Why is it good to drink cane with rue every first of August?
It is a popular and millenary tradition of the native peoples of America, it is about drinking cane with rue every first of August in order to scare away curses.
In fact, this drink prepared for this special date does not lose followers, even if time passes. The purpose of this sacred ritual is to attract good health and good luck, driving away envy and curses.
How many shots of cane with rue are drunk
As for the number of drinks to be taken, there are variations in tradition depending on the region and specific culture. Some say you should have three drinks, while others mention seven. These figures have symbolic and spiritual meanings:
Three drinks: Some people argue that having three drinks represents the connection with the three sacred worlds of the Andean worldview: the world above (hanan pacha), the world below (ukhu pacha), and the current world (kay pacha). It can also symbolize the relationship with the Andean trinity: the Sun, the Earth and the Human Being.
Seven drinks: Other people argue that having seven drinks represents the seven protective spirits, known as “seven brothers,” who are spiritual beings who care for nature and life in the Andean tradition. For those who follow this custom, seven sips, three drinks, a long one or a whole glass are taken.
It is essential to note that interpretation of tradition may vary, and some groups may have their own specific practices. The most important thing is to respect the culture and tradition of the community in which you participate, following the indications and beliefs of the leaders or elders of the ceremony. In addition, it is crucial to drink in moderation and responsibly, since cane with rue is an alcoholic beverage and its excessive consumption can be harmful to health.
But; Where does it come from and what does it mean?
It is a custom that originates in northern Argentina, more specifically in the provinces of Misiones and Corrientes, although it has spread throughout the country.
It is an ancient tradition, which comes from the native peoples of America who recognized in rue multiple medicinal properties against parasites and gastrointestinal discomfort, in addition to its use to soothe burning and even irritation from bites of various bugs and vermin.
Just as the month of August it was common to see heavy rains and together with the cold, both factors caused numerous deaths in both the population and livestock.
Hence, they created this natural and highly effective remedy where cane is mixed with rue to overcome these problems.
Evolution of the remedy or concoction
It is interesting to note how at the beginning liquors made with chañar, patay, prickly pear or carob were used, to which contrayerba or medicinal herbs were added.
But with the arrival of the Europeans, its components changed until it became the recipe we know today.
At the time of Spanish colonization, the cultivation of cane was introduced for the manufacture of sugar and at the same time cane brandy began to be produced.
In America, it was joined by the arrival of rue, whose medicinal properties did not go unnoticed. So a combination of plant and drink was formed, hence the Guaraní imaginary was attributing properties and virtues to it.
As a result, the popular belief was born that considers the cane with rue as a spell to face envy and bad luck, a powerful concoction that is consumed to scare away the evils of winter.
In other words, “July prepares them and August took them away”, is a saying of the native peoples. Therefore, to counteract these evils, this powerful concoction was prepared as a defense.
Something fundamental to keep in mind is the correct day to consume it, although it is true that tradition indicates the first of August, those who forget or do not get to prepare it. There is a deadline to do so until August 15.
In fact, in Argentina and in several Latin American countries, the first of August is celebrated as “Pachamama Day” or “Day of the Great Mother Earth”.
Where the indigenous communities of northwestern Argentina, as well as Chile, Bolivia and Peru worship Pachamama, for a whole month.
It is certainly a festival of total gratitude that is celebrated according to each religion and where one of the most popular rites is to drink cane with rue.