Tuesday, July 24, 2007

El Rito del Mate.....vos sabés de que hablo.....


The Mate Ritual Ushuaia 2007
Originally uploaded by agypsy.
It's a simple infusion, with an unmistakable flavour, that, if one tastes it seriously, you will find that it's not tasty, nor is it awful:......it's just mate.

To take mate is to share a friendship, with one or with all the people around and is a very serious ritual here

...... the simple mate is nothing more and nothing less than a demonstration of values.....

The preparation and serving of mate is a very important part of the ritual. It's made from a plant the "yerba mate" that is not a tea but is a stimulant. The water mustn't boil, it makes the yerba more bitter, but the kettle goes on and off the heat all the time as the drinking vessel - a hollowed out gourd is traditional, is refilled and handed to the next person. The person who prepares the mate takes the first drink and continues to prepare it for each of the participants. All share the same bombilla or "straw" much to the horror of non Argentinians, and one drinks until you hear the empty straw, usually only several good sips. The mate is then passed back and a new one poured and passed to the next participant.
During the ritual is the time to talk and to listen. If you do not wish to have any more you say "thank you" and you are not handed the mate again. After a while the yerba becomes "washed out", it may be replaced or everyone continues with their day. To be invited to take mate is to be part of the group and is part of the everyday life throughout Argentina and some other South American countries.

...so to share a mate, dear friend, ahora vos sabes, .....it's not only the mate...

When shall we share mate?

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