UJ # 20 - BEST OF THE BEST
UJ # 20 - BEST OF THE BEST
UJ # 20 - BEST OF THE BEST
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APPETISERS<br />
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AN <strong>OF</strong>FERING TO<br />
MO<strong>THE</strong>R EARTH<br />
History, archaeology and culture<br />
40 min - 2 hours AM | PM Upon request<br />
LimaTours<br />
Peru’s essence is infused with a mysticism that has woven its<br />
way through the country’s history, bringing with it a series of<br />
rituals and customs that continue to hold huge cultural value<br />
to this day. Some of these have mutated over time, adapting<br />
to occurring social changes, while others continue to be<br />
practised and executed much like they were when conceived.<br />
No matter the culture – be it Moche, Chachapoyas, Inca, etc. –,<br />
nature and humankind’s connection to it has always been an<br />
underlying theme and fundamental part of ancient Peruvians’<br />
worldview. Andean cosmology – as it is known today –<br />
emphasises the relationship between man and nature, and the<br />
sacred connotation it possesses: the Earth is the Pachamama<br />
(Mother Earth in Quechua), and the mountains are the Apus.<br />
Together these revered entities protect and provide.<br />
The Payment to Mother Earth is one of the most important<br />
rituals performed in the Andes, done in gratitude to the<br />
Pachamama for all the products, animals, and water that she<br />
provides. With a quintu in hand (three select coca leaves that<br />
are used to communicate with the gods), and an assortment<br />
of objects that make up the traditional ‘despacho’ – all of<br />
which are wrapped up in a weaving as colourful as a rainbow<br />
– a shaman “returns” part of the goods received from Mother<br />
LimaTours<br />
Earth to her.<br />
The arrival of the Spanish brought with it the uprooting of<br />
native customs. Nonetheless, Andean residents managed to<br />
adapt their traditions in ways that maintained their essence –<br />
although this often meant hiding or camouflaging them within<br />
the new, imposed customs. Luckily for us, these 500-yearold<br />
rituals have stood the test of time, and we now have the<br />
chance to be a part of them.<br />
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