There is an old Hispanic tradition in the Southwest to put out luminarias (or farolitos) during the Christmas season. A few miles from our house are ancient Pueblo and Spanish mission ruins. The Spanish mission church, built on the same site and among the Jemez ruins dates to the time of the pilgrims. "The massive ruins of the church of San Jose de los Jemez are among the most impressive in the Southwest." The ruins of the mission (especially) are in surprisingly good condition. The whole place is now a New Mexico State monument.
Another interesting thing about this site is that it is (at least recently) primarily administrated by members of the Jemez Pueblo which offers a more diverse (and honest) interpretation of it's history. During the Christmas season lumiarias are place throughout the monument. The picture you see here is taken from outside the primary mission, looking towards the back wall. The roof has long since caved in.
Behind the picture is a bonfire, with members of the Pueblo dancing. There are some drums beating, and the whole experience is very transporting. Some of you have received copies of my Jemez Eagle dancer pictures (I cannot post them in the internet, but am allowed to distribute physical pictures under certain restrictions). This was the dance being performed last night. The dancers wore sea shells, as in ancient times, which used to be obtained in trade, probably from Indians from coastal regins in Mexico. The combination of the drums, chanting, an jingling of the sea shells always captivates me. In addition, this relatively small group of Hispancs, Jemez Pueblo people and a few Anglos sharing and appreciating ancient cultures is always a source of encouragement to me. This is not the season to go into details, but much has been forgiven to make this night possible.
Another interesting thing about this site is that it is (at least recently) primarily administrated by members of the Jemez Pueblo which offers a more diverse (and honest) interpretation of it's history. During the Christmas season lumiarias are place throughout the monument. The picture you see here is taken from outside the primary mission, looking towards the back wall. The roof has long since caved in.
Behind the picture is a bonfire, with members of the Pueblo dancing. There are some drums beating, and the whole experience is very transporting. Some of you have received copies of my Jemez Eagle dancer pictures (I cannot post them in the internet, but am allowed to distribute physical pictures under certain restrictions). This was the dance being performed last night. The dancers wore sea shells, as in ancient times, which used to be obtained in trade, probably from Indians from coastal regins in Mexico. The combination of the drums, chanting, an jingling of the sea shells always captivates me. In addition, this relatively small group of Hispancs, Jemez Pueblo people and a few Anglos sharing and appreciating ancient cultures is always a source of encouragement to me. This is not the season to go into details, but much has been forgiven to make this night possible.
