The route of the Sek

The route of the Sek describes the seasons among the people Nasa Paez. Through these infographics, Tejido Mujer de la Çxhab Wala Kiwe – ACIN wishes to report on the times of the women and men of the Nasa people who live in the different indigenous territories of Northern Cauca. Time circumscribed in the knowledge and cosmogony of the Nasa community, taking as a starting point the day of the celebration of the summer solstice, which begins its march in time on June 21 of the Gregorian calendar.  

Sek route

First period: Sek Luuçx (Child's Sun)

Sek route

December 21 to March 20

The first solar season is characterized by shorter days than the rest of the year. During this period, the moon generally has more strength than the sun. This is the time of year when the great fire ritual Ipxh Fxizenxi is performed, as well as the rituals of collecting fireflies.

Second period: Sek Pictatx (young sun)

Sek route

March 21 to June 20

It is the hour of the young sun. Sun rising in the east accompanied by a moon which helps it to maintain balance, since the hours of light are comparable to those of the night, just as the forces of cold are comparable to those of heat . It is a time of fairness, which is why the winter equinox occurs. During this period, which runs from March 21 to June 21, floors are usually cleaned and payments made in sacred places.

Third epoch: Sek Thej'sa (Adult Sun)

Sek route

June 21 to September 20

It is the third of the year, when the sun is more mature and the forces of cold and heat are more balanced. It is also the longest time of the year and with greater solar strength it is a good time to perform revitalizations.

Fourth epoch: Sek The ^ sa (Adult Sun)

Sek route

September 21 to December 20

Between September 21 and December 20, the sun begins to go down. To complete his cycle from right to left, from the feet of the ground to his head forward and backward. During this time, the moon gains more strength and the sun's energy tends to be cold because the winter equinox is coming, which brings with it migrating birds and spirits. For this reason, the major Çxapuç ritual usually takes place in November.

The data presented in this publication were obtained through the programmer Tejido Mujer of Çxhab Wala Kiwe, they are based on the Nasawe'sx Isan fxi'zenxi een a'kafx calendar "route of the sun and the moon 2019" .