The topic and aim of this paper is to have a closer look at different aspects of the so-called "popular canonization", especially in Argentina. First of all there will be a delineation between official canonization and the concept of popular "canonization". The focus will then be on the dynamism of this type of veneration in Argentina, i.e. its expansion from rural areas to profane urban spaces. The selected examples of folk saints will be Gauchito Gil and San La Muerte, which are both figures, whose popularity was continuously increasing over the past decades. Additionally, the situation in Europe will be taken into consideration to demonstrate if popular "canonization" is also expanding throughout this continent.
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. DELINEATION OF CONCEPTS
2.1 OFFICIAL CANONIZATION
2.1.1 CANONIZATION BY THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
2.1.2 ORTHODOX PRACTICES
2.2 POPULAR ‘CANONIZATION’
2.2.1 ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT
2.2.2 DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES
2.2.3 RELATIONSHIP WITH THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
3. GAUCHITO GIL AND SAN LA MUERTE – ARGENTINA AND THE EXPANSION OF ITS FOLK SAINTS
3.1 GAUCHITO GIL
3.1.1 ORIGINS
3.1.2 THE CULT OF GAUCHITO GIL
3.2 SAN LA MUERTE
3.2.1 ORIGINS
3.2.2 THE CULT OF SAN LA MUERTE
3.3 FROM RURAL AREAS TO PROFANE URBAN SPACE
3.3.1 THE PRESENCE OF POPULAR SAINTS IN URBAN SPACE
3.3.2 MOTIVES FOR THE DYNAMISM OF POPULAR ‘CANONIZATION’
4. POPULAR ‘CANONIZATION’ IN EUROPE?
5. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Core Themes
This paper examines the phenomenon of "popular canonization" in Argentina, focusing on how folk saints evolve from rural origins into prominent figures within profane urban spaces. The research questions explore the differences between institutional and popular veneration, the reasons for the dynamism of folk cults, and whether similar patterns of popular devotion are observable in the European context.
- Comparison between official Catholic/Orthodox canonization processes and popular veneration.
- Case studies of Gauchito Gil and San La Muerte as representative Argentine folk saints.
- Analysis of the socio-spatial expansion of folk cults from rural areas to urban environments.
- Investigation into the influence of migration, media, and economic instability on popular devotion.
- Cross-continental perspective on folk sainthood and its relative prevalence in Europe.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1.1 Origins
According to the legend, Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez was born approximately in the 1840s on a ranch in the area of Pay Ubre, nowadays Mercedes, Corrientes. He was a gaucho and a devout believer in the folk saint San La Muerte. He died around 1878, but there are different versions relating to his death. According to one version, he was supposed to fight in the War of the Triple Alliance in Paraguay but when he deserted, he was captured in the forest by Coronel Zalazar and the local police. They tortured him and hung him headfirst from an algarrobo tree. Before he was killed, Gil said to the executor: “Your son is very ill, if you pray to him, the child will live. If not, he will die.” His words were ignored and the man cut his throat. According to another version, they tried to shoot Antonio Gil but the bullets would not enter his body. When the policeman came home, he saw that his son was indeed ill and started praying to the Gauchito. His son recovered and the policeman organized a proper burial for the child’s saviour.
Furthermore Gil is said to have stolen cattle, which he gave to people in need. Therefore he is regarded as an Argentinian Robin Hood, “a good hearted outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor”.
However, there is a general agreement, that Gauchito Gil was an innocent man who was killed for no good reason. After his death and the boy’s recovery, the story spread and people have prayed to Gauchito Gil ever since.
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research topic regarding popular saints and defines the scope of the study, specifically focusing on Argentina and the comparison with Europe.
2. DELINEATION OF CONCEPTS: Contrasts the institutionalized, lengthy canonization process of the Catholic Church with the spontaneous and community-driven nature of popular 'canonization'.
3. GAUCHITO GIL AND SAN LA MUERTE – ARGENTINA AND THE EXPANSION OF ITS FOLK SAINTS: Analyzes the origins, cultural significance, and the transition of these two specific figures from rural local veneration to widespread national and urban popularity.
4. POPULAR ‘CANONIZATION’ IN EUROPE?: Explores the reasons behind the limited presence of folk saints in Europe compared to Latin America, citing the influence of established institutional churches and socio-economic stability.
5. CONCLUSION: Summarizes the key findings, emphasizing that popular devotion often serves as a form of collective identity and continues to thrive despite institutional religious dominance.
Keywords
Popular canonization, Folk saints, Gauchito Gil, San La Muerte, Argentina, Catholic Church, Devotional practices, Urban space, Religious syncretism, Migration, Miracles, Collective identity, Latin America, Secularization, Folk religion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the concept of "popular canonization"—the process by which individuals are venerated as saints by the masses without official recognition from religious institutions.
What are the central themes covered?
The work investigates the characteristics of folk saints, the differences between institutional and popular devotion, the socio-spatial migration of these cults, and the impact of the economic and political environment on these practices.
What is the main goal of the research?
The goal is to analyze the dynamism of popular saint veneration in Argentina, particularly how these figures move from rural origins into contemporary urban landscapes and media discourse.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The paper employs a comparative and qualitative analysis, synthesizing existing literature, cultural history, sociological surveys, and media reports to examine religious practices.
What content is discussed in the main body?
The main body details the specific cases of Gauchito Gil and San La Muerte, explores their origins and devotional rituals, and evaluates how their presence is manifest in modern Argentine cities and contemporary art.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include popular canonization, folk saints, religious syncretism, urban space, Argentina, and institutional versus unofficial religious devotion.
How does the cult of Gauchito Gil compare to that of San La Muerte?
While both are prominent, Gauchito Gil is widely embraced as a "Robin Hood" figure, whereas San La Muerte is often associated with a darker, deathly imagery that leads to a more private or sometimes stigmatized form of devotion.
Why is popular sainthood more prevalent in Latin America than in Europe?
The research suggests that Latin America's socio-economic instability and indigenous historical background facilitate a greater need for immediate, miraculous intervention, whereas Europe's stronger institutional church and stability offer less "space" for such unofficial cults.
Does the paper argue that folk religion is disappearing due to urbanization?
No, the author argues that rather than disappearing, folk religion undergoes a transformation and modernization, often revitalizing elements of magic and superstition within the urban habitat.
- Citation du texte
- Carina Minnerup (Auteur), 2016, The Representation of Popular "Canonization" in the Discourse of Contemporary Urban Space, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/367616
