EXORCISMOS E EXORCISTAS EM MACAU. SOBREVIVÊNCIA DE ANTIGOS RITUAIS驅魔術與驅魔人在澳門 ─ 現存之古儀式
This article investigates the practice and survival of exorcism rituals in Macau, contextualizing them within the long Chinese cosmological and spiritual tradition. The author, Ana Maria Amaro, explores the roots of these rituals in Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions, highlighting the histor...
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| Published in: | Review of Culture |
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| Format: | Articles |
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Instituto Cultural de Macau
April 2004
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| Online Access: | https://www.icm.gov.mo/rc/viewer/pdfViewerParts/40010/3862 |
| Summary: | This article investigates the practice and survival of exorcism rituals in Macau, contextualizing them within the long Chinese cosmological and spiritual tradition. The author, Ana Maria Amaro, explores the roots of these rituals in Taoist, Buddhist, and Confucian traditions, highlighting the historical figure of the Emperor and the literati as agents of protection against malevolent forces. The study details the magical dimension attributed to writing, calligraphy brushes, official seals, and classical texts, which functioned as powerful talismans and demonifuges capable of curing illnesses and repelling nefarious influences.
In the specific context of Macau, the analysis focuses on the persistence of these beliefs and practices among the Luso-descendant community ("filhos-da-terra") until the end of the 20th century. The phenomenon of "bagate" — a form of witchcraft or possession by "errand souls" (gui) — stands out, as do the exorcism rites necessary to nullify it. Through an approach grounded in cultural anthropology and historical observation, the research reveals how these ancient rituals and faith in spiritual mediation resisted modernization, illustrating the complex intersection between magic, traditional medicine, and the social structure of Macanese society. It concludes that the survival of these customs attests to the continuity of an intangible heritage that defines the region's deep cultural identity. |
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| ISSN: | 1682-1106 |