View source for Collected oral traditions

== 2.6 - Collected oral traditions ==

=== 2.6.1 - Popular legends about St Michael ===

==== • Apparitions and miracles handed down orally ====
Over the centuries, the figure of Saint Michael the Archangel has been at the centre of numerous popular legends, often transmitted orally, which tell of apparitions and miracles attributed to his intercession.

• Monte Sant'Angelo (Apulia): According to tradition, in 1656, during a plague epidemic, Archbishop Alfonso Puccinelli prayed to St Michael for the salvation of the town. The Archangel appeared and ordered the blessing of stones in his cave with the sign of the cross and the letters 'M.A.'. (Michael the Archangel). Whoever brought these stones with him would be immune from the plague. The city was spared, and in gratitude a monument to the Archangel was erected.  

• Caltanissetta (Sicily): In 1625, during a plague epidemic, Brother Francesco Giarratana had a vision in which St Michael prevented a plague victim from entering the city, confining him to die in a cave outside the walls. The corpse was actually found in the indicated place, and the miracle was attributed to the intervention of the Archangel, who became patron of the city.  

=== Tales linked to specific places (caves, heights, springs) ===
Many legends about St Michael are set in natural places such as caves, mountains and springs, often considered sacred.

• Grotta di San Michele a Sant'Angelo a Fasanella (Campania): Tradition tells of shepherds caught in a storm who took refuge in the grotto. After praying to St Michael, the storm ceased, allowing them to return home.

• Sacra di San Michele (Piedmont): Legend has it that during the construction of the abbey, materials were mysteriously moved every night by angels to another mountain, indicating the place chosen by St Michael for the building.  

=== Apotropaic narratives and stories of protection ===
St Michael is often depicted as a protector against evil, and many folk tales reflect this apotropaic function.

• Frosolone (Molise): Every 8 May, bonfires called 'Luavere' are lit in honour of St Michael. A puppet representing the devil is placed on top of the bonfire, symbolising the Archangel's victory over evil.  

• Agerola (Campania): Legend has it that St Michael, in order to protect the community, made a spring of holy water gush forth to repel the devil, emphasising his role as defender against the forces of evil.  

== Recommended multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://laterrainmezzo.altervista.org/falo-san-michele/ 1. St Michael's bonfire in Frosolone The land in between]

[https://www.fondoambiente.it/luoghi/grotta-di-san-michele-sant-angelo-a-fasanella?ldc 2. Cave of San Michele in Sant'Angelo a Fasanella FAI - The Places of the Heart]

[https://www.visitvaldisusa.it/le-sacra-di-san-michele-tra-miti-e-leggende/ 3. Sacra di San Michele]

== Video ==
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSswi40fzVY 1. An archangel in the caves: The cult of St Michael in medieval Italy]

== Sources and references ==
• "Shrine of St Michael Archangel" - Wikipedia.

• "Francesco Giarratana" - Wikipedia.

• 'The cult in the caves: from Cilento and in Ancient Lucania' - Cilento Italia.

• "The Sacra di San Michele between myths and legends" - Visit Val di Susa.

• "The legend of St Michael, the devil and holy water" - Agerola WordPress.

• 'Aspects of the popular cult of St Michael Archangel in Molise' - Academia.edu.

==  2.6.2 - Traditional chants and litanies ==

=== • Processional and devotional songs ===
Processions in honour of St Michael Archangel are often accompanied by devotional songs that reflect the deep spirituality of local communities. For example, at Monte Sant'Angelo, pilgrims sing traditional songs on their way to the sanctuary, expressing their devotion through melodies handed down orally. These songs, often performed in dialect, celebrate the virtues of the Archangel and his divine protection.

=== Litanies in dialect and vernacular language ===
The litanies dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel represent a repetitive and meditative form of prayer, widespread in many Italian regions. In some localities, these litanies are recited in dialect, making the devotion more accessible and felt by the population. For instance, in Sicily and Apulia, litanies in the vernacular are an integral part of local celebrations, testifying to the fusion of faith and popular culture. 

