The core of votive tablets to Senhor Jesus do Calvário in Parada de Pinhão, Portugal

Abstract

This article presents the core of the votive tablets that decorate the old chapel of the Santuário de Nosso Senhor Jesus do Calvário in Parada de Pinhão, Portugal, an ideal place for familiarity and meditation. Until recently the old chapel kept hanging with nails on the walls 67 votive offerings. An ex-voto is a votive offering to the saint that was given in fulfillment of a vow, in gratitude or devotion. The tablets, in rectangular shape and variable measures, oil painted on a sheet of wood or iron, includes text explaining a miracle attributed to the saint. Some of them are dated (from 1852 to 1865) and are examples of popular art. Ex-votos are sources of information on the religious minds of the second half of the 19th century.