For generations, many Latino families have passed down stories about “brujería, mal de ojo”, spiritual cleansings, energy, and unexplained experiences. Mention some of these things around our elders, and you’ll quickly discover everyone has a story.
Someone knew a curandera. That includes me, as my paternal grandmother was one, and my maternal grandmother was a partera, known as a midwife. Someone’s grandmother could remove mal de ojo. Someone was told never to accept food from a certain person. And somebody’s tía is still convinced that everything bad happening in the family started because someone put “algo” on them.
But behind what sometimes sounds spooky is a fascinating mixture of culture, spirituality, religion, folklore, and traditions passed from one generation to another.
Across Latin America and the Caribbean, beliefs about healing and spirituality have developed through Indigenous, African, European, and Christian influences. Practices vary tremendously between countries, communities, and even families. What one person considers spiritual healing, another may call superstition—and another may consider part of their faith.
Today, ideas about energy healing, crystals, cleansing rituals, manifestation, and protecting one’s energy have become popular again, especially on social media. But believing in spiritual practices should never replace professional medical or mental-health care when it’s needed.
Perhaps the most interesting question isn’t whether every story we’ve heard is true. It’s why these beliefs have survived for so many generations. They connect us to our ancestors, our fears, our faith, and the ways people once tried to explain or cope with things they didn’t understand. So, whether you believe in brujería or roll your eyes when Abuela starts talking about mal de ojo, those stories remain part of our cultural conversation.
And just in case…Maybe don’t make Abuela mad.
Rosa Julia Parra
Founder of Palo Magazine
