São Sebastião: Devoção Régia e Popular

n Greek, Sebastian derives from Sebastos, which by definition means “Divine.” This deification attributed to the saint is similarly ascribed to King Sebastian (D. Sebastião). Within the realm of oral tradition, our martyred king was aligned with a popular discourse that regarded him as the reincarnation of the martyr Saint Sebastian.

While existing studies on King Sebastian are exhaustive, for some reason, the analogy between the saint and the king remains semi-shrouded. It is unlikely that this imaginary curtain of mist will ever be fully drawn back. It is, however, easier to lift the devotional mantle established by the royal decree of King Sebastian, which ordered that “at the entrance of the towns of Portugal, chapels be erected for the worship of Saint Sebastian.” This royal command expresses the entire universe of devotion to the martyred Saint Sebastian. Thus, we see ourselves reflected in both royal and popular worship.

A. Cunha e Silva