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sometimes hardwork and dedication pays off. It's nice to get called into the bosses office and receive something nice.
scontato il mio commento, ma non dovrebbero essere scontate le morti sul lavoro che ancor oggi avvengono.
Die Menschen in Nepal meistern ihr Leben mit all seinen Schwierigkeiten wie wir uns das kaum vorstellen können und das meist mit einem Lächeln.
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This is part of a forthcomong series of images documenting Semana Santa (Easter) in Taxco and Cacalotenango, Mexico in April 2007.
This Easter I traveled to the colonial town of Taxco, Mexico to rest and document the Semana Santa customs originally brought from Spain almost 500 years ago – rituals once banned have been regularly practiced in Taxco once a year for the past 100 years or so. One can see, hear, and sense the processions as they wind through the ancient cobblestone streets. Children dressed as angels, followed by the faithful shouldering beautifully carved religious statuses. I witnessed “penitentes” who show their faith through self-inflicted suffering.
These re-enactments and processions are an amalgamation of Spanish and pre-Columbian worship and culture. For example, the use of percussion and musical instruments, and the specific qualities of “penitente” practices. The indigenous identification with Christ’s (Jews) suffering at the hands of the Romans mirrors their own history of suffering at the hands of the conquistadors. The flagellation practices are reminiscent of those found in Aztec culture. Their use of decorations, plants (zarzamora) and materials by the “penitentes” are clear adaptations to medieval Spanish customs and ritual.
Taxco is reported to be the “Silver Center of the World” where four tons of silver a month are made into jewelry and other works of art. In the late 1920s, the charm of this colonial hillside town attracted William Spratling, a North American architect, writer and artist, and his charisma in turn made Taxco “the haunt of Bohemian American artists and literati.”
Since 9/11 they’ve been hit hard. These are a proud, hardworking people who are very devout in their spirituality and commitment to their families. This is the first of a series of images captured in Taxco as well as Cacalotenango. I got to the later by paying a private driver to transport me there. Coming back I was blessed by having made friends with two Univision TV cameramen who’d managed to have a police truck at their disposal.
Cacalotenango is a small agricultural town in the mountains about one hour west of Taxco. The semana Santa Good Friday festivities and passion play are acted out authentically. The whippings, flagellations and crucifixion actually occur live in front of spectators who are warned to stay clear of the action to avoid getting hurt. True to form, the crowds (and the photographers) were constantly being harassed, pushed and shoved by the Roman centurions who were clearing the way for the procession along the “Via Dolorosa”.
At one point, a bullwhip lash meant for “Jesus” actually hit me. I didn’t really get hurt but (in my mind :~) I fancied myself an “artist-penitent” of sorts as I roasted in the hot sun running up and down a wide area of hills and steep walkways trying to stay close to the action.
Let me tell you, this was as real an enactment as can be put on short of death. According to an indigenous penitent, who became a friend, the crucifixion was real on both hands though the feet were tied in place. As I followed the Christ figure through various phases of torture, defilement and physical injuries, there was no doubt he was actually experiencing incredible suffering, exhaustion and pain.
As a semi-lapsed Catholic convert and human being I was extremely moved by the devotion of the participants and spectators who were able to relive the suffering, sacrifice and selflessness of this event.
A “penitente” told me this suffering was offered prayerfully for the wellbeing and healing of themselves, their families and communities. Beyond this was also an offering for national and world peace.
As an example, this indigenous “penitente” told me that he was praying for peace in Iraq and for the safety of American soldiers. Although I found these practices to be extreme and outside of my frame of experience, there was nothing fanatical or pathological about the people choosing to do this. They presented as very intelligent, discriminating, balanced and kind.
I got the sense that they were at peace with themselves and very centered. They seem to go into ecstatic or meditative states that defy ones concept of human endurance and self healing. I was told elderly diabetics have healed completely after deep flagellations with lead tipped whips after exhausting processions of many miles.
About 36 hours after severe self flagalation with with metal tipped whips, my friend's back appeared to have only a slight purplish hematoma with unbroken skin. I accidentally touched it when we hugged and he did not feel any pain........ Had I not seen this, I wouldn't have believed it possible.
To be honest, I don’t yet quite know what to make of all this, but I’m left with a deep sense of respect and admiration for their selfless devotion and spiritual dedication.
lets try something different, shot by KHWD from a history board overlooking the fanad lighthouse, the wind was whistling, it was the wild atlantic way. I just can't imagine what it was like to work in this way, hard times indeed. Back braking, literally. A bit of Irish history! The weather had eaten into the picture board and you can see that in depth in this image capture. "lines of real history" Note the collie dog at her side (far right!)
want to see more images or read the blog?
www.motorhome-travels.net/post/blog-194-travel-blog-eire-...
In the 19th century, farming on the Fanad Peninsula in County Donegal, Ireland, was a mix of traditional practices and emerging rural industries. The local economy was primarily based on subsistence farming, with families growing crops and raising livestock to meet their own needs. However, there were also some commercial activities that began to take root during this period.
Key aspects of farming and rural life in 19th century Fanad:
Cattle Rearing: Rearing cattle was a significant part of the local economy. Farmers raised cattle both for their own use and for sale1.
Fishing: Herring fishing was another important activity. The peninsula’s coastal location made it ideal for fishing, which supplemented the agricultural income.
Flax Growing and Linen Production: Flax growing and linen production were introduced in the mid-18th century and continued into the 19th century. This industry provided an additional source of income for many families.
Kelp Production: The production of kelp, which was used as a fertilizer and in the manufacture of glass and soap, was also evident by the early 19th century.
Manufacture of Bent Hats and Shoes: These were among the small-scale industries that developed in the area, providing additional employment opportunities.
Despite these developments, the majority of the population in Fanad retained their Gaelic ways and the Irish language remained predominant until the mid-19th century