Chimayo Local Custom Tips by kymbanm

The Spanish exploration of the New Worlds included a promise to the Catholic Church to provide more souls for the church itself. Therefore, Catholocism was an important part of conquistador life. With a lack of European influence in their art, local converts began creating likenesses of the saints, Virgin May, and Christ they were taught about. These pieces can be found in churches and homes throughout world regions of Spanish influence.

Here in New Mexico, religious artworks are created through a spiritual journey of the artist. Training occurs through mentorship after being selected by an established artist. Some artists recommend prayer, others insist on fasting. Regardless of the method used, each of these religious works has a story. Many in the region who provide these items believe they are instructed in the formation of the artwork from the saint themself... sort of a channelling experience. When changes are made to a design, it's not for the sake of art, it's because the saint wants it that new way.

Bultos & Santos: Carved wood statues of holy figures, can be in their own nicho in homes, but usually found in churches and chapels. Some are made to be dressed in clothing, others are painted. They can be combination of one dimensional and three dimensional pieces. Some are flat paintings on wood of holy figures.

Retablos: Painting on tin of holy figures. Usually have a box shape and a glass door to place devotional items inside. Artists are usually anonymous.

Milagros: Metal charms used in devotions. To request holy aid, or to thank for aid already provided. Found in artwork, pinned to holy statues and church walls. Latin American milagros are a combination of indigenous fetishes and the european ex-votos. Common in New Mexico, milagros can be of an arm, a leg, a tongue to ward of gossip, of angels and more.

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The stream that wanders past the Santuario de Chimayo is also known for it's healing gifts (though the sacred soil in El Posito still has top billing). The church has a metal dispenser filled with this water that has been blessed by the local priest for those who wish to take some home with them. I didn't ask, but the water by the doors of the church has that oily feel of 'normal' holy water while the stuff in the urn just feels like normal water - just amazingly cold.

Containers can be brought from home, bought at the santuario gift shop, or from other vendors in Chimayo. We had already purchased our containers from the giftshop, complete with the Santuario's logo, and were filling up at the urn. Another couple showed up behind us carrying plastic-glow-in-the-dark Madonnas. My eyes lit up and after filling my previous purchase, I wandered over to the store they indicated and got myself a plastic Madonna too! She doesn't fill as easily from the urn, but she is soooo special that she has a place of honor in my living room now :) I had brought a jar from home, and filled that at the stream. I just wanted to be sure to get all the goodness I could from this place!

Mother earth has already chosen this as special water, then being blessed by the church on top of it - I figure this must be some powerful mojo. So does that mean its even MORE holy?

Hmmmmm.

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One of the most amazing things at the Santuario de Chimayo is the shear number of homemade crosses that adorn the fencing along the stream. The tradition here is to leave a cross behind to mark your intention. Some crosses were made before arrival and are a bit more ornate. Most of the crosses were made with twigs found on property and bound together with duct tape, string, and even dental floss

Walking the fence and viewing these crosses, even for a non-religious soul as myself, stirs one deep inside. Tears well up, thoughts arrive unbidden, and the desire to join in arrives. For some reason the spirituality of this place fills me ... unexpected and joyously.

As I got to the end of the fencing and turned, I discovered I had passed an outdoor church! Mounds indicated the stations of the cross, benches all angled toward and outdoor altar. This altar has a crucifix adorned with little lights and covered with more crosses of wood, crosses painted on the altar itself, rocks with prayers written upon them, and notes on paper .. all surrounded by candles and love.

Everyplace I looked at the Santuario, I found a nother surprise .... a carved angel sitting on the wall by the small cemetary, an altar to the Virgen covered with rosaires, chile ristras gleaming in the sun, a little dog who peered into the church and seemed to understand he wasn't allowed to cross throught the door ....

Yup, this was a beautiful day .....

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