Abstract
In this paper I analyze the cult of San Antonio Abad, San Anton, as an example of the ritual fusion of nature and culture in the different communities commemorating this Saint. The festive practices of this «old Saint» are associated to preChristian rites related to fire and the protection of animals. The cult to this Saint was very pread out in Europe, and was even exported to the American colonies. It is a clear example of how popular practices appropriate Church initiatives within their own logic, bordering heterodoxy at times, while expressing mechanisms of resistance to change. Yet it is clear that this cult has survived because it has adapted. When industrialization came to the countryside, the animal blessing gave way to machine blessing. When stockbreeding is on the wane, the cult adjusts to new ecological sensibilities and the blessings go to pets. St. Antonio unifies nature and culture, rural and urban, remote cults with ecology.
Highlights
It is clear that this cult has survived because it has adapted
When industrialization came to the countryside, the animal blessing gave way to machine blessing
When stockbreeding is on the wane, the cult adjusts to new ecological sensibilities and the blessings go to pets
Summary
En este artículo reflexiono en torno al culto de San Antonio Abad o San Antón como una muestra de la fusión naturaleza y cultura a través de los ritos que llevan a cabo las distintas poblaciones que festejan a este santo. Las prácticas festivas de este “santo viejo” están asociadas a prácticas precristianas relacionadas con el culto al fuego y la protección de los animales. El culto de este santo popular estuvo muy extendido por Europa y fue exportado a las colonias americanas. Aunque por otra parte este culto se ha mantenido gracias a que se ha adaptado; el campo se industrializó y dejó de celebrarse la bendición de animales para pasar a bendecir las máquinas. Palabras clave: Fiestas populares; Naturaleza; Cultura; Culto del fuego; Bendición de Animales
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