Final answer:
Ultima and Antonio's mother sang novena prayers in the novel as a part of their Catholic and cultural tradition, often seeking guidance, solace, or expressing devotion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The characters Ultima and Antonio's mother sang prayers of novena in the novel "Bless Me, Ultima" as part of a spiritual and cultural tradition. The novena, a nine-day period of prayer, is a significant Catholic ritual that is observed during times of need, sorrow, or as preparation for a feast. It represents a long-standing practice in many Hispanic communities for seeking spiritual guidance or expressing devotion. Ultima, as a curandera or healer, and Antonio's mother, a devout Catholic, use these prayers to find solace, seek healing, or ask for protection.
The singing of novenas is an example of how cultural identity and spirituality are tightly interwoven in the novel, reflecting the blend of Indigenous and Catholic beliefs that characterize the unique spiritual landscape of the American Southwest. This practice is one of the many ways characters in the book express their faith and find comfort during challenging times.