Happy Pachakuti

Bolivia invites the world to celebrate a new beginning today on the eve of summer solstice; a time of Pachakuti.  

Pachakuti - Quechua for "earth changes" refers to a time of radical change and transformation.  

Foretold by Mayan and Andean traditions, Bolivian president Evo Morales, welcomed the arrival of Pachakuti with traditional ceremony which included a week of preparation as the sacred light was lit on Siriki Island and brought to other islands across Lake Titicaca in a traditional reed boat.  Yesterday, December 20th the fire arrived at the sacred Isla de la Luna (Island of the Moon).  Today Morales climbed Mount Pachataka on the Isla del Sol* (Island of the Sun) for a sacred cleansing ceremony and, upon his descent, announced the time of Pachakuti.  

*According to Andean tradition, the Island of the Sun is the birthplace of humanity.  The daughter of the moon, and son of the sun, emerged from the caves, rising from the lake and joining hands, and thus life began.

President Evo Morales makes an offering and welcomes Pachakuti in traditional ceremony at the Isla del Sol,  Bolivia.

 He stated, "December 21st is the day of the start of Pachakuti, an awakening of the world to the culture of life. The beginning of the end of wild capitalism and the transition of times of violence between humans and  nature to a new era where humankind is in unity with Mother Earth and all live together in harmony and balance with all of the cosmos."  

Morales explained that the "crisis of capitalism" marked by social inequality, poverty, hunger, dehumanization and exploitation of human resources around the world came to an end, "by the hand of the peoples of the world."  He went on to state,"We are at a turning point in defining the future of our planet, the responsibility that we assume is in our hands."

We join with the KUSIKUY knitters and all our wonderful customers and supporters to celebrate this new time of Pachakuti together, and to remember our special place in our global community.  We welcome in a new era of "communitarianism" where we celebrate our shared global identities and give thanks for the precious resources the Earth Mother, Pachamama, has shared with us.  Happy "earth change" to all.

Quotes source:  Los Tiempos newspaper, Bolivia