The image of a skeleton decorated with flowers that looks surprisingly scary is a symbol of hope and a little-known story about the goddess of the infamous “brother and sister”
In Mexico, the name Santa Muerte (Goddess of Death) is perhaps more influential “character” than any other goddess in history. From traditional festivals to temples built around this goddess, Santa Muerte’s influence is an important part of Mexican folklore.
Although there is much controversy surrounding whether this is a god or not, Santa Muerte continues to be a popular symbol in Mexico. The Goddess of Death is a reminder to everyone that death is not something to fear.
Origin of Santa Muerte
Santa Muerte became famous in the late 20th century. However, this skeleton image had been known everywhere for many centuries before that. The ancient Aztecs who once ruled what is now Mexico had a special affinity for death from the very beginning. They worship an icon named Mictecacihuath, or “Holy Mother of Death”, a goddess of the dead and the underworld.
When the Europeans arrived here (along with the image of the God of Death), the image of the goddess with the skeleton gradually transformed into the image of Santa Muerte as it is today.
The Goddess of Death of the 21st century (both a saint and a demon, depending on one’s perspective) is a woman in the form of a human skeleton with a skull in the head. She usually wears a robe and carries a scythe. However, depending on the location, her appearance will also be different.
Although Santa Muerte is not a new name, it took centuries for festivals honoring this saint to become popular. For hundreds of years, Santa Muerte was largely unrecognized in Latin America, with many temples, memorials, statues and records of the character lost and forgotten.
However, in the late 90s and early 2000s, Santa Muerte returned to the scene with an ever stronger presence. Celebrations around death were not new in late 20th-century Mexico, but she became an important figure in such events, with many buying statues of the saint, getting her tattoos , into a source of artistic inspiration and praise.
Become the goddess of hope
Believe it or not, the saint’s popularity is linked to the disturbing element of crime. The increase in the number of deaths in Mexico from drug-related activities has skyrocketed over the past two decades, and the presence of death has become a significant threat to life here.
Due to the increase in deaths in areas affected by increased crime, Santa Muerte’s presence has become relevant and necessary in many people’s lives.
The presence of the goddess brought peace of mind to many commoners. Death is inevitable, does not discriminate against anyone and is the final point that everyone must come to.
Saint Muerte has since risen to become one of the most important religious symbols in Mexican culture. In 2001, Mexico City built its first temple dedicated to Santa Muerte downtown, with other monuments to the goddess of death popping up across the country.
In addition, she is considered one of the most important religious figures in any religious festival today.
While many places tend to avoid talking about death, illness and grief, Mexico is different. Although Santa Muerte may be the personification of death, Mexican society is not afraid of her.
For centuries, Mexican culture has celebrated the moment of transition from life to death. Festivals have helped transform death from a fearsome thing into an accepted and necessary thing.
For many, Santa Muerte is not a symbol of terror but a ray of hope. Unlike other cultures, Mexican culture values death as much as life. They see it as a way into another state, not a light that has gone out.
Because of these values, Santa Muerte is a well-received character. She is a link to loved ones in the afterlife. Because death must eventually come to everyone, Santa Muerte is seen as a symbol of forgiveness in a world filled with hatred. Although the goddess of death has a scary appearance, she always welcomes those who have nowhere to live.
Opinions about Santa Muerte
Despite bearing the image of a saint in the eyes of many people, Santa Muerte is also like a demon to another part. Santa Muerte has become an important saint to many criminals, drug lords and gangsters.
Why do these “brothers and sisters” turn to Santa Muerte to pray for their crimes? Because criminal activity is so dangerous, praying to the god of death can be a way to reassure those involved in nefarious activities.
Unfortunately, much of Santa Muerte’s good is overshadowed by the fact that her most devoted followers engage in illegal activities.
In the end, many people still make efforts to propagate that the goddess of death is only the saint of criminals and murderers. However, the nature of Santa Muerte was not shaped by the negative elements that worshiped her.
While not everyone cares about Santa Muerte being named a saint, she is undoubtedly one of the most important figures in Mexico over the past two decades.
Source: History
at Blogtuan.info – Source: Kenh14.Vn – Read the original article here
