Wayusa Upina, Tradition of the Kichwa Culture of the Archidona Canton, in Napo Ecuador

Abstract

The present work seeks to strengthen and revitalize these practices, such as the “Wayusa Upina”, with the objective of defending and building the culture of the ancestors, through the revitalization of spaces for dialogue, integration processes with tourists, and the strengthening of community organizations and associations.The Wayusa Upina is an ancestral ceremony that has been performed since ancient times in the Kichwa culture of the Ecuadorian Amazon, before starting their daily activities in agriculture, fishing or hunting. The main name of this ritual comes from a leaf called Wayusa; a plant used to make infusions and drinks with ample energizing properties. The ritual begins at 03h00 in the morning in a large space, in large pots on stoves boil water where this herb will be placed, a drink that is served in pilches by women to all present, while the public drinks it, they can appreciate dances, artists, listen to legends or dreams deciphered by the grandparents (rukullayayas); in addition to a clean by the Shamans or Yachaks who are wise people, with the placement of chili or snuff in the eyes or nose as a symbol of wisdom and strength.