My pockets bulge with a odd collection of stones. Some are tiny and smooth. Others are bulky and awkward. I have made a point of collecting bits and pieces of the Bolivian culture. They are tucked away in my life. Every once in a while I pull one out for display.
Today the piece I have chosen is hopping around on my hand like a hot potato. It is singeing my finger tips and fills our nostrils with sulfuric smoke. Though it burns it must stay in the collection. It is the devil himself.
Oh, I know this is a touchy subject. I know the deep darkness is not a pleasant conversation starter. How can I avoid talking about it? The idea of the devil, and dare I say it, the devil himself, plays a role in our daily reality.
Potosi is a city on the mountains of Bolivia. It claims the highest altitude in the world at 4,100 meters (13,451 feet). I have been there, more than once. It used to be filthy rich. Now it’s depressing poverty and lack of green vegetation just give it the look of filth. The silver mines were stripped bare after the conquistadors raped and pillaged the land. All that is left is some meager spelunking tours and an ominous statue of the Devil’s Uncle in every cave. Residents visit the caves regularly to sprinkle on the statues coca leaves, cigarettes and other items to pay homage to this image. His endearing nickname is Tio. His visage takes many forms and is proudly displayed throughout the shrunken city. A friend of ours was staying in the hotel room next to ours. In the morning he told us, “I slept under the Devil’s Uncle last night!” His blanket had a huge Tio face on it. We preached the gospel in that place.
The Bolivian ownership of the devil does not stop there. A recent dispute caused by the actions of a Peruvian pageant contestant has had leaders claiming that the ‘Devil Dance’ belongs to Bolivia alone. It’s name in Spanish is ‘Diablada’. The dance, which interprets the fight between good (the arc angel) and evil (the seven deadly sins), has colorful and dramatic costumes. The steps involve wild flailing of the arms and jumping around. The whole dance leaves a deep impression on the onlookers when done properly. This was the intention of the Jesuit choreographers desiring to send a clear message to the tribal people of the land that would one day become the Peru, Bolivia and Chile we know today.
One lady said to me once, “I am a Christian. I am not Catholic. Though, I do think that is important that we observe cultural traditions so that our children can proudly carry on the Bolivian culture to the next generation.” She said this to explain why she practices the first Friday of the month ritual called the Q’owa during which elements are burned so as to fill the house or establishment with a smoke of blessing. Oftentimes the elements include coca leaves, tiny sugar statues and even dried animal fetus.
Are these traditions harmless? Does custom turn meaningless? Is there real danger to my faith in the observance of these rituals from a purely cultural standpoint?
Maybe. Maybe not.
If I could delve a bit deeper I might ask a more personal question. Are there ‘good’ traditions I maintain that have become void of power because of my attitude accompanying their practice? When I pray? When I sing? When I attend a church service?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Is there harm in continuing on for the sole intention of maintaining Christian tradition alive?
I would love to hear your thoughts or response to any of the material presented here. Feel free to leave a comment below. For further reading I have taken some of my information from three articles that can be accessed online by clicking these links:
Peru, Bolivia Lock Horns over Devil Dance, MSNBC
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Okay…Uncle Tio, umm…SCARY!! In my mind when I’ve heard you describe these pagan rituals it shows me just how lost Bolivia really is. And I, myself would have to question any Christian who would engage in any act that would/could be symbolized as an act of worship to anything OTHER than the Lord God Almighty for the primary reason that it’s a Commandment not to have any other God’s before Jehovah! Rachel tried to take her “culture” and idols with her…and they were crushed.
Wow. What a post. Only one comment. Hmmm. That’s intriguing to me.
Every one of us has sacred cows. Until we actually see them for what they are, though, we firmly believe them to be legitimate. I love that you approach this idea with such an open mind. So many are utterly convinced that ‘such and such’ a way of thinking is right, that they have trouble challenging their own thoughts. I love that you have presented such a balanced viewpoint. There are many ‘traditions’ in the Church that we believe must be there to adequately “do” church. But are they meaningless? Do they serve any real purpose? Jesus all-out hacked at some of the sacred cows of His day. I don’t think He likes them all that much.
great article ! i love it .. Thank for this.