Mexico: Maya Civilization – Between Corn & Cacao
Ancient Mayan cuisine was varied and extensive. Mayan raised-field systems and the fertilization techniques of the land show us that the Maya people were innovative farmers. Maize and cacao have marked their history. Several pre-Columbian peoples inhabited the Yucatan peninsula and the Mexican territory between 3,000 and 1000 BC. Cultures such as those of the […]
‘Mesoamerica’: Pizza With Savour Of Aztec Cuisine
Through the centuries, food and plants coming from America, and in particular from Mexico, have given a great contribution to the Mediterranean diet. The first people to bring back information about the food and plants of the Americas were early explorers and conquistadors, some of whom showed a special interest in the vegetation of the […]
Afro-Brazilian Spirituality/Candomblé: Life That Flows Within
Spirit, body and the psyche are to be helped grow together in a journey of maturation to reach equilibrium and interior peace. This is a journey into one of the more meaningful religions of black Brazil. Candomblé is one of the Afro-Brazilian religions underlying the black culture of Salvador da Bahia, perhaps the one that […]
Togo/Benin: Tata Somba
In the north of Togo and the north-east of Benin in the Atacora Range live the Betammaribe, also called Somba, a people with a history of great hunters and warriors. Here we take a brief look at the architecture of their houses, unique and original in Western Africa. Scattered throughout a green valley among the […]
Plants & People: Coriandrum – Amazing Health Benefits
Coriander, scientifically known as Coriandrum sativum (Plant family Apiaceae), is a herb with savoury deep green leaves. Its use as a spice for different sauces can be traced back to 5,000 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest spices. This unique vegetable is very famous in Asian countries and its popularity is spreading across […]
Asian Spirituality: A Quest For Depth
Nearly all major religions of the world were born in Asia. We look at some common traits of Asian spirituality – inner journey, search for depth, silence, detachment, nonviolence, and honesty – shows their significance in our modern times. An inward pilgrimage is central to Asian understanding of religion. Spirituality is the removal of all […]
Africa: Traditional Healers
In Central and East Africa, the term most commonly used for a traditional healer is ng’anga. No one can doubt the fundamental role that this occupation still has in the field of health and health services in African societies. It is hard to define a ng’anga. He is a doctor, when he cures a disease; […]
Ecuador: To Live And Share My Faith With Others
Comboni Father Seraphin Kakwata, Congolese, shares his experience being amongst afro-descendent communities in S. Lorenzo parish, in the province of Esmeraldas, Ecuador. In 2013, I was assigned to San Lorenzo, in the province of Esmeraldas, in north-western Ecuador. On Mondays I work from the parish centre, which includes the main church building and other meeting […]
Mexico: Father Solalinde – On The Side Of Migrants
They threaten and intimidate him, but Father Alejandro Solalinde continues his mission, at the risk of his life. Father Solalinde is not afraid to speak out against abuses and injustice. He says “I have received numerous death threats”. The immigrant shelter, which he founded in Ixtepec, has been attacked more than once. He adds that […]
Zambia: Fighting deforestation by Agness Chileya
Forests are rapidly vanishing in Zambia. The country’s rate of depletion of this natural resource is extremely high. The government is looking for new lines of approach and action to stop the human roots of this ecological crisis. Approximately 65% of Zambia’s total land area is covered by forests. The country boasts of a great […]