Altares, imagens do sagrado: a representação simbólica na prática da benzeção

Abstract

This research aims to study and understand, within the practice of blessing faith healers, the symbolic representation of altars and consequently the effects that the objects have on people who are benefiting from the practice of blessing. It should be noted that the importance of the place where the ritual practice takes place plays an important role in the healing process. However, even those who carry out the blessing in an open area, whether in a square or in nature, hospitals, among others, these locations also interact at the time and throughout the process; between the rhythmic prayers, the gesticulations, the advice, the prescription of teas there is the environment that interacts with the dynamics of the ritual. use of herb branches, sitting posture, rosary, bible, various images, bottles of natural medicines (bottles), the language used, bench, chair, candles, scissors, broom, corn cob, dialogue with the person who is being attended to, the fraternal hug that symbolically is a welcome of pleasant communication connection with the way of listening, looking and speaking and praising healing, strengthening the person's faith. The altars, physical and spiritual, of the healer are full of symbolism, representatives of their practical faith and filled with a mystical atmosphere, of great devotional value. In the simplicity of the rhythmic words of the prayers and the object being manipulated, comfort for those in the healing process is certainly inevitable. In this trajectory, it is highlighted that this gift is also found in males. The healers, who are in the minority, also maintain the tradition of healing and comforting those in need.