THE TERREMOTO
The beautiful land of Chile has been subject to terrible earthquakes for centuries. On May 13 of each year, there is a solemn processing in Santiago in memory of the terrible quake which destroyed the capital in 1647. On that day, the image of the Lord of the Agony, the “Christ of May,” is carried from the Church of San Agustin through the streets. On the day of the disaster, it is said, only this image survived the wreckage; its crown of thorns was pressed down around its neck, where it remains to this day. The “terremoto” has had its influence on the outlook of the people. When all one’s possessions, one’s family, and one’s life are liable to be wiped out in a moment, one learns to shrug and say, “Que tanto sera?” “What does it all amount to?” From The Land and People of Chile by D. Bowen pages 23 – 24
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