A woman with a scythe is one of the most common images of death, which in most cases is not taken seriously. An exception can be called Mexicans who worship death, called Santa Muerte. There are many temples dedicated to this deity, and many in their house have figurines for worship.
The cult of Santa Muerte
The modern religious trend, implying the worship of the Holy Death, is common in Mexico and America. Santa Muerte is a syncretic current, in which Catholicism and the mythological representations of the Aborigines of Mexico are mixed. The first mention of this cult is associated with the XVII century. Fans of Santa Muerte are confident that turning to Death in prayers can improve their lives.
Santa Muerte is a religion, meaning the creation of special chapels, where the central figure is the statue of the deity, which in most cases is represented by a female skeleton in red robes. People donate sacrifices, which for many people seem strange, because they are alcohol, cigarettes and sweets. The authorities of Mexico persecute the cult as Satanic, but adherents of the cult exclude the connection with black magic .
Santa Muerte is a legend
There is an interesting legend connected with the cult of Santa Muerte, according to which people did not know about death and, living through the burdens of life, they turned to the Lord to save them from difficulties. God came to the chosen girl and said that at his will she would become Death - a disembodied spirit that would sum up the human life. At the same instant, the girl's body disintegrated, and her face turned into a skull. Angel of Death Santa Muerte got into the hands of a scythe. Because Death is connected with the Lord, many people first turn to Jesus to give permission for prayer.
Cross of Santa Muerte
People, in order to communicate their worship of the Holy Death, carry her image on the chest instead of the cross. Tattooes with the image of this deity are popular. The cult of the Holy Death offers several images that embody the omnipotence of Santa Muerte. The most popular drawing is the woman's face, on which elements of the skull are visible. In the mouth area, lines similar to stitches are shown, earrings are crossed in the ears, and roses are woven into the hair on the head. The Mexican cult of the Holy Death offers the following tattoo values:
- Often people put on their bodies an image to attract the luck needed in different situations.
- Helps the tattoo from various diseases, and even in hopeless situations.
- The poor use the picture to become richer.
Santa Muerte - Rites
The main ritual dedicated to the Holy Death is similar to the Catholic rite. On the first day of each month, believers converge on the altar set in a house in a suburb of the Mexican capital. Some followers of Santa Muerte cross the path to the place of prayer on their knees. Many believers smoke near the altar marijuana, which is directly related to the Holy Death. In making collective prayers, people ask for a better life.
There are rituals of Santa Muerte, which people spend on their own to receive help from the deity. There is a simple rite to succeed in any business and it is conducted according to this pattern:
- Before the altar of Santa Muerta put a plate of white or blue, and on it put a glass of water, which put a coin and seven spoonfuls of sugar. Around the glass, put seven candles in blue.
- On a white sheet of paper write your name, birth date and request, which can concern any sphere. Pray your words and put a note under the glass of water.
- Light the candles clockwise from the match and tell the plot.
The prayers of Santa Muerte for every day
According to the beliefs of the Mexicans, Holy Death helps in various matters, but more often than not, it is addressed in questions of restoring justice and gaining love. The prayers of Santa Muerta help all people regardless of social status or age, so its cult is especially popular among poor Mexicans. Every day in front of the altar, people ask for help in solving problems related to money. The deity sets up his devotee to defend his own interests and to move forward.