Anona squamosa. See atis (with cut), *atta, 2, Anona, and sweet-sop. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Covering the eyes of the person who tries to smash the piñata is symbolic of blind faith, which is rewarded with the pleasantries of heaven, represented by the sweets spilled from within the pot."
• "Whatever its origins, the piñata is bound to remain as a hugely popular aspect of Mexican Christmas festivities among new generations growing up in the 21st century."
• "The deeper meaning of breaking the piñata is thus considered to be the destruction of evil forces, the victory of good over evil."