The mythology It is a giant universe that we surely know many stories, but there are still more that remain hidden for us. In this article we will talk about Ekeko , an Andean god who takes care that his people have abundance and prosperity. He still continues to be cultured in regions like Peru , Argentina , Bolivia or the north of Chile , although in the antiquity his faithful ones extended by almost all the zone of the $ andes. Do you want to know this Andean god more deeply? So, you just have to keep reading!
One of the greatest curiosities surrounding this deity is that it is believed that it will bring abundance to the houses or homes that Tax cigarettes as an offering . It is usually represented as a short man with a good-natured face and a rounded figure. In addition to carrying both arms fully extended, to hang the offerings. Your clothes can be very varied, you can go dressed from executive to beggar. Currently, the statuettes of Ekeko They have a hole in their mouth to place the cigarettes that are offered. In this article we will tell you everything you want to know about this Andean god, his origins and the way he is worshiped. It will surprise you!
Ekeko | History and current worship of the Andean god of abundance
History of Ekeko
The cult to this god has its origin many, many years ago, concretely it is believed that the first inhabitants of the pre-Hispanic South American cultures began to adore him . The tribe, located in the current Bolivia It was known as the Tiwanakus . The oldest representations of Ekeko that have been found, were of stone. In the statuettes figure the naked god with indigenous features and a large hump. Nudity meant abundance for these ancient tribes.
Later, when the Spanish colonized America they tried to erase all traces of Ekeko . These efforts were in vain, since the Indians continued offering cult to him. However, the Catholic Church had small "triumphs". One of them, was to equip the representations of Ekeko of a more mestizo appearance besides putting clothes.
Current cult to Ekeko
The inhabitants of Bolivia , a country where you still have great esteem, believe that Ekeko He will grant them all their wishes if they have a miniature statuette in their houses with money next to them. The ritual is completed by leaving a lit cigar in the mouth of the child Ekeko and if it is consumed halfway, the wishes will not be fulfilled, but if the cigar is consumed whole, God will grant all our requests. We must do this ritual Tuesday and the Friday If not, our wishes will not come to fruition.
The figures that are offered to Ekeko They are usually the object of our desires, such as automobiles or miniature appliances. These figures are known in this country with the name of "Alasitas" , a word that in the Aymara language means "buy me". If we want to find love, we must offer this Andean god roosters or chickens. Nevertheless, Ekeko he does not have only a friendly face since it is believed that if there is a single young woman in the family, the god can fall in love with her and consider her his property.
In Bolivia, the Ekeko festivities are celebrated at the summer solstice .
In Argentina This deity is also well known, due in large part to the economic crisis that was experienced in the country in the eighties. There it is considered as the pattern of good luck In addition, the name of the god is also used to refer to the person who carries many objects. One of the essential requirements for all our wishes to be fulfilled, is that the figurine of Ekeko it must be given to us and we can not buy it.
The inhabitants of Peru , also worship Ekeko, although with much less devotion than shown in Bolivia .
Ekeko it means a lot for the day to day of all Bolivians, so the tradition of worshiping this god will be difficult to die. To avoid it, the government of Bolivia asked the UNESCO that will declare Fair of the Alasita , Intangible Heritage of Humanity . Honor that the world organization granted to Bolivia recently, thanks to which the history and the cult to Ekeko It will be known all over the globe.
Surely you have enjoyed reading this article about Ekeko , the sympathetic god of abundance and prosperity. If you enjoy the mythological stories, we are convinced that this other article from our web that speaks of this other god much less kind. Now we would like to know your opinion about this Andean deity. Did you know their history and worship? What would you ask Ekeko ? Would you like presence the fair of the Alasita ? We are looking forward to reading your comments!