In Venezuela one of the largest religious cults is the one devoted to the goddess Maria Lionza. She is the central figure in a religion that incorporates elements of indigenous belief, Catholicism, and Santeria. Back in 2004 a much revered statue of the goddess toppled over backwards at the waist. This was read by some anti-Chavez factions in Venezuela as an omen that his administration would soon topple (Hugo Chavez was facing a recall referendum at the time). Despite the political storm, most Marialionceros (and their goddess) called for peace.

Maria Lionza

“Several thousand Venezuelans made an annual pilgrimage to pay homage to the Indian goddess Maria Lionza, while a refurbished statue of the revered religious figure was unveiled after a two-year restoration effort. Followers of the religious sect walked through sugarcane fields to a river near the Sorte Mountains, about 180 miles (290 kilometers) west of Caracas, to perform rituals after dusk Wednesday. The glow of candles lit up the group, including Reinaldo Pinto, who said he acts as a “medium” through which believers communicate with the goddess and summon her “court” of deities. “We come to make offerings to the queen for fulfilled promises,” said Pinto, 37, who wore only a pair of red shorts and beaded necklaces.”

In the two years since the statue toppled Venezuela has stabilized quite a bit. Though Chavez is much-hated by certain elements in the country (and by conservatives in America who see him as another Castro), his popularity has remained strong amongst most Venezuelans and he is expected to easily beat the opposition in December elections. No doubt the restoration is something of a political act, symbolizing Chavez’s vision of a unified country. The real controversy at this point is where the statue will end up.

“University and city officials are at odds over the original statue’s future destination. The university, which owns the statue, insists it should be returned to the highway. City authorities, citing pollution and vibrations from passing vehicles as factors that caused the statue to collapse, argue it should be moved to a plaza.”

So it seems like Maria Lionza’s journey isn’t over yet. One hopes that the placement of the statue won’t be used to generate more omens for the political right or left.

Tags: Paganism