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Loyola (Gipuzkoa). José Ignacio García Muñoz. Labayru Fundazioa Photographic Archive.

In a previous post we revisited sacred places popular with pilgrims as prevention and cure for sickness. On this occasion we focus on pilgrimage destinations for infertile women and children with disorders. These are old-time practices that have gradually been abandoned over the years.

Infertility was almost considered a disgrace in traditional society, and primarily, if not exclusively, attributed to women. Children were a blessing for the continuity of the family line, while providing a helping hand with domestic chores. Not surprisingly, married women eagerly yearned for a family of their own, and those who could not bear children sought the intercession of the Virgin and the saints. (more…)