Governing spirits : religion, miracles, and spectacles in Cuba and Puerto Rico, 1898-1956 / Reinaldo L. Román.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Román, Reinaldo L., 1970-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Religion.

Cuba--Religion.

Cuba.

Cuba--Religious life and customs.

Puerto Rico--Religion.

Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico--Religious life and customs.

Physical Description:

xii, 273 pages : illustrations ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Chapel Hill : University of North Carolina Press, [2007]

Summary:

Freedom of religion did not come easily to Cuba or Puerto Rico. Only after the arrival of American troops during the Spanish-American War were non-Catholics permitted to practice their religions openly and to proselytize. When government efforts to ensure freedom of worship began, reformers on both islands rejoiced, believing that an era of regeneration and modernization was upon them. But as new laws went into effect, critics voiced their dismay at the rise of popular religions. Reinaldo L. Romn explores the changing relationship between regulators and practitioners in neocolonial Cuba and Puerto Rico.

Contents:

Governing man-gods in Cuba : Hilario Mustelier and Juan Manso

Governing saints in Puerto Rico : Elenita and the Hermanos Cheos

Governing witchcraft : journalists and brujos in Republican Cuba

Self-governing spirits : la Samaritana and Puerto Rico's espiriteros

Managing miracles in Batista's Cuba : la estigmatizada and clavelito

Managing miracles in the Commonwealth : the virgin visits Sabana Grande

Epilogue: The Chupacabras : discourses and social action.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 245-261) and index.

ISBN:

9780807831410

0807831417

9780807858363

0807858366

OCLC:

144598082