From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru covers not only a remarkable array of geological and ecological diversity, but also unique cultures and traditions. As Peru was once part of the Spanish Empire, many people studying their genealogy start with that part of cultural expression. However, the indigenous populations of this South American country represent about 40% today. Of course, this was much higher in the past before the conquistadors gained a firm foothold.
How do you discover your true roots in Peru? If you do not already have family tree connections in Spain, it might become more difficult to trace your ancestry. Many indigenous peoples did not keep official records, but you can find many from the 1500s onward. These largely came from the Catholic Church registers.
No matter how you discover your ethnic roots and fill in the branches of your tree, you can still explore the uniquely blended cultural traditions of Peru. Not only will you find strong Spanish and Inca influence, but also elements from African, Southeast Asian, and other European countries. It all depends on where your family came from long ago and how they integrated into the other cultures in this country. While research may be challenging, it’s worth exploring the customs, culinary treats, and artistry that comes from Peru.
The Rich Flavor of Peruvian Foods
One of the easiest and often most enjoyable ways to celebrate and explore a culture is through its food. The most traditional dishes often include meat like chicken, alpaca, and guinea pig (cuy), potatoes, grains like quinoa and corn, and various seasonings. The UNESCO-recognized national dish of Peru is ceviche, which consists of raw seafood in citrus juice with onion and hot spices mixed in. As with most traditional cooking, different regions feature a variety of dishes.
A great way to carry on past cultures is to explore popular dishes. You may not be able to find cuy in your local supermarket, you can still recreate recipes using chicken or, more accurately, duck, due to its darker and fattier meat. Get together with your family for cultural exploration nights finished with sweet mazamorra morada (purple corn pudding with cinnamon and fruit) or picaroose (syrup-covered sweet potato doughnuts).
Although not a food, expect to see coca leaves mentioned and offered to you if you travel to Peru at any time. These are commonly used in rituals and as ‘cures’ for motion and altitude sickness, and as a general stimulant like coffee.
Religious and Cultural Festivals
The blend of indigenous beliefs and Catholicism gave rise to a variety of ceremonies and rituals with diverse purposes. If you visit, you’ll find churches everywhere and frequently see a celebration for a locally important saint. Even if your family doesn’t practice the same religion today, get involved with these syncretistic experiences for better understanding of your family’s history.
More ancient beliefs are represented in Mother Earth or Pachamama-centered rituals like Pago a la Tierra or mystical flower baths complete with shamanistic prayers and incense. Andean regions frequently worship mountain spirits and perform certain rituals to show their respect. Reading coca leaves is another spiritual practice.
Peruvian Artwork and Textiles
The beliefs, rituals, and reverence for nature also show up in folk art and traditional clothing. While most of it is used decoratively in homes and modern businesses, they also carry considerable symbolic meanings in most cases. Exploring craftsmanship is a wonderful way to gain new understanding of what your ancestors found important in their lives.
You’ll find everything from ceramic depictions of saints and scenery to intricate textiles in bold red, black, and multi-colored embroidery and beadwork. Most things carry the unique blend of indigenous life and European influence. The most striking examples of textiles come from communities in the highlands and feature alpaca wool with unique landscape or spiritually inspired patterns.
All the unique facets of Peruvian culture bring you close to your ancestors in South America. Learning whether your family came directly from Amazonian or Andean indigenous groups or have a stronger line in Spain can streamline your genealogy research considerably. No matter which way your past lies, you can still discover amazing opportunities to celebrate the cultural blending and carry on traditions into today’s family life.
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Source: My Heritage