Memory and sacred space: colonists and the symbolic appropriation of places

Resumen

This article offers a reflection on the relations that Portuguese colonists established with the new territory where they reconstructed their new space and their memories. Using theoretical analysis, our goal is to try to understand the importance of opting to hold some places sacred, and show that the Portuguese, to build their collective memories, organized the space, built temples, and were the caretakers of several sacred symbols. For many of them it became essential to work together in brotherhoods, among other associations, where they projected their beliefs and ideals based on the solidity of stones, while anchoring their feelings of belonging to the past and worshipping their saints, yet without losing their religious references.