The Senhor do Bonfim ribbons are amulets of faith and tradition that have a long and rich history, especially associated with the city of Salvador, Bahia, and the Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim.
The Senhor do Bonfim ribbons are known for their vibrant colours and for the practice of tying them around the wrist or elsewhere while making a wish.
The original Senhor do Bonfim ribbons were created in 1809 and disappeared in the early 1950s.
Known as the Bonfim measure, its name was due to the fact that it measured exactly 47 centimetres long, the length of the right arm of the statue of Jesus Christ, Senhor do Bonfim, placed on the main altar of Bahia’s most famous church. The image was sculpted in Setúbal, Portugal, in the 18th century.
The ‘measure’ was made of silk, with the design and name of the saint embroidered by hand and finished in gold or silver paint.
It was worn around the neck like a necklace, on which medals and saints were hung. It functioned as a bargaining chip: when paying a promise, the faithful carried a photo or a small wax sculpture representing the part of the body healed with the help of the saint (ex-voto). As a souvenir, they would buy one of these ribbons, symbolising the church itself.
It is not known when the transition to the current wristband took place, but the fact is that in the mid-1960s the new ribbon was already being sold on the streets of Salvador, when it was adopted by Bahian hippies as part of their clothing.
Some attribute the creation of the ribbon to Manuel Antônio da Silva Serva.
Video on the History of the Senhor do Bonfim Ribbons
História das Fitinhas do Senhor do Bonfim
Curiosidades das Fitinhas do Senhor do Bonfim00:50
História das Fitas do Senhor do Bonfim
Fitinhas do Senhor do Bonfim
Here’s a summary of the history and meaning of the Senhor do Bonfim ribbons.
1. Origin and History
Beginning in the 19th century
- The Senhor do Bonfim ribbons have their origins in the 19th century, around 1809, in Salvador, Bahia. Initially, they weren’t ribbons, but replicas of a medallion called ‘medida do Bonfim’ or ‘measure of Senhor do Bonfim’.
- This medallion measured approximately 47 cm in length, which corresponded to the size of the right arm of the image of Our Lord of Bonfim, a representation of Jesus Christ venerated in the Church of Our Lord of Bonfim in Salvador. The image, brought from Portugal, was installed in the church in 1754.
Evolution to Ribbons
- With the passage of time, the original size of the medallion was replaced by ribbons made from cotton or silk fabric. These ribbons were embroidered with the name ‘Nosso Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia’ and became popular among the faithful and visitors alike.
- The ribbons were sold to the faithful as souvenirs or devotional gifts, which could be taken home or worn personally as a way of showing devotion and asking for the intercession of Our Lord of Bonfim.
2. Meaning and Traditions
Use of the Ribbons
- The tradition of wearing the ribbons involves tying them around the wrist or another part of the body, such as the ankles or even objects like crosses and religious statues.
- When tying the ribbon, it is common to tie three knots, corresponding to three wishes or requests. Each knot should be made with a request in mind. The popular belief is that when the ribbon wears out and breaks naturally, the requests will be granted.
Colours and Symbolism
Ribbons are available in various colours, and each colour can have a meaning or be associated with a specific request, such as love, health, peace, success, among others. For example, white usually represents peace and protection, while red can symbolise passion and strength.
The Senhor do Bonfim ribbon has a side that few people know about: each colour symbolises an Orisha.
- Dark green for Oxossi
- Light blue for Iemanjá
- Yellow for Oxum
Whatever the colour, the ribbon has a symbolic, aesthetic and spiritual representation typical of Bahia’s African roots.
Connection with Religious Syncretism
- The Senhor do Bonfim ribbons are also a symbol of Bahia’s characteristic religious syncretism, where elements of Catholicism and Afro-Brazilian religions, such as Candomblé, are mixed together. For many practitioners of Afro-Brazilian religions, the image of Our Lord of Bonfim is associated with Oxalá, one of the most important deities (orixás) of candomblé.
Festa do Senhor do Bonfim
- The devotion to Senhor do Bonfim culminates in the famous ‘Lavagem do Bonfim’, a religious and popular festival held annually on the second Thursday of January. During the event, Bahian women dressed in traditional costumes carry pots of perfumed water and wash the steps of the Church of Bonfim in a ritual of purification and blessing. The ribbons are widely distributed and worn by participants during the festival.
3. Popularity and Expansion
Tourism and Globalisation
- The Senhor do Bonfim ribbons have become a symbol of Salvador and Bahia and are much sought after by tourists and visitors. They are sold not only in the Church of Bonfim, but also in craft markets and shops throughout the city.
- The popularity of the ribbons has gone beyond Brazil’s borders and can be found in other countries, carried by tourists and Brazilian expats, becoming a global symbol of faith and good luck.
4. Cultural Importance
Expression of Faith and Tradition
- More than simple accessories, the Senhor do Bonfim ribbons represent an expression of faith, hope and a cultural tradition that reflects the diversity and richness of Brazil’s religious and cultural heritage.
Symbol of Resilience and Hope
- The ribbons also symbolise the resilience and faith of the Bahian people, especially in difficult times, offering a constant reminder that hope and devotion can bring comfort and strength.
The three requests
- In popular tradition, the Senhor do Bonfim ribbon is wrapped around the wrist and secured with three knots. Each knot is preceded by a request, made mentally, which must be kept secret until the ribbon breaks due to natural wear and tear.
5. Curiosities
- The ribbons are traditionally made to a length of 47 cm, the same as the original length of the arm of the image of Senhor do Bonfim.
- In the beginning, the ribbons were made of silk and embroidered with gold or silver threads. Nowadays, they are more commonly made of polyester, which makes them more affordable.
6. Summary
The Senhor do Bonfim ribbons, with their history dating back to the 19th century, are much more than just souvenirs. They carry a deep religious and cultural significance, being a manifestation of faith and hope that unites people of different beliefs and backgrounds. This simple but powerful amulet remains a symbol of devotion, love and a collective desire for well-being and protection.
Bahia.ws is the largest tourist guide to Bahia and Salvador.
