maria lionza religion in so america
Posted: Fri Nov 06, 2009 12:48 pm
Devotees of the Mar?a Lionza religion, a mix of Catholic, West African and other customs, make a pilgrimage each October to Sorte Mountain in Yaracuy State, Venezuela, home of the high altar to the religion's central figure.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/1 ... index.html
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/1 ... NEZ_5.html
A man said to be possessed by a Viking spirit made prophesies in a growling voice to a group of followers. While in this state, the man cut part of his tongue, stuck nails into his face and bled profusely, covering his white clothing with red stains.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/1 ... NEZ_4.html
Others drew elaborate designs on the ground with chalk, and lay within them awaiting cleansing before spirits possess them. Here, a man in a trance made a pact with a spiritual leader to be more responsible and to work harder at his job.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/1 ... index.html
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/1 ... NEZ_5.html
A man said to be possessed by a Viking spirit made prophesies in a growling voice to a group of followers. While in this state, the man cut part of his tongue, stuck nails into his face and bled profusely, covering his white clothing with red stains.
http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/1 ... NEZ_4.html
Others drew elaborate designs on the ground with chalk, and lay within them awaiting cleansing before spirits possess them. Here, a man in a trance made a pact with a spiritual leader to be more responsible and to work harder at his job.