Santos Populares no Brasil: Catolicismo e Misticismo

The Brazilian Catholicism exhibits several mystical elements which show the influence of miscigenation on religion, language and culture. During the Portuguese colonization, the Catholic cult was impenetrable to the most of people. To surpass linguistic obstacles set by the Latin, white, black and indian associated ancient beliefs and external displays of faith (as processions) in order to take part in the religion. This blend of different elements resulted in religious syncretism. The legends about saints' supernatural abilities, besides the comparison between African divinities created a good environment to a great cult of Saints and the powers attributed to them. Among the most popular saints in Brazil are Saint Anthony, the twins Cosmas and Damian and Saint George. Despite the fact that nowadays Catholic Mass and rites are spoken in Portuguese, this belief in personal contact with the supernatural sphere of religion is common in Brazilian everyday life, being the prayers and the procession the climax of religious feeling. The best-known Portuguese saint, Anthony (born Fernando de Bulhoes) carries a series of legends around his life and abilities. Born in Lisbon in 1195, Anthony died in Italy in 1231. His worshippers believe he helps people to find lost things, to find a love, to help someone to marry, to protect animals and so on. George was a soldier to the Roman Empire during the reign of Diocletian, Emperor who persecuted Cristians. He was converted to Chritianity and was tortured and beheaded. The martyrdom of George occured in April, the 23 th in 303 A.D. This date is his feast day. In Brazil, Saint George is largely associated to the African orishacalled Ogun. The Warrior Saint is invoked as protector from all kinds of evil. The twins Cosmas and Damian were born in Arabia in the 3rd century AD and were executed around 287 AD. In Brazil , Cosmas and Damian were associated by the African entities called ibeijis, being regarded as protectors of children. Their feast day is celebrated in the Roman Catholic Church in September 26 since 1969, but their believers continue to celebrate the former date, September 27. The afro-religious temples use to receive children in order to bless them and offer candies for them. In the big cities take place many Festas de Cosme e Damiao . Besides this, many common people use to informally, outside any cult, offer childrenlittle toys and candies in the streets or even organize feasts by their own. According to the tradition, to please a child makes Cosmas and Damian (or the African entities) bring good luck to the host. The oldest church in Brazil (built in Igarassu, Pernambuco, in 1535) was honored to the twins.