Devotion in a candle
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In Odília Alves Gameiro’s study, offerings mentioned in accounts of Santa Senhorinha include wax, candles, large ceremonial candles and oil lamps. The author interprets their low cost as a sign of devotion accessible to different social groups. Bell ringing and oral transmission also appear in the spread of the narrated miracles. These are elements of the history of devotion, not proof of the supernatural events described.
The study distinguishes an offering accompanying a request from one giving thanks for a received favour. The same object could therefore take part in different moments of devotion. Its interpretation depends on the narrated context, not only on the material from which it was made.
Source and context
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