Why is it good to drink cane with rue every August 1st?
It is a popular and ancient tradition of the native peoples of America, it involves drinking cane with rue every August 1st in order to ward off evils.
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, warding off envy and curses.
How many drinks of cane with rue do you take?
As for the number of drinks to have, 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 maintain that drinking 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 drinking seven drinks represents the seven protective spirits, known as “seven brothers,” which are spiritual beings who care for nature and life in Andean tradition. For those who follow this custom, seven sips are taken, three drinks, one long drink or a whole glass.
It is essential to keep in mind that interpretation of tradition can 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 instructions 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 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 from 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 calm the burning and even the irritation of bites from various bugs and vermin.
Just as the month of August was common to see heavy rains and, together with the cold, both factors caused numerous deaths in both the population and the 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 first liquors made from chañar, patay, prickly pears or carob were used, to which counteryerba 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 liquor began to be produced.
In America, the arrival of rue was added, whose medicinal properties did not go unnoticed. So a combination of plant and drink was formed, from there the Guarani imaginary attributed properties and virtues to it.
As a result, the popular belief was born that considers cane with rue as a spell to deal with envy and bad luck, a powerful concoction that is consumed to ward off the evils of winter.
In other words, “Julio prepares them and August took them away” , this is a saying of the native peoples. Therefore, to counteract these evils, this powerful concoction was prepared as a defense.
Something essential 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 manage to prepare it. There is a deadline to do so until August 15.
In fact, in Argentina and several Latin American countries, on August 1st, “Pachamama Day” or “Great Mother Earth Day” is celebrated.
Where the indigenous communities of northwest Argentina, also Chile, Bolivia and Peru worship Pachamama, for an entire month.
It is certainly a festival of total gratitude that is celebrated according to each religion and where one of the most popular rituals is drinking cane with rue.