EL “POSITO”
(Little Well)
Most of the pilgrims travel by foot, sometimes
without shoes, enduring many physical hardships along the way. When
they reach the shrine at the end of the journey, they enter a small
candlelit room, kneel near the “pozito” (little well),
scoop out the “tierra bendita” (sacred earth), and apply it
to places on their bodies corresponding to the wounds our Lord received
during his crucifixion. Some of the dust is poured into bags and vials
to be taken home. Many people believe that, rubbed on the body or made
into tea, it can ease arthritis, paralysis, sore throat, sadness, and
the pains of childbirth: they also believe that a pinch thrown into the
fire will avert or disperse a storm.
Margaret M. Nava
