Supay
Encyclopedia
In the Aymara and Inca
mithologies, Supay or Zupay was both the god of death
and ruler of the Uca Pacha, the Incan underworld, as well as a race of demon
s. Supay is associated with miners' rituals.
With the Spanish colonization of the Americas
, Christian priests used the name "Supay" to refer to the Christian Devil
("el Diablo"). However, unlike Europeans in relation to the Christian Devil, "the indigenous people did not repudiate Supay but, being scared of him, they invoked him and begged him not to harm them".
Supay acquired a syncretic
symbolism, becoming a main character of the "diabladas" of ´Bolivia (seen in the Carnaval de Oruro
), Peru and other Andean countries. The name Supay is now roughly translated into "diablo" (devil) in most Southern American countries. In some of them, for example the northern region of Argentina, the underworld where Supay rules, is called "Salamanca".
In some areas of Peru, the Quechuan people continue the tradition of the Supay dance at Mamacha Candicha which roughly translates as "The flame virgin" and is a festival with dancing lasting up to two weeks. However, the dance of the Supay may be performed for tourists on other occasions not necessarily related to Mamacha Candicha.
Inca mythology
Inca mythology includes many stories and legends that are mythological and helps to explain or symbolizes Inca beliefs.All those that followed the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire by Francisco Pizarro burned the records of the Inca culture...
mithologies, Supay or Zupay was both the god of death
Death
Death is the permanent termination of the biological functions that sustain a living organism. Phenomena which commonly bring about death include old age, predation, malnutrition, disease, and accidents or trauma resulting in terminal injury....
and ruler of the Uca Pacha, the Incan underworld, as well as a race of demon
Demon
call - 1347 531 7769 for more infoIn Ancient Near Eastern religions as well as in the Abrahamic traditions, including ancient and medieval Christian demonology, a demon is considered an "unclean spirit" which may cause demonic possession, to be addressed with an act of exorcism...
s. Supay is associated with miners' rituals.
With the Spanish colonization of the Americas
Spanish colonization of the Americas
Colonial expansion under the Spanish Empire was initiated by the Spanish conquistadores and developed by the Monarchy of Spain through its administrators and missionaries. The motivations for colonial expansion were trade and the spread of the Christian faith through indigenous conversions...
, Christian priests used the name "Supay" to refer to the Christian Devil
Devil
The Devil is believed in many religions and cultures to be a powerful, supernatural entity that is the personification of evil and the enemy of God and humankind. The nature of the role varies greatly...
("el Diablo"). However, unlike Europeans in relation to the Christian Devil, "the indigenous people did not repudiate Supay but, being scared of him, they invoked him and begged him not to harm them".
Supay acquired a syncretic
Syncretism
Syncretism is the combining of different beliefs, often while melding practices of various schools of thought. The term means "combining", but see below for the origin of the word...
symbolism, becoming a main character of the "diabladas" of ´Bolivia (seen in the Carnaval de Oruro
Carnaval de Oruro
The Carnival of Oruro is a more than 2000 year old religious celebration that, through creativity, continuity, and ritual, came to constitute a model of "Masterpieces of Oral Heritage and Intangible Heritage of Humanity...
), Peru and other Andean countries. The name Supay is now roughly translated into "diablo" (devil) in most Southern American countries. In some of them, for example the northern region of Argentina, the underworld where Supay rules, is called "Salamanca".
In some areas of Peru, the Quechuan people continue the tradition of the Supay dance at Mamacha Candicha which roughly translates as "The flame virgin" and is a festival with dancing lasting up to two weeks. However, the dance of the Supay may be performed for tourists on other occasions not necessarily related to Mamacha Candicha.