Geoheritage, Myth, and Perception: Sacred Caves and Landscapes in Minas Gerais, Brazil
摘要
Geomythology has made significant strides in revealing the relationship between geological features and cultural narratives, deeply interwoven in the perception of sacred landscapes. In Minas Gerais, caves, mountains, and rock formations are geologic and vital components of mythology and spiritual customs. Often, these landscapes serve as the setting for legends, rituals, and religious practices, which contribute to their symbolic potency across different cultures. Human beings have attributed certain spiritual meanings to spaces, and this sacralisation in natural spaces is part of this process, assimilating the natural and geological heritage into their collective memory and identity. Beyond mythologisation, geotourism is important for preserving these landscapes, as it strikes an economic and educational balance. Through a detailed exploration of the synergy between geodiversity and mythology, the research illustrates the extent to which physical formations shape our collectively-held imagination, religious customs, and the veneration of holy spaces, which should compel us to make sense of the evolving interplay of geology, myth, and spirituality through a cross-disciplinary lens.