Liminality, Communitas and the Black Nazarene Devotion in the Philippines

Abstract

The devotion to the Black Nazarene in the Philippines has been a subject of debate, with some questioning whether it is fanaticism or true devotion. While it is deeply rooted in Filipino culture and has significant religious and cultural importance, some have raised concerns about some practices associated with the devotion such as the frenzied desire of its devotees to touch its image and the pushing and jostling during its annual procession. However, a number of religious leaders and scholars contend that it is a genuine expression of faith and devotion. It is within this sphere of the Black Nazarene devotion in the Philippines where this paper aims to do an analysis using Victor Turner’s Liminality and Communitas. The first section maps out the terrain of the Black Nazarene devotion in the Philippines particularly the common practices of its devotees. The second section explores its historical foundations while the third and fourth sections investigate the dynamics of the Black Nazarene devotion using Victor Turner’s Liminality and Communitas which underline the devotion’s influence on social structure and processes, as well as its role in shaping social identity and fostering a sense of community among its devotees.