1894 
Amecameca 
(Mexico) 
hillside on which is the main chapel covering the cave of the saint to 
whom this hill is dedicated as the Senor del Sacro Monte. Here mass 
was being said for the deceased, with a brass band accompaniment. The 
entrance to the chapel is roofed and enclosed except at the front and 
in this ante-sala are hung dozens of rude oil paintings representing 
almost every variety of accident by field and flood, with a statement 
belcw detailing the circumstances of the accident and date thereof and 
that this tablet is hung here in gratitude to the Senor of Sacro Monte 
for his having preserved the person from harm despite the danger. Prom 
this chapel a broad cobble-paved road leads down to the plain at the 
foot of the hill. Beginning near the bottom and ending at the top 
close to the chapel are the 14 stations of the cross marked by pillars 
■with a monition to the faithful. At the times of the pilgrimages to 
this hill (in February) many persons, taper in hand, ascend this via 
dolorosa on their knees over the rough pebble pavement, saying their 
prayers before each station. Along one side of this way the roots and 
branches of bushes and trees on the earthen bank are hung with many 
bits of rags torn from garments, fragments of reboso fringe, old straw 
hats and great numbers of small rag packets containing locks of women*s 
hair and even the entire head of hair in many instances. These are all 
hung free from the ground and reminded ms of the locks of hair I have 
seen hanging from bushes near Indian villages on the Yukon in Alaska. 
In the chapel on the summit were pictures of Santa Rosalia and 
other saints naked to the waist with one of the spiked chain bands 
like my Guadalajara collection around each biceps and another around 
the waist and a chain scourge hanging over one shoulder, while long 
» 
bloody scares along the back, and drops of blood oosing from the bands 
shewed the extent of penance held up as an example to the faithful. 
Over the door of the main chapel is a large notice of indulgences from 
- 201 - 
