Every new year in Bolivia brings a new “Dia de Alasitas,” when “Ekeko” the God of Abundance will grant you all that you wish and hope for.
Yesterday morning at 11:30am I was in the midst of my work day when I had a visit. It was an important message for me. I had 30 mins to out into the streets of La Paz and buy miniature versions of my hopes and dreams. More was explained …Every year on this day, it is traditional for small or miniature versions of things…houses, money, certificates, babies, travel documents etc. to be sold by small vendors in the streets of Bolivia. The idea is that you go to these vendors and buy the mini versions of the things you hope you will receive in the coming year. At this point in the explanation, I was in disbelief and didn’t really think I’d be going anywhere. Had I stayed in the office, I would have been the only one because everybody was leaving at 11:50am. So I went, and I experienced something completely unique to me. A few photos are most definitely called for at this point to assist in the conjuring up of image of this day because it was like nothing else I’d ever seen or done before.
Something I alluded to already, but didn’t clarify, is that it is traditional to make your purchases before or at noon. None of these purchases, however, can on their own bring your wishes–there is a process to follow. After buying the statuettes or money, or what every it is you hope for, you must go and have your purchases blessed by the Pachamama, directly translated as “Mother Earth” or “Mother Universe”.
Pachamama is a fertility goddess from Inca mythology who presides over planting and harvesting. Post-conquest the Spanish replaced her image with that of the Virgin Mary’s, however, she is still much revered and respected by the Andean indigenous people. The blessing is done by an older Imaran or Quechuan woman from Apolobamba who is able to facilitate a blessing from Pachamama. The process is quite moving and involves a great deal of incense and some incantations.
All of your “hopes” go into a bag and you hold them over the incense. While you put one hand over the bag so does the woman blessing them and together you rotate your hands while saying your name once. The blessing involves your hopes being doused with flower petals and wine.
For better or for worse, we were able to record the blessing of the little house, the money and the other little things we bought, on our video camera. Click here to view the video…“Live from La Paz”
This all may sound a little, well, different to some readers, as it was for me. What was also interesting though was that it was a community event. This event, like dancing at Carnaval here in Bolivia (which is coming up next weekend), seemed to bring people from all walks of life, and all faiths together to respect an honoured tradition. Although the streets were packed, you could sense the hopes and anticipation of the hundreds of people who lined up to make a purchase and obtain a blessing. What was most poignant about the day was I found out later than many people actually buy items to give to others. When one returns to the office in the afternoon, or to where ever they are going, they share with and give little items to friends and family.
In the end, this day is about sharing your hopes and your dreams for the new year with others as well as passing on your wishes for friends and family. It is quite a lovely thing when you receive little gifts from a friend who who is hoping for the very best for you. Quite lovely indeed.
