One of the more unique and spiritual experiences in Peru is participating in a Pachamama Ceremony, to pay honor to, and seek the blessings of Mother Earth. The ceremony, conducted by a Shaman priest and usually accompanied by an interpreter and a musician is an authentic cross-cultural experience that symbolizes the essence of nature and the life cycle it encompasses. In many countries in South America, most notably Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile and northern Argentina, Pachamama is a belief central to the fertility of the people, the growth and harvesting of crops, and represents the earth's generosity and abundance. Guests who participate in the ritual are often moved by the sanctity and symbolism of the ceremony and the music that represents joy, love, color and life.
The ritual begins with a presentation of gifts from the earth that normally include: flowers, sweets, incense, condor feathers, a variety of foods and herbs presented collectively in the form of a heart.
Each participant is handed three coca leaves and asked to concentrate on the blessings they wish to receive from Pachamama. It could be prosperity, health, related to work, or something concerning a close relative or family, The music that follows the period of reflection and prayer uses pre-Hispanic instruments that may have no set flow or melody, just a call for an open mind and an open heart.
The shaman calls each guest forward individually to receive a blessing from nature. Among the facets of nature he calls upon are the valleys, mountains, rivers, the condors, pumas and snakes to honor the wishes held by the guest receiving the blessing of Mother Earth. This beautiful ceremony is very moving and for most instills a spirit of peace and clarity. The connection that guests feel and the promise of answering their prayers creates a very emotional response that embraces faith, joy and positivity. The connection to earth is only surpassed by the connection to each other.
Indeed, the friends and family we traveled with to Peru years ago still speak with wonder about the feeling of peace, contentment and hope we had that day and the wishes that came through for us regarding our health, our livelihoods , our children and our families. It was a special day that concluded with us gathering the gifts the shaman had assembled on our behalf for Mother Earth, and a final burning ceremony at sunset to complete the offering to Pachamama.
Peru celebrates Pachamama on August 1 each year, coinciding with the start of the agricultural year and honoring Mother Earth so that she brings good weather, rain to nourish the crops and ensuring fertility and life. While the countries officially celebrate August 1 as the day the Earth rests and the farmers do not work in their fields, travelers can experience this special ceremony each day of the year. It is a wonderful add-on for a trip to Machu Picchu.
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