I heard a fascinating talk about Santa Muerte a few months ago. I only a know a little bit, if anyone knows more, please share.
Santa Muerte seems to be a syncretic creature. Indigenous death beings presided over various aspects of life; they were often pregnant and gave advice. These combined with the grim reaper introduced alongside (enforced) Spanish Catholicism. By the 18th century, Santa Muerte was her own entity, presented as a skeletal figure.
Women pray to Santa Muerte, and she is often associated with the poor and marginalised groups. She doesn't judge, and anyone can follower her; she has no ordained priesthood.
She was first worshipped in northern Mexico, but now also found in southern Mexican celebrations of Dia de los Muertos. This revival might be connected to an increase in poverty, e.g., following NAFTA.
Add comment