In Cuba, a candle is never lit in vain./ Monomad Challenge [Eng/Esp]

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Hello, friends: how are you?

If there is one symbol of Cuban culture and popular tradition that transcends religious boundaries, it is candles. That's why, as soon as I had the chance, I decided to write a post about them. I remember that when I was a child, they were always present in our home and had many uses: they provided light during blackouts, for romantic dinners, to remove an infected fingernail, and even to bring light to the deceased. In other words, they were sacred. The very act of lighting them was more than a gesture: it was the materialization of a wish, a plea, or gratitude.

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These snapshots 📸 are my submission for the #monomad challenge by @monochromes and @brumest.

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Wherever there is a lit candle, there is a promise.

Behind the simple act of lighting it, there is a profound reason that underpins it; they are never lit in vain.

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There are moments when, even in the most absolute solitude, one feels accompanied, as if they came to life.

Lighting it also translates into hope, hope for a better future.

As you can see, friends, candles in Cuba have a resilient character and, more than just lighting the way, they are an indispensable part of the faith of a people who, despite adversity, struggle to survive.

It has been a pleasure sharing this with you. I look forward to reading your comments. Good health and prosperity to all!

See you soon.

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👉 Spanish version 🇪🇸👇................

Hola, amigos: ¿qué tal estáis?

Si hay un símbolo de la cultura y la tradición popular cubana que traspasa las fronteras religiosas, son las velas. Por eso, en cuanto tuve ocasión, me dediqué a hacerle una publicación. Recuerdo que, cuando era niño, en casa no podían faltar y eran multiusos: servían para alumbrarse en noches de apagón, para cenas románticas, para quitarse una uña infectada e incluso para llevar luz a algún difunto. O sea, eran sagradas. El mismo acto de encenderlas era más que un gesto: era la materialización de un deseo, una súplica o un agradecimiento.

Dondequiera que haya una vela encendida, hay una promesa.

Detrás del simple hecho de encenderla hay un motivo profundo que la sustenta; nunca se encienden en vano.

Hay momentos en los que, incluso en la más absoluta soledad, uno se siente acompañado, como si cobraran vida.

Encenderla también se traduce en esperanza, esperanza de un futuro mejor.

Como pueden ver, amigos, las velas en Cuba tienen un carácter de resiliencia y, más que alumbrar los caminos, son parte indispensable de la fe de un pueblo que, más allá de las adversidades, lucha por sobrevivir.

Ha sido un placer compartir con ustedes, les leo en los comentarios. ¡Mucha salud y prosperidad!

Hasta pronto.

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Technical data: 
📸 Nikon D200, NIKON lens 50mm 1.4
📝 Translation: DeepL (free version)
🙋‍♂️ Authorship: All photos were taken by me  @muhammadhalim.

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