Can You Describe The Religious Beliefs Of Tarahumara Indians?
The religious beliefs of the Tarahumaras are a mixture of Roman Catholicism and traditional Indian teachings. Long ago the Spanish clergy influenced them to believe in Jesus Christ, but only in a superficial way. They will readily change their professed religion, if it seems advantageous to do so. Where the Catholic Church provides means of livelihood, they agree with Catholicism. But if a segment of Protestantism offers goods such as food and clothing, they go along with Protestant teachings. The Tarahumaras believe in immortality of the soul and conduct public worship of both the sun and the cross in connection with certain festivities. Also, occult practices are common. There are herb doctors and “healers” who impose and remove curses. As their pay, these healers demand a pot of tesgüino, a potent type of corn liquor. At times these individuals resort to trickery. Before visiting a sick person, some put a stone in their mouth. After examining the sick individual, they pretend to suc
