Thursday, June 15, 2023

The Demon-Driving Ratchet

The ratchet is a traditional instrument used to drive out 'demons'.

The ratchet was used during Holy Week in churches in Spain to signify the earthquake at the end of darkness. The bells remained silent and the young people made rattles, simulating the sounds of thunder.

In 2002, Miguel Urroz from Oitz (Navarra) was one of the few artisan manufacturers of this once popular instrument.

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