Latin American folk saints.

[Not David]

*Friendly post*
Even though I lived in Ecuador for most of my life, I was never Roman Catholic and my family told me Catholics were pagan. Even though I understand Roman Catholicism didn't originate in Paganism I understand why they thought that since unfortunately there are a lot of questionable folk saints.

 

[Not David]

Jesus Malverde who is venerated by narcos and criminals and they give him whiskey.

Juan Soldado who was lynched because he was accused of raping a girl, is prayed in order to cross the US border (illegally).

Santeria which blasphemously replaces saints with their African gods.

Saint Maximón whom people give cigars.

And the most infamous one: Santa Muerte.

 

[anna ~ grace]

None of these are officially canonized Saints. Others are pagan deities masked as Saints. None of this is officially approved by the Church, though some may practice or encourage this individually.

 

[Gnarwhal]

Latin American culture has a major problem with syncretism.

 

[Michie]

That's right. None are officially canonized and the Church has spoken out against these cults.

 

[bèlla]

African Traditional religions were preserved during slavery through syncretic practices. The slaves were forcibly made to adopt Christian beliefs. They didn’t have a choice. But they saw a way to worship their Gods through the new religion.

Santeria, Vodun, Candomble, Ifa, Obeah, Hoodoo, and Palo Mayombe all hail from the same source but employ different practices. Whiskey is commonly used in many rituals.

Everything you’ve posted looks like an ATR in my opinion. That’s its public face.

~Bella

 

[Basil the Great]

Yes, the veneration of Saint Death (Muerte) reportedly has it's roots in the Aztec culture.

 

[Michie]

Santa Muerta, Don't Pray for Us - Crisis Magazine