Lord of the Earthquakes and Semana Santa

Señor de Temblores Flowers

Señor de Temblores Police Escort

Señor de Temblores Police Escort

Señor de Temblores Police Escort

Storm Over Cusco

School boys in Señor de Temblores Procession

School boys and girls in Señor de Temblores Procession

Julie after downpour

Rich after downpour

Friday herb market

Friday herb market hideous ekekos

Herb market

Herb market cactus to dangle in front  of the house

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market - Dragon Blood seller

Herb market

Herb market

Main Market with Easter breads

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Herb market

Tupac Amaru Plaza in Wanchaq, Fish lines...

Tupac Amaru Plaza in Wanchaq, Fish lines...

One of Rich's favorite murals

Budding Archer

Street Performer

Easter Raffle wall

Nemesio's dog Neron

Nemesio's dogs, he paints their eyes

His dog Ludvig, or something like that

Nemesio pedaling sunflowers...

We spent Sunday with the group in Izcuchaca; we had a peaceful calm Sunday with the members there. One of the little primary girls, Ariana, was fascinated with Julie’s hands. Ariana caressed them, studied them and finally asked, “Do you wash your clothes?" Julie, a little surprised said “Well, yes.” Ariana was then surprised and said, “Then why are your hands so soft?”  We truly are from different worlds in so many ways from the members we visit.

Monday we worked until noon and then all the schools let out, government buildings and businesses closed in order to celebrate “Senor de los Temblores,” Cusco's patron saint. It is a huge event and the plaza was packed full of people. What a sight! Ever since 1650, when the faithful claim that an oil painting of Christ on the Cross in the cathedral, held off a devastating earthquake that was rattling the city of Cuzco, the locals have been rendering homage to the image of Taytacha Temblores, the Lord of the Earthquakes. The palanquin bearers carry the image of the Lord of Earthquakes in a procession through the streets of the city just as the Incas used to parade the mummies of their chieftains, high priests and supreme rulers. The ñucchu flower is used to weave a crown for the Lord of the Earthquakes. This crimson colored flower, whose petals are scattered by the faithful over the venerated image, symbolizes the blood of Christ. The image used today was donated by King Charles V, and despite centuries of smoke from the candles and incense, no one has dared to restore the blackened painting, that has given the Christ a somber aspect and a dark countenance. Everyone seems to turn out to pay homage to the Lord of the Earthquakes, as the threat of serious seismic activity is a real threat to Cusco. 

This helped us to better understand one of the photos we took many moons ago of a local business, the Lord of Earthquakes Credit Union. A friend commented on this image and thought it ought to provoke great confidence. We laughed about it at the time that one who could command the earthquakes ought to be able to do alright in terms of economic prognostication…

We were able to watch some of the procession on one of the balconies in the plaza, and as we headed home, the heavens opened up and we were caught in a deluge of rain/hail that completely soaked us by the time we made it to our apartment We could not but think of the poor people carrying The Lord of the Earthquakes around. They go to all the churches around the center and the whole thing takes about 5 hours because they walk very slowly.

Thursday and Friday were also holidays for Semana Santa. We took advantage of the time off and walked to the Mission Office to put in an order for 350 of the new Family History pamphlets, “My Family.” The stakes are taking forever to get them into the hands of members and non-members so we’re going to do all we can to help people get started on their family stories.

On Friday we walked up to the Tupac Amaru Plaza in Wanchaq and saw a mass of people waiting in line clear around the plaza. There was a big semi parked on one side and people were lining up to purchase fish for the traditional “doce platos,” 12 plates, that they prepare and eat to remember the 12 Apostles. Families celebrate on this national holiday and eat a variety of meatless dishes, including soups, main-courses, and desserts. Kind of like a Thanksgiving dinner on steroids! There are specific types of food sold in the local markets especially at this time including peaches and apples, special breads and cookies, seafood, fish eggs and seaweed.

 

We missed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performance of Handel's Messiah but got to watch it later over the internet. Of course Handel had great material in Isaiah's prophecies, but this performance was wonderful!

Friday was the huge annual herb market held around the San Pedro central market. Vendors come in from the mountains with their medicinal herbs and concoctions and crosses made from palm fronds. The place was jammed with people buying their herbs for the coming year. They also sell pieces of cactus at Easter time to hang above their outside doors to repel the bad/evil spirits from entering their homes.

 

On our Saturday morning walk we ran into our friend Nemesio. He invited us into his "house" which is a totally dilapidated colonial era building. He  lives there with his six dogs and it could fall in any time. He was dying to show us that you can eat corn stalks, tumbo fruit, and to give Julie flowers. The dogs are tame and cute. It has been a fascinating week for sure!