The novice being declared a fit candidate for membership, blood was mixed with aguardiente and drunk by the new member and a wild scene of revelry wound up the ceremony.
Under the severe laws passed, Ñañiguismo shrunk to insignificant proportions and the different chapters were supposed to have been broken up.
During the last few years it has been on the increase, the character however having somewhat changed.
But little can be learned of this society, at present a recent criminal cases brought to light the fact that the very rites of initiation were criminal in their character, a novice in the society must wound some stranger and drink the flowing blood before the last rites are administered.
The Society is governed by a King, who is represented in each district by a “Father of the Community” or Chief Doctor, who has at his command the Brujos or Conjurors.
Santa Baraba, the patron saint of the order is no less than a savage idol with a Catholic name.
There are annual fiestas in honor of this Saint, where only members of the Society are admitted, but I was fortunate enough to witness from a friendly roof the sacred dance and battle with the devil.
Clothed only in long strings of feathers, the Brujo who played the part of “leading man”, prostrated himself before the sacred image and lighted the sacrificial flames.
Goats, black cocks and other animals were brought forward by the devotees and beheaded. Fruit also was offered.
The nature of the sacrifice most acceptable to the Mabruja is communicated in advance to each of the Saint’s followers, through the medium of the Brujo.