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Holy ghost houses
Posted 5/25/2012 Updated 5/25/2012
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Commentary by Mr. Eduardo Lima
65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
5/25/2012 - LAJES FIELD, Azores -- The Holy Ghost Houses or "Impérios do Espirito Santo," as the Portuguese call them, are another important part of the Holy Ghost tradition in the Azores in general and on Terceira Island in particular.
These buildings that look like small chapels with a triangular shaped front and the Holy Ghost symbol - a crown and dove- on its top, usually have the doors and windows' trims painted with vivid colors. They can be found throughout Terceira Island, usually near or in front of each town's church.
The "Impérios" are closed during the year except for the Pentecost and Trinity Sundays as they open its doors to host the "emperor" (the individual holding the Holy Ghost festivities for that week) and his guests.
In these two Sundays, immediately following the crowning ceremony at the church, the Holy Spirit crowns and other insignias (flags and rods) are taken to a nearby storeroom called "despensa" where the priest blesses the bread and wine that will be given out to the people shortly after that ceremony.
Then the Holy Ghost procession proceeds to the "Império" where the crowns and insignias will be placed on an altar and will remain until late afternoon, at which time they will take part in another procession heading to a new "emperor's" home after the day's celebrations.
In the afternoon of those two Sundays a social gathering called "Bodo" takes place right in front of the "Impérios." During the event, the "emperor" and the members of the local Holy Ghost Brotherhood often invite the passers-by and local town people to pay a visit to the "Imperio" or the "despensa" and taste the roast beef, sweet bread and the local wine "vinho de cheiro.
In return, these visitors usually leave a monetary donation in honor of the Holy Ghost, which will be used for the maintenance of the "Impérios" buildings and help with future Holy Ghost celebrations.
It's also customary to have concerts by a local marching band during the "bodo" afternoons in some of the towns, such as Lajes, Vila Nova, Agualva, Biscoitos, etc. This year's "bodos" will be celebrated May 27 and June 3.
According to local cultural photographer and author, Mario Duarte, Terceira alone has 69 "Impérios," the oldest being the "Império of Outeiro" in the town of Conceição in Angra.
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