Yerba Mate is part of many traditions that originated in Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and South Brazil. It is a unique tonic drink, the history of which goes back to the slave-owning past of South America and the terrible poverty and misery people had to endure. Drinking yerba mate became a tradition that helped cope with the oppression of the Spanish crown and united against the common enemy of the indigenous settlements in the 19th century. Paraguayans sold Yerba Mate (Appendix A) to get money and start a new life.
Many traditions emerge to socialize society and develop it naturally. Marina and Sofia are struck by the cultural significance of drinking yerba mate when they visit Paraguay and get the chance to attend the ceremony. Recalling the event in her travel diaries, Marina wrote:
“…First, we were invited into the house and seated around an unusually shaped table, with the fire quietly crackling behind our backs under a large pot. It smelled of leaves and vegetables, and a little soot complemented that aroma. Sofia sat across from me, peering at her neighbors with interest. I remember her looking at me and asking:
- What do you think we are in for? The whole place smells of herbs and spices, but it does not seem to be a tea ceremony,” we spoke in English, but one of our neighbors understood our speech.
- You can join our culture by drinking yerba mate. It is our way of sharing emotions and coming together around food that satiates us spiritually,” the man smiled at us and turned back to his friends, looking relaxed and satisfied.
- Are there any special rules for this tradition? Is it like a peace pipe like the Indians? – I asked, unsure how to behave around the strangers I was about to meet through the mate.
- Be grateful, but in moderation: enjoy your mate; remember, all gratitude is unnecessary.
I did not understand what the man meant; from Sofia’s look, she was too puzzled. Suddenly, however, the brewer approached me from behind – maybe his title was not, but it was my first association. The man patted me on the shoulder and laughed, probably trying to cheer me up. After that, he said, ¡Comencemos! and filled an unusual vessel that looked like a pumpkin. The gourd was dark red, had a unique handle, and steam rose over it. We watched as the pumpkin was handed to each guest, each time filling it with a new beverage. When it was my turn, I took a small sip and looked at the herbs swirling on the surface. The mate was bitter but rich in herbs and distantly reminiscent of the natural teas. I took the rest of my portion and wanted to thank him, but the man shook his head and put his finger to his lips…”
Marina and Sofia were lucky enough to get to this unique practice and follow all the rules. The lack of gratitude is also part of a tradition that does not allow the circle of friends or family to interrupt the sacrament of meeting. Drinking yerba mate strengthens social bonds and encourages intercultural interactions. Now yerba mate leaves are exported all over the world, and Marina and Sofia also take home with them:
“…we thanked the participants of the ceremony after it was over when we received small bags of ground leaves as gifts. Everyone around us offered to revisit them to cement their status as friends. I thought this was unusual, and on the way home, Sofia shared her thoughts:
- Mate seems to be a part of their lives, and they have successfully integrated the story into modern culture. Mate is now also sold in regular stores, but the great value is that we got ourselves a sample firsthand. Is not that great?
I could not agree more…”
Appendix A
Yerba Mate Tradition
