#alminhas

Alminhas | “Little Souls” – Portuguese Catholic Traditions, Festivals and Devotions — Part I

In Portugal, small wayside shrines are traditionally called alminhas (literally, little souls), usually in the form of a niche, topped by a cross and built outdoors in the most varied materials, depending on the region. They aim to remind the living to stop and leave a prayer, and sometimes an alms, for the suffering souls in the purgatory, often through more or less eloquent inscriptions (2nd photo*). To this day, it's normal to find lit candles and lamps, or other sorts of offerings such as olive oil and flowers, left by locals or people passing by in such shrines.

Usually, the alminhas are erected on rural roads (but also in some urban centers), and crossing points, between paths, such as in the middle of intersections, bridge entrances, high points, along national roads or even on doorsteps. Its topographic location is related not only to the cult of the dead, but also to the protection of travelers on paths and places of passage.

From left to right:

1) Alminhas do Valado, in Seixo de Ansiães (Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province) – niche inserted in a wall next to an intersection, with a tile panel representing the image of the crucified Christ and in the lower plane three angels rescuing souls from the fire of Purgatory. At the base of the panel an inscription states: «Piedosíssimo Senhor Jesus, dai-lhes o descanso sempiterno. Amen» (Most Merciful Lord Jesus, give them eternal rest. Amen).

2) Alminhas (unknown place in the north of Portugal) – niche inserted in a wall, topped with a cross, with a tile panel representing the image of the crucified Christ, with saint Michael the archangel on His right, and Saint Anthony (or Francis?) holding the Child Jesus on His left, and in the lower plane the souls suffering in the fire of Purgatory. At the base of the panel an inscription states: «Vós que estais passando, lembrai-vos de nós que estamos penando» (Thee who are passing by, remember us who are suffering).

3) Alminhas Samardã in Vilarinho da Samardã (Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro Province) – niche inserted in a property wall next to a traditional portuguese stone granary (espigueiro), with a tile panel representing the image of the archangel Saint Michael vanquishing satan and in the lower plane three angels rescuing souls from the fire of Purgatory.

Grupo Fantasiado de Alminha e Palhaço Pelas Ladeiras de Olinda, Carnaval de 1981.

Alminhas | “Little Souls” – Portuguese Catholic Traditions, Festivals and Devotions — Part II

The cult of the dead, practiced since the Neolithic era, has evolved under various cultural influences. In ancient Hispania, including present-day Portugal, the Romans erected altars dedicated to the Lares Viales and Lares Compitales, deities that protected travelers and communities. Ethnographers believe these Roman altars influenced the development of alminhas (literally "little souls"), small roadside shrines.

While some suggest that the alminhas are directly descended from these Roman practices, a more accepted theory is that they emerged from Christian traditions following the formalization of Purgatory in the 16th century. After the concept of Purgatory was definitively established during the Council of Trent in 1563, it sparked a widespread concern for the salvation of souls and it lead to prayers and almsgiving across Christian Europe.

Confraternities and brotherhoods dedicated to Souls in Purgatory, thus, played a key role in promoting this cult, using iconography depicting naked bodies in flames. Over time, these devotional practices extended to public spaces like crossroads and town entrances, evolving into standalone structures known as alminhas.

Artistically, alminhas transitioned in the 17th century from niches and altars housing saints, to simpler wood paintings depicting Purgatory themes. By the 18th and 19th centuries, they began to feature representations of Christ's crucifixion, the Virgin Mary, and saints as intermediaries for the salvation of souls. In the 20th century, these images were often found on azulejos (tile panels).

Alminhas can be freestanding or embedded in walls or house fronts, typically located at crossroads or on side roads leading to rural villages. Nevertheless, their primary purpose is to remember the dead and encourage prayers. Occasionally, alminhas can be built at sites where someone died, though these are rare and usually marked only with a granite cross.