=== Testimonies collected in the field (ethnomusicology) ===
Ethnomusicology has played a fundamental role in the documentation and preservation of traditional songs and litanies dedicated to St Michael. The Archivio Provinciale della Tradizione Orale (APTO) of the Museo Etnografico Trentino San Michele all'Adige has collected numerous sound documents that testify to the richness of the musical heritage linked to the cult of the Archangel. These recordings offer an authentic insight into the devotional and musical practices of local communities. 

== Recommended multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://www.sanmichele-montesignano.it/confraternita-del-s-s-sacramento-e-s-maria-di-terpi/crocifissi-processionali/ • Brotherhood: Processional Crucifixes - St Michael Archangel of Montesignano]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AW2gmGLqy4 • Saint Michael Archangel - Litany]

== Video ==
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0xSbSZZx9w • Pilgrims' devotional songs to St Michael Archangel]

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZryTGIm6kTY • Litany to St Michael]

== Sources and references ==
Litany to St Michael Archangel - Devotions.

• Archivio Provinciale della Tradizione Orale (APTO) - Museo Etnografico Trentino San Michele all'Adige.

[https://devozioni.altervista.org/litanie_a_s_michele_arcangelo.htm?utm_source=chatgpt.com • Liturgical chants of oral tradition - Academia.edu. foundationelevi.it+5devotions.altervista.org+5YouTube+5gregorian- chant.ning.com+2more.museosanmichele.it+2YouTube+8Acade mia+8]

== 2.6.3 - Tales of pilgrimage and visions ==

=== • Oral testimonies of ancient and modern pilgrims ===
The pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo is a thousand-year-old tradition, with believers walking the Via Sacra Langobardorum to reach the sacred grotto. Oral testimonies collected over time tell of profound spiritual experiences, mystical encounters and feelings of divine protection along the way. For example, in 1507, Ferdinand the Catholic left Naples barefoot on a pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of San Michele on the Gargano .  

=== Visions and mystical dreams with St Michael ===
Numerous pilgrims have reported visions and mystical dreams in which St. Michael appeared to them, offering comfort, guidance and protection. These experiences, often shared orally, strengthen the faith of devotees and nourish the spiritual tradition linked to the Archangel. For example, the 'Apparitio Sancti Michaelis in Monte Gargano', an 8th century text, tells of the Archangel's apparitions to Bishop Lorenzo Maiorano, who received instructions to consecrate the cave as a place of worship. 

=== Orality as a form of spiritual diary ===
Orality has played a fundamental role in the transmission of spiritual experiences linked to St Michael. Pilgrims' tales, handed down from generation to generation, constitute a kind of collective spiritual diary, preserving the memory of mystical experiences and miracles attributed to the Archangel. These oral tales, collected by scholars and anthropologists, provide valuable information on popular devotion and religious practices linked to the cult of St Michael.

== Recommended multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://orderofmalta.it/pellegrinaggio-di-san-michele-arcangelo/ • Pilgrimage of St Michael Archangel]

[https://www.alamy.it/ingresso-alla-grotta-del-santuario-di-san-michele-arcangelo-il-santuario-e-stato-un-importante-luogo-di-pellegrinaggio-fin-dall-alto-medioevo-puglia-image484048103.html • Entrance to the grotto of the Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6UKjU9kgA8 • Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel]

== Sources and references ==
• "Pilgrimages' - Basilica Santuario San Michele.

• "Shrine of St Michael Archangel" - Wikipedia.

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santuario_di_San_Michele_Arcangelo?utm_source=chatgpt.com • "St. Michael's Way - Path of Ways. Sanctuary San MicheleWikipediacamminodisanmichele.org+1]

== 2.6.4 - Local rites and magical-religious practices ==

=== •  Blessings, enchantments and formulas linked to the Archangel ===
In several Italian regions, Saint Michael the Archangel is invoked through traditional prayers and formulas to obtain protection and deliverance from evil. These practices, often handed down orally, include blessings and incantations used in domestic and community contexts. For example, in some areas of Molise, specific prayers are recited to ward off negative influences and protect the family . 

