Old friend Dr. Jensen (see Sausages in suitcases) sends us this interesting article about the growth of the Mexican La Santa Muerte cult in the U.S., and not just among Mexican immigrants (two devotees quoted are named Bragg and Beasley....) Not to be confused with Argentina's San La Muerte.
Underworld saint La Santa Muerte, symbol of vengeance prayed to by cartels, becoming popular in U.S.
Folk saints are fascinating and evidently reflect a popular need. That said, the growth of the crudest forms of superstition and irrational religious devotion is not really a good sign of a healthy society.
I could be wrong.
Previously:http://lawsofsilence.blogspot.fr/2007/08/folk-heroes-and-cults-of-death.html
I just re-read Dr. J's piece on Plum Island again. Brilliant.
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