The Jurito took charge of Wednesday’s Fishing Week activities, bringing plenty of excitement and laughter to the day. According to tradition, every Chief and Elder of the tribes would spend time in the stockades, allowing their tribe members the chance to throw fish at them. This time-honored practice always managed to draw big smiles and laughs from everyone involved.
In a recent twist to the tradition, afterwards the tables were turned, giving Chiefs and Elders a chance to get even. It was a fun event as always and a nice break from fishing.
Fishing Week started with the time-honored Blessing of the Water ritual, setting a vibrant tone for the days ahead. After a sacrifice of fruit and flowers, the women of the tribes gathered to perform traditional dances in honor of Mama Cocha, the revered goddess of the sea and fishing. Their graceful movements and heartfelt rhythms were not only meant to ensure a bountiful catch for the week but also held a special significance this year.
With a sickness spreading through the jungle, the ritual took on an added layer of importance. The community hoped that by showing their respect and gratitude to Mama Cocha, they might receive her blessing to drive away the illness and restore health to the land.
Today was the blessing for Jonas and Eastonia’s Baby, Kai at the Tapirapé tribe.
Bubba blesses the child
Bubba Oh: “Natives! Welcome!”
Bubba Oh: “Today we are gathered to honor our river mother Mama Cocha and the blessings she brings us!”
Bubba Oh: looks around
Bubba Oh: “The Amazon river is a mighty river!”
Bubba Oh: “But is is made of many smalle rivers!”
Bubba Oh: “So it is with us natives – we are Juritos, Xocos and Tapirapé – each a small tribe, that makes up the mighty Amazon Native!”
Bubba Oh: By the grace of our river mother Mama Cocha – who is here amongs us!” points to the statue
Bubba Oh: “Two rivers have joined into one today!”
Bubba Oh: Squints at his paper “Eastonia of the Xocos”… Looks up “And my tribal brother Jonas have joined their rivers”
ɛąʂɬơŋıą clears throat.. “no, Jurito” smiles
Bubba Oh: “Mama Cocha has smiles upon them and given them a child!”
Whispering Wind shkaes head… of the jurito not xocos, Bubba*tss tss
ɛąʂɬơŋıą giggles
Silvia: chuckles and eyes Bubba… no worries grandpa..it is teh age that finally catches you
Bubba Oh: *coughs* “Eastonia og the Juritos!!”
Jonas Daviau rolls his eyes biting his lips to avoid to laugh
Whispering Wind: try keep a serious face with immense effort
Bubba Oh: Continues with out a hitch “We shall bless this child today and welcome him into our tribes!”
Bubba Oh: “From many tribes one!”
Bubba Oh: walks to the child and places his hand upon it forehead
Bubba Oh: “As an Elder of the Tapirapé I bless you child in the name of Mama Cocha! And by the power for my tribal brothers and sisters! Welcome to our tribes!”
Bubba Oh: “May you be a strong hunter, a fervent gatherer and a fisherman in the rivers of Mama Cocha!”
