Category: SOUTH AMERICA
FOLKLORE: Travel storiez of wonder & every day life
Are magical creatures, fairies, mermaids, ghosts, giants and goddesses and gods all gone, with the mythical times? For some this magical creatures are gone, for others they are still real, giving gifts to the kindly, and plaguing the surly. TRAVEL STORIES OF WONDER & EVERY DAY LIFE about magical animals, fairies, mermaids, ghosts, giants and…
PERU: On the Cuy – Guinea pig – in history, mythology, folklore & everyday life
Cuy, is part of the culture, history, mythology, folklore and every day life, of Peruvians from time immemorial. This small rodent is identified with the life and customs of the local communities, cuyes are also used in medicine and even in magical-religious rituals. Currently the guinea pig has multiple purposes (pets, experimental animals), although in…
ARGENTINA: El Gauchito Gil
Along roadsides throughout Argentina we notice mystical shrines with red flags flying around them. Discover the folk saint Gauchito Gil.
TIMELINE: A story of cacao/cocoa and chocolate
The story of how cocoa and chocolate was first discovered and then spread to all of the major countries on Earth is a fascinating tale that includes mythology, romance, politics, slavery, intrigue, heroics, deceit, greed, war and innovation. Discover the story of cacao/cocoa and chocolate. Cacao and chocolate is intricately intertwined with history: “kings and…
ARGENTINA: La Difunta Correa
Throughout Argentina, we notice roadside shrines amid of water bottles and a statuette of a lactating mother. Discover the folk saint Difunta Correa or Decreased Correa.
MEXICO: On Cacao in Popol Vuh
Discover cacao in Popol Vuh and the iconographic relationship between cacao and maize reflecting their importance within Maya cultures
MEXICO: TREELORE – On the historical and mythical origins of cacao in Mesoamerica
Discover historical and mythical origins of Cacao in Mesoamerica.
MEXICO: TREELORE – CACAO IN CHICHEN ITZA
Discover cacao in Chichen Itza, the most important archaeological vestige of the Maya-Toltec civilization in Yucatan, Mexico.
PARAGUAY: On the origins of MATE
Visiting South America, we have often been invited to share a mate, by friendly and curious locals. Having a mate or terere means sharing stories and being part of a deeply cultural ritual. Discover legends, myths and folklore of the Yerba Mate tree in Paraguay and South America and its use in traditional Guarani and Tupi…
BOLIVIA: On the origins of papa – potato
Discover legends, myth, history and folklore of the potato plant in Bolivia and its use in traditional Andean culture.