Title: Guatemala's folk saints :
Authors: Pieper, Jim.
Date: 2002
Publisher: Pieper and Associates Inc.,
Physical description: 244 p. : col. ill., 1 col. map ; 32 cm.
Language: English
LC classification: F
Abstract: "This book tells the story of two ancient "folk saints" of Guatemala: San Simon (called Maximon when addressed in native dialect) and the skeletal El Rey Pascual. These powerful icons are both unique in their theology and steeped in mysticism. They reflect a belief system deeply rooted in the ancient Mayan religion of Guatemala and influenced by centuries of superimposed Christianity. Supplicants from all levels of society beg for their assistance, as well as that of their associates: the Ajitz, Judas, Don Pedro, and Gregorio, who can also be found among the pages of this book and on the "mesas" (altars) of "curenderos" (healers), along with their counterpart, Lucifer." "For more than 25 years, author/photographer Jim Pieper, and his wife, Jeanne, have documented Guatemalan "costumbres" (native rituals) involving San Simon and his friends. Their research has been based on personal observation in the field; the work of other scholars (although little has been written on this subject before); and interviews with other observers, including Catholic priests, and native participants. The Mayan priests, healers and other practitioners quoted in this book are not in agreement on every detail. Their information did not come from history books or any other written documentation. Instead, they share stories which have been handed down orally from generation to generation within their family or village. Jim Pieper presents their comments faithfully, with no attempt to prove one particular viewpoint over another. Guatemala's Folk Saints gives a first hand glimpse of how oral traditions develop, and helps the reader begin to understand and appreciate both the power and vitality of mythology."--Jacket.
Contents: When one is many. Who is Maximon/San Simon? -- Christianization of Maximon/SanSimon. Roots ; A worldly gentleman ; The physical bodies of San Simon ; Masks of San Simon -- Apolinorio : a Mayan priest. Interview with Apolinario ; The Mayan calendar -- The hom altar of Apolinario -- Santiage Atitlan -- a town with a rich past. Pedro, Sajarin (healer) -- The home altar of Pedro -- Sacred washing stones of Santiago Atitlan -- Hanging Judas in Santiago Atitlan -- San Lucas Toliman -- a town steeped in ritual traditions. A coffin opens and a ceremony begins ; Chaging the clothes ; Mayan New Year ; The changing of the Cofradia -- San Andres Itzapa -- San Jorge -- the bundle. The cave of the Mayan altar -- Zunil ; a Cofradia of contradiction, with spirit, yet a darkness of actions and undertones -- Cofradia de Concepcion, Solola -- Samayac, Suchitepequez ; Nicolas, a healer -- Finca (coffee plantations) -- Judas Iscariot. Fincas, churches, and front lawns -- Rey Pascual and his mythology -- Olintepeque, the home of Rey Pascual. Mayan mythological roots of Rey Pascual ; Rey Pascual in Mexico -- Rey Pascual and his ceremonies -- interview with Nicolas and Jose healers from Samayac. The anatomy of a folk saint -- Lucifer -- Other spiritual friends : Ajitz, Don Diego, Saint Jude Thaddeus, and San Gregorio. Ajitz -- communicator with the gods ; Don Diego ; San Gregorio, the protector -- San Simon altars of the United States. San Simon in Los Angeles, California ; San Simon in Indio, California ; San Simon in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Subject headings (LCSH): Folk art--Guatemala.; Guatemala--Religious life and customs.; Maximón (Legendary character); Mayas--Guatemala--Religion.; Santos (Art)--Guatemala.; Syncretism (Religion)--Guatemala.