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RITUALS OF POPULAR CATHOLICISM   
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RITUALS OF POPULAR CATHOLICISM

The Catholic religion, which the Galibi-Marworno say they follow, is observed through the rituals connected to the life cycle: baptism, marriage and funerals. The first two are celebrated by the priest when he visits the village. Funeral rites are more traditional. The deceased lies in wake in the house, the whole night, accompanied by songs in patois and much liveliness, as people eat, drink, play and happily converse. Some time after the burial, the same ritual is repeated, for one whole night until dawn.

The calendar of festivals includes the festival of Holy Mary which begins on the 5th of August and ends on the 17th. It is preceded by the charité,[charity, alms] when a procession with musicians and the maître charité visit all the houses of the village to collect a contribution in money or in kind for the festival. Afterwards, the main pole is raised, laden with fruits, in front of the church. Litanies are held at night and processions with the Virgin, in the afternoon. A large number of festeiros [those who sponsor and organize the festival](there were 16 in 1996), make a promise, on the year before the festival is held, to dedicate themselves to the realization of the fest. They and their families prepare the food, buy the drinks, decorate the hall and take care of public orderliness, a necessary task because of excessive drinking. Many people come from other villages, from the Curipi, Urucauá, Oiapoque, Cassiporé, Saint Georges and even Caienne. Employees of FUNAI and other authorities also participate. If it is election time, the candidates take advantage of the occasion to campaign, helping with the expenses which is called a present “of politics". The food is abundant, there is no fish, however, only meat. The dance lasts three days, it being mandatory to remain in the hall the whole night until dawn. Other festivals include São Benedito, at Christmas time, and the Brazilian civil festivals.

Lux Vidal
Universidade de São Paulo
Fax: (011) 256.9573
January, 2000
 
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