The "Messianic Virgins": participation and influence of the "Virgins" Theodora and Maria Rosa in the Contestado (1912-1916

Abstract

The Social Movement of the Contestado began as a religious phenomenon of millennial exaltation with messianic characteristics, basically keeping these mystical characteristics, until the end of the war. This aspect has been intensified since the main mystique leadership, the Monk Jose Maria was killed in his first combat in the Faxinal do Irani in October 1912. Thus, the expectation of his return besides provoked a new grouping that initially was restricted, eventually included different social segments. It is in this conjunct we find the "Messianic Virgins" as spokeswomen, legitimized transmitter of the word of the Monk and empowering the relationship between the monk and the backwoodsman. They represent the connection of the mythical world with the world of the caboclo. This paper discusses the participation and influence of the "virgins" Theodora and Maria Rosa in this context using the existing literature about the subject.