The Anima Sola or Lonely Soul is one on the most popular and important legend of Latin America, is about the lost soul of a woman who was condemned to purgatory for refusing to give water to Jesus Christ during the crucifixion.
The anima sola is closely linked to the catholic faithAlthough the Catholic Church has not recognized faith in this figure, there are many devotees who ask him for favors and perform prayers to ask for miracles or to request curses. There are many stories and legends related to the figure of the anima sola, the oldest and most widespread version about this creature comes from the time of Christ.
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According to legend Celestina Abdenago, is condemned to suffer until the end of time, because she belonged to the pious women of Jerusalem who had the job of assisting those condemned to crucifixion by giving them fresh water to drink, on Good Friday, the day Christ died, it was the task of matchmaker to give them fresh water.
Celestina went up to Calvary with a jug of water to give to the martyrs on the scaffold, she gave it to drink Dimas and Gestas, the two thieves who were convicted along with Jesus Christ, but out of fear of the Jews she did not want to give Jesus a drink, so she was condemned to suffer thirst and the constant heat of the flames of purgatory.
Other versions of the legend of Anima Sola
Due to the great extension of the legend around the world, especially in Latin America, many versions and stories have been created around the figure of this horror.
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In Colombia, one of the most popular stories about the Anima Sola tells that a lady who was very devoted to the cult of the animas asked her for favors to solve the difficulties she was facing. After her prayers and lighting the traditional candle linked to the request, she was able to see how his difficulty was overcome.
However, the lady forgot the fact that every favor that is asked of the souls must be paid and one of the conditions is to always light a candle asking for the forgiveness of the souls in purgatory. One night the lady forgot to light the candle. That day he felt a knock on his door very late at night, when he saw that it was a friend he hadn’t seen in a long time so he invited her in. When she entered the house she transformed into a giant shadow with chains and wrapped in the fire of purgatory, this shadow warned her about the consequences of not paying the favors that the souls had done them, the lady ran out and took a candle and lit it asking for forgiveness, the shadow left the house among the strident noise of the chains, From that moment on, the lady never forgot to light the candle and pray for the souls.
As it is, there are many stories and legends that talk about how people ask favors from the souls in purgatory, especially Celestina Abdénago, and how they issue warnings through scares when the promise is not fulfilled. There are also other versions that report that the anima alone guides people to treasures and treasures.
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Another version related to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ relates that when Jesus He was on his way to Mount Calvary, carrying the Cross, and fell in front of a woman’s house due to fatigue. He asked for some water so he could continue, but the woman instead of water gave him vinegar, which caused everyone to laugh. Jesus looked at her with compassion, but due to her act of evil she was cursed. It is said that after being condemned to purgatory, the Archangel Saint Michael placed shackles with chains on her for all eternity.
Other names by which the anima sola is known are: Helpless Soul, Wandering Soul either Soul of Calvary.
Origin of the legend of Anima Sola
The legend of the anima sola has its origin in the Catholic faith, more specifically in the events that occurred during the crucifixion of Christ where a woman refused to give him water to drink and was condemned.
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This legend is brought to Latin America during colonization from the mouths of the conquerors. A tradition that arises from the cult of souls is the animer, a person who guides the souls in purgatory and asks for prayers for their eternal rest.
In which places does Anima Sola appear?
In Colombia the legend of the anima sola is spread throughout the national territory, the places where this legend is most often present are in Antioquia, Caldas, Choco and Arauca.
In the departments of Antioquia and Caldas, the novena is prayed to the Anima alone, since it is said that she brings good luck and takes care of the house.
Likewise, anima sola is present throughout Latin America, as well as in Spain and other places in the world.
What does the Anima Sola look like?
The anima alone has the appearance of a young woman, with long black hair, dressed in white, who has chains in her hands and is covered by the flames of purgatory.
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In some stories it is said that it is often followed by various lights that are the souls of others condemned to purgatory.
How to protect yourself from Anima Sola?
The most effective way to protect yourself from anima sola is to avoid invoking it or asking it for favors. If for some reason you dare to do so, you must keep the promise made to light the candle and pray for its eternal rest.
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