*Ø* Blogmanac July 29, 1578 | King Sebastian of Portugal went missing in battle
When will King Sebastian return?
On this day in 1578, Portugal’s Don Sebastian, aged 22, was fighting (read invading) the Moors (African Muslims) in Morocco, at Ksar el Kebir. His army was so defeated that scarcely 50 of his men made it out alive. The Moors said that they had his body and buried it at Belem, but Sebastian's countrymen believed he had escaped and would return to lead them.
Despite the passage of many years, the conviction grew into a cult, passing on from one Portuguese generation to another, surviving into modern times.
The London Times of December 1825 reported that old Portuguese visionaries would go out on windy nights, wrapped in cloaks, watching the movements of the heavens. Sometimes they would see a shooting star and cry “Here he comes!” Sebastianism, a kind of messianic cult, persisted into the 19th century, with the belief that Brazil would become the chief nation of earth.
Sales of horses and some other things were sometimes made, payable at the coming of King Sebastian.
In Brazil, there is a legend that Don Sebastian appears in the form of a black bull on the beaches of mysterious Lencois Island, off the coast of Maranhao.
By the way, Don Sebastian is supposed to be a name of terror to Moorish children.
Nor shall Sebastian’s formidable name
Be longer used to still the crying babe.
Dryden, Don Sebastian (1690)
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*Ø* Blogmanac July 29 | Spain's Fiesta of the Near Death Experience
“Every year the small parish town of As Neves, lying south of the ferocious Río Miño (Minho) that marks the border between Portugal and Spain, sees thousands converge on the town's streets for the Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme, or the Fiesta of the Near-Death Experience.
“The throngs of devotees of Santa Marta, the town's patron saint, known as the ‘saint of death’, besiege the church and surrounding area for a day to pay their respects. All these people hold one thing in common - they have all nearly died.
”One of the main festival highlights sees all manner of people being carried in their coffins by friends and relatives, in a procession that follows the effigy of Santa Marta around the church. It is not uncommon even to see the odd loner having to carry his own. Santa Marta carries a salver in her right hand which sees a constant flurry of donations. The proceeds go towards the maintenance of her shrine. The festival provides a great opportunity to have a good old natter about your near-death-experience, but do get there early. Many who don't (the majority) end up hearing the service on a tannoy from outside the church.”
Source
When will King Sebastian return?
On this day in 1578, Portugal’s Don Sebastian, aged 22, was fighting (read invading) the Moors (African Muslims) in Morocco, at Ksar el Kebir. His army was so defeated that scarcely 50 of his men made it out alive. The Moors said that they had his body and buried it at Belem, but Sebastian's countrymen believed he had escaped and would return to lead them.
Despite the passage of many years, the conviction grew into a cult, passing on from one Portuguese generation to another, surviving into modern times.
The London Times of December 1825 reported that old Portuguese visionaries would go out on windy nights, wrapped in cloaks, watching the movements of the heavens. Sometimes they would see a shooting star and cry “Here he comes!” Sebastianism, a kind of messianic cult, persisted into the 19th century, with the belief that Brazil would become the chief nation of earth.
Sales of horses and some other things were sometimes made, payable at the coming of King Sebastian.
In Brazil, there is a legend that Don Sebastian appears in the form of a black bull on the beaches of mysterious Lencois Island, off the coast of Maranhao.
By the way, Don Sebastian is supposed to be a name of terror to Moorish children.
Nor shall Sebastian’s formidable name
Be longer used to still the crying babe.
Dryden, Don Sebastian (1690)
Pip Wilson's articles are available for your publication, on application. Further details
Receive similar items free each day with a free subscription to Wilson's Almanac ezine. Send a blank email
*Ø* Blogmanac July 29 | Spain's Fiesta of the Near Death Experience
“Every year the small parish town of As Neves, lying south of the ferocious Río Miño (Minho) that marks the border between Portugal and Spain, sees thousands converge on the town's streets for the Fiesta de Santa Marta de Ribarteme, or the Fiesta of the Near-Death Experience.
“The throngs of devotees of Santa Marta, the town's patron saint, known as the ‘saint of death’, besiege the church and surrounding area for a day to pay their respects. All these people hold one thing in common - they have all nearly died.
”One of the main festival highlights sees all manner of people being carried in their coffins by friends and relatives, in a procession that follows the effigy of Santa Marta around the church. It is not uncommon even to see the odd loner having to carry his own. Santa Marta carries a salver in her right hand which sees a constant flurry of donations. The proceeds go towards the maintenance of her shrine. The festival provides a great opportunity to have a good old natter about your near-death-experience, but do get there early. Many who don't (the majority) end up hearing the service on a tannoy from outside the church.”
Source
Pip Wilson posted item above at 11:48 PM | Permalink
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