Votive Offerings For Miracles: Ex-Votos For Apo Lakay At The Simbaan A Bassit In Vigan City

Abstract

The study is about the practice of offering silver votive offering also known as ex-voto of the Ilocanos at the Simbaan a Bassit in response to a divine intervention to a health concern in return for a hoped miracle, or a thanksgiving for graces received in answer to a prayer. These religious folk charms that are traditionally used for healing purposes both by individuals and by the community. The research design is a descriptive qualitative method of research using the semiotics and hermeneutics tools in analyzing data. Results show that those who practice religious activities tend to have a greater healing capability. It also shows that individuals who regularly participate in spiritual worship services or related activities firmly believe that spirituality or the presence of a higher being in power are sources of strength and comfort to them are healthier and possess greater healing capabilities. The premise that the ex-voto is the solemn promise of the supplicant to Apo Lakay in time of difficulty, illness, or to give thanks for granted petition is a concrete testimonial of the fulfillment of the vow.  Ex-voto as a memorial practice can relate to both the past and the present, as current public demonstrations of health-gratitude or health-awareness extend beyond the divine, the shrine, and their community. The votive offerings are the material embodiment of the miracle itself.