Colonia LeBaron: Life in a Polygamous Community
Have you ever wondered what life is like in a polygamous community? What drives people to live in such an unconventional way?
In her memoir The Sound of Gravel, Ruth Wariner provides a firsthand account of growing up in Colonia LeBaron's polygamous community. You'll get an intimate look at the beliefs, practices, and challenges faced by those living in this unique religious settlement in Mexico.
Keep reading to discover the complexities of life in Colonia LeBaron and the journey of one woman who chose to leave it all behind.
Life in Colonia Lebaron: A Polygamous Community
The Founding of Colonia Lebaron
Colonia LeBaron, a unique religious settlement in Mexico, was established by Ruth Wariner's paternal grandfather. This community was founded on a prophetic vision and strict adherence to the principle of plural marriage. The beliefs that shape life in Colonia LeBaron stem from the teachings of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter-Day Saint movement.
The community's core belief was that to reach the highest level of heaven, a man must marry at least two women. For women, spiritual growth was achieved through practicing polygamy, having many children, and committing to a lifelong partnership with their husband. This blend of European and Hispanic customs created a distinct culture within Colonia LeBaron.
Daily Life and Religious Practices
Life in Colonia LeBaron revolved around pastoral simplicity and deep religious conviction. Your daily routine would include attending bilingual worship gatherings, participating in household chores, and engaging in manual labor. You'd find yourself gathering pine cones, tending to livestock, and contributing to the community's self-sufficiency.
Religious observances were a significant part of life in the colony. You'd participate in passionate prayer sessions, sing hymns, and listen attentively to sermons. These sermons often emphasized the sanctity of polygamy, weaving personal experiences into the community's spiritual narrative.
Family Dynamics in a Polygamous Community
If you lived in Colonia LeBaron, you'd be part of an intricate web of family ties. Multiple marriages and numerous half-siblings shared among different mothers were common. Ruth Wariner, for instance, was born as her father's thirty-ninth child. After her father's death, her mother married Lane, becoming his second wife.
This complex family structure meant that relationships were often complicated. You'd have to navigate a large extended family, with many siblings and half-siblings. The community's emphasis on polygamy and large families shaped every aspect of social interaction.
The Dark Side of Colonia Lebaron
While the community presented itself as a spiritual haven, life in Colonia LeBaron had a darker side. Ruth Wariner's account reveals instances of abuse and psychological distress within families. Her stepfather, Lane, subjected her and her siblings to inappropriate behavior and sexual abuse.
If you were a child in this community, you might find yourself vulnerable to such mistreatment. The lack of protection and care from adults, coupled with the community's reluctance to address these issues, could leave you feeling trapped and helpless.
Escaping Colonia Lebaron
For some, like Ruth Wariner, the realization of the community's problems led to a desire to escape. If you found yourself in this situation, you might plan a daring escape with your siblings, as Ruth did. This would involve careful planning, including creating cover stories for border crossings and arranging support from family members outside the community.
The journey out of Colonia LeBaron could be fraught with danger. You might have to navigate border crossings, deal with the fear of being caught, and face an uncertain future. However, for many, this risk was worth taking to escape the abuse and restrictions of life in the colony.
Life After Colonia Lebaron
Once you've left Colonia LeBaron, you'd face a new set of challenges. You might find yourself responsible for younger siblings, dealing with financial hardships, and relying on government assistance. The transition to a new life could involve struggles such as obtaining basic amenities like electricity and dealing with outdated appliances.
Emotional healing would be a significant part of your journey. The trauma experienced in the colony could leave lasting psychological scars. You might seek therapy, engage in spiritual practices, or find other ways to process your experiences and build a new life.
Building a New Future
Despite the challenges, leaving Colonia LeBaron opens up opportunities for personal growth and building a different kind of life. You might pursue education, seek stable relationships, and work on repairing family bonds. The journey of healing and self-discovery could lead to finding love, starting your own family, and creating the stability you may have lacked in the colony.
Life after Colonia LeBaron isn't without its complexities. You might still navigate difficult relationships with family members who remained in the community. However, the freedom to make your own choices and build a life on your own terms can be a powerful motivator for those who choose to leave.