The Andean region is characterized by its deep cultural and folkloric legacy from the Inca and pre-Inca cultures developed throughout the Andes, which are expressed in their festivals, customs and traditions linked mainly to Pachamama or Mother Earth.
The Andean countries have almost 500 years of Catholic imposition, however the Pachamama or Mother Earth, one of the most revered deities in antiquity, has not lost its validity. Every August 1st, the Andean inhabitants perform an offering ceremony to the Pachamama that represents the earth in the broadest sense of the word, that is, all of nature that provides us with the place and resources we need to live. The Pachamama is our Mother Nature and it is everywhere, however we can find places that the Andean inhabitants consider sacred.
Pachamama offering
Summary
Description of the Pachamama
The divinity of the Pachamama (Mother Earth or Mother of the World) represents the Earth, but not only the soil or the geological earth, nor only nature; it’s all together. It is not located in a single place, but it is concentrated in a sacred way in springs, giant rocks, imposing trees, beautiful or unique landscapes and apachetas. She is an immediate and daily deity, who acts by presence and with whom we dialogue, either asking her for support or apologizing for some offense committed against the earth, nature or its beings that inhabit it.
She is not a creator deity but a protector and provider; she shelters human beings, makes life possible and favors fecundity and fertility. In exchange for this help and protection offered by the Pachamama, the Andean shepherd is obliged to offer to the Pachamama part of what he receives, not only at the times and places predetermined by the ritual, but also at all significant cultural events, thus configuring himself a kind of reciprocity. However, Mother Earth can also be annoyed or offended: Pachamama is frequently hungry and if she is not nourished with offerings or if she is offended, she causes illness.
Pachamama ceremony
In the first week of August, in all the Peruvian Andes and especially in Cusco and Machu Picchu, one of the most important ancestral ceremonies in Peru takes place. It is the Pachamama Raymi, a tribute that the inhabitants pay to Mother Earth in gratitude for the good harvests of the year and also to start a prosperous agricultural season.
With August 1 as the central date – the day the peasants do not work so that the land rests, the ritual begins with the offerings. The inhabitants cook various tubers, drinks and huairuro seeds in pots, which are placed underground. Cooking is a sign of respect.
Next, an Andean priest called «Pako» begins with the «haywasqa» (payment to the land) on a multicolored cloak. After the ceremony, attendees enjoy the Andean songs of the inhabitants and the typical dances of the region. Likewise, a gastronomic barter is carried out with the aim of everyone trying the stews that were prepared.
During the Pachamama Raymi, the participants wear very colorful typical Andean garments. Those in charge of placing the offerings wear cords tied around their necks, anklets, and golden wristbands to simulate the clothing of the Incas.
The origin of the rite
This celebration began in pre-Hispanic times. The Incas considered the earth as a giving and protective divinity that provided them with food and which they had to care for and celebrate, in order to maintain productive crops. Other deities that the Incas highly respected were the Apus (sacred mountains), the Killa (the moon) and the Sun God (Inti), to whom they also worshiped and whose legacy continues to this day.
Is in our hands to protect Pachamama
What can travelers do to honor Pachamama?
Well, the fundamental thing is to consider ways to pollute the planet less and reduce the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, save water and paper, avoid plastic, recycle, consume organic or products that have been grown with the least percentage of herbicides and insecticides. Do not hunt wild animals, do not promote that there are more in captivity or in zoos; at least animals that are in perfect conditions to live in their natural habitats. Consume locally to help the communities you visit and ultimately bet on sustainable tourism.
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