Archives

Maypole and ringing of church bells in San Vicente de Arana (Álava), hail-protection rites

0
Posted on 2018-04-27 in
Preparing the Maypole

Preparing the Maypole, 2017. José Ángel Chasco.

Peasants today rely on commercial or mutual insurance for compensation of losses caused by hailstorms. However, ancient rites and charms are still practised to provide protection against the hazard of damage to crops, animals and people. On 3 May, the Finding of the Holy Cross, a Maypole (Mayo, in Spanish) is erected in San Vicente de Arana (Álava) to guard cultivated fields and harvests from the ravages of storms and remains in place throughout the summer until it is taken down on 14 September, the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. (more…)

Carrito

Archive