Falta, castigo y penitencia en la religión esquimal. La fiesta de las Vejigas

Abstract

Eskimo culture gives us a wide range of examples which illustrate the scientific theories on the complex world of animism and shamanism. As a matter of fact Eskimos have been historically considered as the ideal paradigm of an animistic and shamanic society along some other peoples from Siberia. In spite of the fact that it has been normally affirmed that they are a people without religion, Eskimos have a more than wide repertoire of rituals, ceremonies and celebrations which perfectly reflect on their profound religious feelings. The Bladder Festival is one of these events. The reasons for this celebration as well as the possible consequences of not carrying it out form the basis of religious mentality of Eskimos: fault, punishment and penitence.