The first of August marks Pachamama Raimy, or Mother Earth Day, a celebration that takes place in many Andean countries, including Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Argentina. According to the Royal Academy of Language, this holiday recognises the source of humanity’s sustenance, “the place where life is reproduced and realised”.
What is Pacha Mama?
Pacha Mama comprises the sky, the earth, the sea, and the air, all intertwined with a single purpose: to provide a physical space for the evolution of all beings in this small portion of the universe. The name Pacha Mama, also spelt Pachamama, comes from the Quechua language and means Mother Earth. In a broader sense, Pacha means space-time, and Mama recalls the enormous, immense, eternal where time does not exist and space is infinite.
Celebrating Mother Earth
The festivities take place in August, coinciding with the onset of the rains in the northern region and the conclusion of winter in the south, when the climate is conducive to harvesting in the Andean region. The celebration is an opportunity to express gratitude for favourable weather conditions and the successful reproduction of animals, while also requesting protection for the future and an abundance for the forthcoming year.
Lost Connection
We have gradually lost that connection and respect for Mother Earth, who provides us with everything in exchange for nothing. It is important to bear in mind that our constitution as beings of energy is formed of atoms combined to form molecules, and these in turn form tissues, in the same way as other living beings are formed, including the misnamed inert ones, which are in constant movement and change.
Humans and the Ego
Throughout history, humans have erred in thinking of themselves as separate entities due to factors such as skin colour or place of birth.
It is important to remember that we are part of a system in which energy is exchanged with all forms of life on Earth. The pursuit of ego has, unfortunately, led to a disregard for our shared humanity. We have exploited the natural resources of our planet for our survival, resulting in significant environmental consequences. The concentration of wealth in the hands of a small percentage of the population has had a detrimental effect on the environment, as individuals without a sense of responsibility have driven policies that are harmful to the environment under the guise of development and competition.
Generous Mother Earth
Pacha Mama remains a reliable provider, purifying the air through photosynthesis, regulating the climate through the jungle or Amazon forests, and providing rain to generate our daily food. Given the numerous blessings associated with it, the celebration of Pachamama should be observed on a daily basis as an act of gratitude to the deity who enables the miracle of life in all its forms.
