As you know the Spanish conquered Ecuador in the 1500's. Spain, being predominately catholic, influenced Ecuadorians in that the majority of those in Ecuador now claim to be catholic (although not always practicing). As with many cultures the traditions of the indigenous peoples influences how they live out their faith on a daily basis. On one hand they carry out Catholic traditions such as baptism and the sacraments, while on the other hand they pray to the Papa Volcanoe (Imbabura) and the Mama Volcanoe (Cotacachi). This synchronicity of religion and traditions is fascinating. For example, the Peguche waterfall we hiked to today is considered a somewhat holy place where the faithful go for a holy cleansing bath the night before the winter soltice. Of course, I suspect the young man we saw today who stripped buck naked--chucked his trucks into the falls, and dove in after them--was giving little thought to his traditions or faith.
We had several great opportunities to learn more about the local customs of the Kichwa people near Otavalo. The Kichwa were always merchants so they have been able to adapt quite well to changes over the centuries. They are known for their colourful dress and weaving. Traditionally they used a backstrap loom and natural dyes. By squishing cochineal bugs and adding ash, or lime, or baking soda and a variety of other ingredients, they are able to make a whole range of colours for their designs. Unfortunately since tourists expect a cheap price and are willing to settle for inferior products much of what is sold in the Otavalo market is now machine made. We are still in the Andes mountains and this is our highest altitude so far. We are heading out to enjoy the natural hot springs before bed. Your are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
12 Comments
Tyler Schaefer
5/9/2017 11:29:10 am
How have you found the altitude so far? I found that I felt dehydrated when I was in Colombia.
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Ray
5/9/2017 05:22:45 pm
Yes, at times breathing while walking up hill breathing is difficult. Hydration does seem to be very helpful.
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Hjej
5/9/2017 11:35:57 am
What kinds of bugs do they use, and is it hard to breath there?
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Ray
5/9/2017 05:19:08 pm
The cochineal lives on cactus. is a scale insect in the suborder The natural dye carmine is derived. Yes at times i have found breathing tough.
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B&M
5/10/2017 06:31:23 am
What is the weather like where you are?
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Diane
5/10/2017 07:12:17 pm
Cool jacket weather in the highlands ...hot and sticky in the amazon
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AV.S
5/10/2017 07:33:52 am
Did you get dizzy and light headed because of the altitude?
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Diane
5/10/2017 07:13:02 pm
Even with the medication we were a little light headed and lost our breath easier
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N&K
5/11/2017 09:40:21 am
Whats your fav food so far in your trip?
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Diane
5/11/2017 05:16:17 pm
I love the fresh avacados.
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Nevada5/6Brennan
5/11/2017 11:45:01 am
What is that on the right???
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Diane
5/11/2017 05:17:12 pm
She is squeezing lime on the crushed worms to change the natural colour.
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Ray & Diane Homewood
Sharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
August 2017
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