|
Curanderismo
|
| This is a tradition that evolved when the Judeo-Christian religious beliefs of the Spanish were brought to the New World and merged with Indian herbal lore. Curanderismo is mainly practiced in Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Curanderismo is the basic act of healing and aiding ailments through faith and herbal remedies. Through history some curanderos or healers have gained fame and to the population they served became saints even if not recognized by the Catholic church. Curanderismo is quickly spreading in the United States barrios when Latino immigrants of low resources are unable to visit a traditional doctor who charges four to five times more than a curandero or curandera depending on the ailment. Also there are many ailments not recognized by Western medicine that are believed to only be treated by curanderismo. Each ailment usually has its remedy and at times are so simple to perfom that family members have passed them down from one generation to the next and are able to perform them even if they are not a recognized curandero or curandera. However the expertise of a curandero or curandera is usually sought for more serious ailments or for limpias. A limpia is a cleansing of a persons spirit and aura and this is done through a rituals performed by the curandero or curandera. |
|
Famous Curanderos
|
About them...
|
|
 |
Don Pedrito Jaramillo | Was a curandero who practiced in South Texas in the late 1800's. |
 |
"El Nino" Fidencio Constantino | Was a curandero from Espinazo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico who displayed psychic powers at age six when he was able to identify his classmates while blindfolded. |