La signification de Caboclo
In Brazilian culture, more specifically to the peoples that reside in the Amazon Forest, the word Caboclo carries the weight of the unification of different cultures: people considered to be caboclos are of mixed ancestry, often a genealogical combination of European, Indigenous and African heritage and genetics. This fusion also means the integration of distinct customs and practices in the daily lives of communities composed by them.
Les bouffées chamaniques créées et produites par les caboclos portent souvent la même désignation et reflètent les aspects mixtes de toutes les cultures qui composent leur histoire et leur lignée. Ces rapés sont généralement considérés comme l'une des variantes les plus puissantes de ce médicament sacré, car leur recette semble généralement contenir des feuilles de tabac rustique. Des documents historiques locaux relatent l'utilisation des tabacs à priser Caboclo par les Pajés (chamans guérisseurs) dans leurs voyages spirituels, au cours de cérémonies et de rites, en particulier ceux destinés à la guérison et ceux qui impliquent la méditation et la transcendance.
Tree of Many Names
Arbre à feu brésilien, arbre à tour, arbre à fougère, Xinxá, Paricá, Pashaco, Cerebó, Schizolobium amazonicum. Cette plante exceptionnelle est originaire de l'Amérique centrale et de l'Amérique du Sud. On la trouve souvent dans les régions qui s'étendent de la Colombie au Pérou, en passant par le sud du Venezuela et le nord-ouest de l'Amazonie brésilienne. C'est un arbre qui peut produire une grande quantité de graines et qui, à maturité, atteint une hauteur de 25 mètres en un laps de temps relativement court (4 à 5 ans).
It flourishes in hot, tropical weather, and its trunk, although seemingly thin, is actually quite robust and resistant. Its crown becomes alive and bright with spectacular shades of yellow as its flowers bloom, filling the air with a unique, delightful perfume.
Culturally speaking, its fruit has been used as a therapeutic treatment for respiratory and reproductive issues, while the gum of its bark is commonly used in the making of infusions, syrups, and even paints. This extract can be brewed into medicines meant to alleviate coughing and the symptoms related to contusions and rheumatism.
To see the Paricá tree in its natural habitat and learn a little bit more about it, check out this video! Just remember to turn on the English subtitles.
Le parcours d'un maître à penser
Jesse Nunes de Paula, a Amazon Forest born and raised Rapé maker, shares with us the intricate and experimental journey he’s undergone with his studies of medicinal plants, from taking shamanic snuffs that were commonly used by his brothers all the way to the enlightenment that resulted in the creation of something new and unique, that is now known amongst countless members of his community and practitioners of natural medicine around the world.
In an interview for Sacred Connection, he explains that the creation of his Caboclo Paricá Rapé was “an experiment, a revelation.” Its name comes from a tree that is usually referred to as Xixá, but which Jesse refers to as Paricá; this plant was a source of inspiration and insight, as it represents and offers, as part of the snuff, a deep connection with Mother Earth’s powers. Jesse explains that this potent energy can be felt especially around the head area, but that, by taking his rapé, people can feel it flowing all through their body.
Ce maître rapé explique ensuite comment le fait de partager ses rapés et ceux de ses frères avec le monde entier a aidé son village et son peuple à prospérer, car les revenus générés par ces ventes assurent la durabilité, en les aidant à travailler avec les ressources naturelles qui les entourent, tout en constituant une raison supplémentaire de contribuer au processus de reboisement, car chaque médecine sacrée nécessite différentes sortes de plantes naturelles pour les régions indigènes qu'elles occupent.
Embark on this bright journey with our brother,
Jesse, and learn all about his
Caboclo Paricá rapé!
