Ritual

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morfe M
morfe Jan 12, 2006 22:11:41
Replying to PeterH

"the one real remaning element - people still throw coins into wells for luck."

When I was really sick with arthritis, I tied a strip of my handkerchief in a tree near a wellspring after dipping it in the water. Alongside this rag were many other fragments, some really old, some recent, some with written wishes that their loved ones would heal or recover from ailments.

Is this proof of your one 'real remaining element' being only coins?

I would imagine that your very true statement takes some leap of faith to deduce that throwing a coin in after the others is very real, whilst making a painful journey to an out-of-the-way place to conduct a cleansing and well-wishing ritual with an item of clothing is about as fake as can be.

Well done (boom-boom)

P PeterH
PeterH Jan 12, 2006 22:37:50
Replying to morfe

If you are really sick or a loved one is - then you will try anything.

Look at the tat tied to trees at the average holy well. How many do you think are genuine cries for help? The tat is insulting in its shoddiness. Originally, people left personal valued items of clothing or ribbons which perhaps cost the whole of a week's wage. Now? How many people leave something that they value - something that they can ill afford to leave behind? If it cured you, you would wouldn't you? There is the test of belief. Go to your local well and hang a Rolex watch on the branch for a cure. No way - so we go and hang a rag or strip of plastic - just for luck! Lourdes and such are different because People really do spend a great deal of money to get there. They may be misguided, but their belief is genuine even if there is no cure.