1 of 1

Write now Article Tools

Page 3 of 4

cult makes sense as a specifically Mexican response to changing circumstances. Put another way, the Santa Muerte may very well turn out to be a patriotic response to changes that many Mexicans see as being imposed upon their country from outside.

Staying on the theme of globalisation, aside from being responsible for the cult's birth, it may also have been responsible for the its amazing growth. An idea that began in the slums has now spread throughout Mexican society and beyond its borders. That probably could not have happened without the internet.

What the internet did was to take a folk religion that existed without any rules or regulations, and one in which each adherent more or less created their own theology, and laid down the basic ground rules for the cult. The internet is the Bible or Koran for the Santa Muerte, in other words, as well as its publicist.

This explains why the cult has now left its slum origins and is to be found amongst the ranks of the gente decente. The average upper class housewife has no connection with her counterpart in the slums: unless we include conversation with the maids, drivers and gardeners who work for her, that is. The internet changed the rules of this game and allowed a slum cult to join the mainstream.

As belief in the Santa Muerte grew, the manufacturers of religious paraphernalia got in on the act. First to arrive were the statues of the goddess, obviously. Then the notion grew that the goddess could respond better to different appeals if her robes were of differing colours. Thus we now have red robes for love and amber for harmony. Luckily for the poor adherent to the cult, a black robed goddess gives total protection, so all areas are covered and at a reasonable price.

Next, someone began to manufacture special Santa Muerte lotion to ritually cleanse the statue before a ritual is performed. We also have Santa Muerte soap so that the practitioner can purify himself, as well as Santa Muerte incense that the purchaser is assured will please the goddess. Finally we now see the "dijes," the small pendants that are worn around the neck or wrist, arriving on the scene.

So, a cult began in the slums, and the small manufacturers of religious items got in on the act to cater for it. The internet publicised what was going on and helped set its rules. As more people found out about the cult, yet more items related to it were produced to meet the growing demand. The cult grew, as it continues to grow to this day.

Interestingly

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about La Santa Muerte: Mexico's Death Goddess?
We want to hear your view. Write now!