Día de Pachamama
August is a time of deep spiritual connection to the land. It is a time to reflect and give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) for the blessings which have been given and a time to set intentions for the year ahead. This takes place in August before the rainy season begins and crops are sown. August 1st sets the tone for the month with celebrations of Día de Pachama (Pachamama Day).
The use and chewing of coca leaves is an important aspect of the cultural and spirtitual lives of Andean society. As a result, it features prominently in celebrations, ceremonies, and offerings, like those made to Pachamama.
On August 1st, Día de Pachamama, people hike to the top of mountains to pay tribute to the Apus (Mountain Spirits) and make offerings to Pachmama (Mother Earth). I was invited by my friend Guido to join a small group for a ceremony and make an offering on Apu Mama Simona outside of Cusco. The ceremony was led by Marta, a paqo from Q’eros, and assisted by Robert.
Paqos are spiritual practioners who serve Pachamama and the Apus. They are tasked with maintaining a balance between the physical and spiritual realms. They are also healers and are entrusted with cultivating harmony in the community.
Paqos are highly revered and those from Q’eros even more so as they are considered the last direct line to the Incas. After the Spanish conquest of the Incas, a group retreated to the remote, high-elevation region of Q’eros in order to preserve the culture.
Until recently, there were no roads into Q’eros and so traditions and spiritual practices have been maintained as the cultural memory has been handed down through the generations.
Marta has learned the stories, prayers, and songs since she was a girl from her abuelo (grandfather) who was an important Paqo. She now leads in ceremonies and is teaching others, like Robert who assisted her in our ceremony.
On August 1st ceremonial offerings are made to Pachamama as a sign of reverence and to show gratitude for all that she has given. The Andean worldview holds a deep belief in reciprocity, known as Ayni in Quechua. The gifts given by the Earth need to be recipricated in kind. Día de Pachamama is the day people collectively give thanks and honour her.
During the ceremony like the one presided over by Marta for our intimate group, a variety of items are carefully laid out in a pattern. The items include coca leaves, corn, flower petals, , grains, seeds, animal fat, a dried llama fetus, candies, prop/play money, and colourful ornaments.
Once the arrangement of items is completed by the Paqo, prayers and blessings are placed upon it. Each person present will focus on their intentions and ask for Pachamama’s guidance. The Paqo acts as the intemediary between the physical and spirtual world and relays their intentions and gratitude to Pachamama.
The items are finally wrapped in paper and the gift to Pachamama is ready. Blessings are once again placed upon the gift before it is placed in a ceremonial fire for it to absorbed into the earth. As the gift slowly burns, congregants will walk the perimeter of the fire pouring a beverage on the rocks, which is often a sweet wine, beer, or chicha (a corn beer) and the ceremony is then complete.
It was an important and meaningful ceremony that I felt honoured to be part of and I am glad I could it share it with you here. I hope to spend time in Q’eros to learn more of the tradtions and culture that is maintained there if the opportunity is presented to me.
I look forward to sharing more images and stories of all that I learn soon.
With gratitude,
MB