=== Rites of passage and protection (e.g. against lightning) ===
St Michael is traditionally considered a protector against natural disasters such as lightning, earthquakes and plagues. In some communities, specific rituals are practised to invoke his protection during adverse weather events. For example, in the Aniene Valley, there is a story of a ritual in which, during a storm, a ball of lightning appeared from the sky and, thanks to prayers addressed to St. Michael, the storm ceased. 

=== Religious syncretisms and local interpretations ===
The cult of St Michael has often integrated elements of pre-existing traditions, giving rise to religious syncretisms. In Mexico, for example, the Archangel is worshipped in forms that combine aspects of Christianity with symbolism from the Aztec religion, representing the struggle between good and evil. In Italy, some traditions linked to the feast of St Michael, such as the construction of corn dolls or the lighting of bonfires on high ground, reflect the integration of ancient agrarian rites with Christian devotion . 

== Recommended multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://www.laquilablog.it/san-michele-arcangelo-in-abruzzo/ 1. St Michael Archangel in Abruzzo: Rites and Mysteries]

[https://www.amaraterramia.it/2019/10/il-culto-di-san-michele-in-messico-i.html 2. The cult of St Michael in Mexico: syncretism between Aztec religion and Christianity]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YylAqLOiEPM 1. Act of entrustment to St Michael the Archangel and solemn blessing in his grotto]

== Sources and references ==
• Lucia Graziano, 'Ten traditions for the 'Autumn New Year': the feast of St Michael', A blunt pen.

• Giuseppe Bonifazio, 'Il culto di San Michele e la Linea Sacra: un viaggio tra storia, leggenda e fede', Santarcangelo Fiere.

• 'The cult of St Michael in Mexico: syncretism between Aztec religion and Christianity', Amara Terra Mia.

• 'The cult of St Michael Archangel as a Christianisation of the cult of a founding hero of the ancient Peucetian city', ResearchGate.

[https://www.amaraterramia.it/2019/10/il-culto-di-san-michele-in-messico-i.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com • "Aspects of the popular cult of St Michael Archangel in Molise", Academia.edu. A blunt penGiuseppe Bonifazio+2santarcangelofiere.it+2Giuseppe Bonifazio+2amaraterramia.it+1amaraterramia.it+1ResearchGateAcademia]

== 2.6.5 - Collecting and preserving evidence ==

=== Ethnographic investigations and anthropological work ===
Numerous scholars and institutions have conducted ethnographic investigations to document devotional practices related to Saint Michael the Archangel. For example, the Museo Etnografico Trentino San Michele (METS) has collected oral testimonies and ethnographic materials illustrating popular devotion and local traditions . 

=== Audio and video archiving projects ===
The digitisation of oral testimonies has enabled the preservation and dissemination of songs, prayers and stories linked to the cult of St Michael. Initiatives such as those promoted by the Istituto Superiore Regionale Etnografico (ISRE) have carried out digitisation and archiving projects of audio and video material, making valuable sources accessible for research and the valorisation of intangible heritage.

=== Memory museums and oral documentation centres ===
Several museums and cultural centres preserve and enhance the testimonies linked to the cult of St. Michael. The Museum of the Basilica of Saint Michael Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo, for instance, houses a devotional section that collects ex-votos, liturgical objects and historical documents testifying to the profound popular devotion . Similarly, the Museo Civico di Maddaloni preserves a collection of ex-votos and sacred objects linked to the cult of the Archangel, offering a cross-section of local devotional practices . 

== Recommended multimedia content ==

=== Images ===
[https://www.isre.it/2022/04/20/progetto-l2-nuovi-modelli-di-sviluppo-digitalizzazione-e-iot/ 1. Digitisation and IoT project - ISRE]

[https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Museo_della_basilica_di_San_Michele_Arcangelo 2. Museum of the Basilica of St Michael Archangel]

=== Video ===
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YylAqLOiEPM 1. Digitisation and preservation of oral heritage]

== Sources and references ==
• Trentino Ethnographic Museum San Michele - METS.

• Museum of the Basilica of St Michael Archangel - Wikipedia.

[https://www.museosanmichele.it/?utm_source=chatgpt.com • Museo Civico di Maddaloni - Wikipedia. museosanmichele. of itWikipedia+1Ministryand Culture Tourism+1Wikipedia+1]