New-Age-Center

By: Mel


 The Indalo is a symbol or the shape of a figure holding a rainbow in outstretched arms. Some say it is derived from the famous Indalo Man of Spain - as depicted in the cave paintings discovered in Almeria in the late 19th Century, dating back 4,500 years. But, in reality, this is just one example of the Indalo shape that has been found in many parts of the world. Archaeologists and anthropologists believe it represents the search by primitive man for wisdom and truth in the universe although others say that it is more indicative of a man reaching up to the Holy Spirit and receiving the Lord's grace.



And it is unclear whether the origin of the word itself is San Indalecio - a 1st Century AD saint who was sent by Rome to evangalise the Iberian Peninsular (and who was martyred just outside Almeria city), or the much more ancient symbol as typified by the cave paintings. Either way, the little lucky charm is considered a guardian angel (a bit like a St. Christopher) and is widely believed to represent a messenger from God ("In Deus" means "According to God" in Latin and "Indal Eccius" is supposed to have a similar meaning in ancient Iberian). In various parts of the world it is considered extremely lucky and it is used extensively as a good luck charm, amulet or talisman to ward off evil and bring good fortune, prosperity and happiness to its bearer.

 

In Spain, the Indalo caves were declared a National Historical Monument in 1924 - and are now a site of UNESCO World Heritage. The Indalo is the symbol of the whole region of Almería and, in particular, a small village pueblo called Mojácar - reputedly called a "Village of Witches" because of its supposed flirtation with faith-healing, spells, and magic brews over many years. This pueblo, in the south east corner of Spain, with winding streets and with the warm waters of the Mediterranean lapping at its beach front resort, is now the adopted home of Indalo Man and you can see the lucky symbol wherever you go.



The rainbow is the bridge between the physical and the spiritual worlds, and in folklore, particularly in North America, amongst the ancient Indian Tribes like the Cree, legend foretells when the Great Spirit will once again rise up and the "Rainbow Warrior" will lead the world to freedom.

As for St. Indalecio himself, venerated as the patron saint of the whole of Almería, emissaries of Sancho Ramírez, King of Aragon and Navarre, moved the relics of "Indaletius" to San Juan de la Peña near Jaca in the north of the country in 1084, and some of these relics still rest in an urn under the main altar of the cathedral of Jaca. Thanks to the efforts of Bishop Rosendo Álvarez Gastón some relics were returned to Almeria and placed under the altar of the Cathedral of the Incarnatio (as well as and at the Conciliar Seminary of San Indalecio de Almería). Saint Indalecio's feast day is May 15, when a solemn procession moves through the city.



 

I have spent much time studying this little lucky symbol / talisman and, as a Portrait Artist, decided to paint different forms of the Indalo in my work. This can be seen on my Indalo Art website www.indaloart.com

Mel