The "Alminhas" of Our Lady of Good Paths (Oucidres – Chaves – Portugal)
The &quot;alminhas&quot; are small niches or chapels dedicated to the souls of the deceased.
They are found throughout Portugal, but are more common in the North and Center regions of the country.
The origin of &quot;little souls&quot; dates back to the Middle Ages, when the belief in purgatory was widespread. Purgatory was a place of purification of souls after death, before entering Heaven or Hell.
The &quot;little souls&quot; were built as a way to help souls achieve eternal salvation.
The first &quot;alminhas&quot; were simple wooden crosses placed in places where the deceased were believed to have died.
Over time, the &quot;alminhas&quot; became more elaborate, being made of stone, brick or wood and decorated with religious images, flowers and candles.
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The &quot;alminha&quot; of Nossa Senhora dos Bons Caminhos is a typical example of a Portuguese &quot;alminha&quot;. It is made of brick and has a cross on top. The chapel is decorated with images of the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ.
&quot;Alminhas&quot; are generally found in public places, such as road intersections, squares and cemeteries.
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The &quot;alminhas&quot; have an important religious and cultural meaning. They are a symbol of the Catholic faith and belief in life after death.
The &quot;little souls&quot; also remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of praying for the souls of the deceased.
Furthermore, the &quot;souls&quot; have an important cultural value. They are part of Portuguese cultural heritage and are a symbol of national identity.
The &quot;alminhas&quot; are also a meeting point for the community, where people gather to pray and talk.
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&quot;Alminhas&quot; are frequently mentioned in Portuguese popular culture. They appear in songs, stories and legends. &quot;Alminhas&quot; are also a popular theme in Portuguese art.
A famous example of the presence of &quot;alminhas&quot; in Portuguese popular culture is the song &quot;As Alminhas&quot;, by Zeca Afonso. The song talks about the importance of praying for the souls of the deceased and remembering people who have died.

The &quot;alminhas&quot; are an important element of Portuguese culture. They are a symbol of the Catholic faith, belief in life after death and national identity.
The &quot;alminhas&quot; are also a meeting point for the community and a popular theme in Portuguese popular culture.
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Text and photography: ©MárioSilva
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