Page:Journal of American Folklore vol. 12.djvu/175

 Holy Week in Mexico. 163

The order was, — Mary Magdalene, the Holy Burial, Virgin of Soledad, St. John, St. Peter. The figure of the Magdalene was carried, running hither and thither, seeking a burial-place for the Lord. The celebration ended with the burning of Judas after dark. At San Andres, near Guadalajara, it is celebrated in an open lot, directly in front of the church, measuring about 100 x 200 yards, and inclosed by a low wall. On either side and at the farther end is an elevated platform. In the centre is a pole with a cross-beam, tied near the top and allowed to swing free at the ends. The players, costumed and masked, begin to arrive at about noon. Among them are members of the Jewish council, Annas, Caiaphas, Herod, and Pilate. The Roman centurion, with red dress and brazen helmet, is mounted and rides back and forth. Judas, in a long scarlet gown, "passes blithely about among the crowd, making much of his thirty pieces." The judges seat themselves on the platform. Soon a door opens and soldiers and officers appear leading Jesus by a chain. His long hair hangs loosely and he wears a purple robe ; he shows signs of fatigue and suffering. He is dragged before Annas, Cai- aphas, Pilate, Herod, and then again to Pilate. Amid great clamor he is condemned. He is stripped for scourging, but each of those deputed to perform the task falls helpless as if paralyzed. Judas comes in and tries to return the money ; when it is refused, he casts it on the floor and hastens out to hang himself. In great excitement, all crowd around the gibbet. The rope is put over his head, he is hoisted ten feet into the air, struggles and dies (three minutes later he is lowered, slips off the noose, and walks away). Meantime the cross has been brought and laid upon Jesus ; it is barely higher than his body and of slender timbers. Making his journey to Calvary, he falls three times. The crowd rushes and surges around him to see. Formerly he was really hung upon the cross, but now the play ends at the arrival at the hill.

HOLY THURSDAY.

Holy oil — oil of the Catechumens — is blessed. Twelve priests and seven deacons assist as witnesses of the celebration. The bishop and priests breathe three times on the oil and the chrism, meaning by this action that the power of the Holy Spirit is about to descend upon the oils. At the conclusion of the consecration they salute the oils with the words, " Hail, holy oil ; hail, holy chrism." (Guadalajara.)

On this day the candles of the Santissima are blessed. These are greatly prized, and are burned when a person is dying, to help the departing soul on its journey. (Guadalajara.)

After mass the bells are silent. " The spirits of the bells have

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