The votive experience : from Brazil to the global perspective

Abstract

Votive traditions have existed in virtually every society and culture during the last five thousand years. This traditions' 'longevity and universal appeal has led to diverse vow systems, numerous pilgrimages, and captivating ex-votos. The tradition is still vibrant today, particularly in the Northeastern areas of Brazil where thousands of pilgrims are avid believers. This thesis focuses on several aspects of Brazilian ex-votos, including cultural and economic contexts, visual aesthetics, folk religion and medicine, and how the tradition has evolved in the last three hundred years. An important aspect of this research includes deciphering why these objects are still being created in the twenty-first century and how they related to Brazil's current health care system, which is presently unable to support all of its citizens. The roots of this tradition in Brazil are deeply grounded in economics. However, ex-voto practices also have European, African, and indigenous influences that run deep beneath the Brazilian core. Folk customs, medicinal practices, and subconscious ways in which ex-votos heal participants are discussed in this thesis. A significant effort is also made to compare votive traditions among different cultures in order to understand these religious medical miracles from a global approach.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

2009

Semester

Spring

Advisor

Congdon, Kristin G.

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Humanities

Degree Program

Art History

Subjects

Arts and Humanities -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Humanities

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0022338

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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