Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1876-06-16
The Peniten,es OfNew Mexico.


The extraordinary credulity and fanati-
cism of the people are seen in the strong
est light during Holy-week, when large
numbers participate in the exercises of the
society of Penitentes, which is discounte-
nanced by the priests, though it originally
sprang from the church. The headquarters
Of this organization are at Mora, and its
branches extend in every direction, in
Guiding among its members a considerable
part of the population, both male and fe-
male. 1t meets in the Morada, or assem-
bly, hall, and its tranaclons are secret, but
its avowed object is the expiation of sin by
the infiction of violent bodily punishment
Toward Good Friday, there is an unusual
activity in the society, and the town hall is
occupied nearly every evening by meet
ings, which are signalized 10 the outsiders
by dismal cries, groans and The mysterious
rattling of chaIns-preparation which re-
suit on Holy Thursday in the public
scourging of those members who desire to
cbasten themselves and make atonement
for their offenses. The day is regarded as
festival, and crowd of eager spectators
gather about The hall. After many prelim-
mary ceremonies, the door is thrown open,
and the penitentes file into the April twi-
light of the snow-covered street to the dole
ful music of a shrill reed instrument play
ed by an attendant. They are destitute Of
other clothing than thin pair of under
drawers, and their heads and faces are hid
den in white cotton wraps, SO that their
neighbors may not, by recognizing them,
In xul hot aris
plate. The leader staggers under the weight
OF a heavy cross, about twenty feet high,
and his companions, shivering with cold as
the wind beats their naked bodies, carry
thick punches of the thorny cactus in their
hands. The attendants place them in posi-
tion, and at given signal the procession
moves, chanting plaintive hymn to the
time Of the musicians pipe. At every Sec
ond step the ten men strike themselves
over the shoulders with the cactus, leaving
deeper scar with each blow, until the skin
is broken and the lacerated flesh pours its
blood in a carmine trail on the snow. Sew
eral are bound at the ankles by rawhide
thongs, dagger, pointed at both ends, be-
ing secured in such way that, when they
stumble, it stabs them in a most sensitive
part. The sight becomes sickenng with
horror, and repressed moans of anguish
fill the air as the cactus brushes alresh the
streaming, quivering wounds. No one is
allowed 10 retire, and, when the cross
bearer sinks 10 the ground from exhans-
tion, the attendants quickly raise him and
urge him on again with his heavy burden.
T he route is traced along the white road in
u FNaNu
alleys of the town, the procession turns off
toward a sleep hill, in ascending which
their bare feet are cut TO the bone by the
sharp, projecting rocks. The eminence
gained, preparations are made for a new
and surprising torture. The cross is laid
upon the ground, aud the bearer is so firm
ly bound TO it by lengths of raw-hide that
the circulation of the blood Is retarded,
and a gradual discoloration of the body
follows. His arms are outstretched along
the transverse beam, TO which a sword,
pointed at both ends, like the dagger be-
fore mentioned, is attached, and, If he al
lows them TO drop single inch from their
original position, the weapon penetrates
the flesh. Amidst the unearthly groans of
the bystanders and the shrill piping of the
musician, the cross is raised. and the cruci-
fed turns his agonized face to heaven.
while the blood slowly trickles from his
wounds and livid hue overspreads his
skin. How long he remains is merely a
question of endurance, for eventually he
loses consciousness, and not until then is
released. At the conclusion of this bar
barous performance, which occasionally
|
the Marada, aud the celebration is brought
to a closc.-Wm. II. Rideing IN Hdrper's
for June.