Nana Echeri and Welcoming the Winter Solstice
By: Erandi Bucio-Flores
Author's Note: Nana Echeri is what we call the earth in P’urhépecha, Nana translates to mother or elder and Echeri means soil or commencement of life. By adding the Nana title, we give the earth the respect she deserves.
Having grown up south of Seattle, on Muckleshoot Land (Auburn, WA), engaging with the outdoors in the winter time has always been challenging for me. This is until I reflected that even as we spend more time indoors or add layers of clothing as temperatures drop, we are truly never disconnected from Nana Echeri. I learned we as humans during this time often parallel the earth as we stop to take time to rest and gather with family and friends during the holidays.
The winter time teaches us that periods of rest are vital, pay attention to birds as they fly south and other animals get ready for hibernation. Look at the crystalized frost on your car window, be reminded how even water changes its form to beautiful geometrical shapes. Pay attention to young tiny humans as they interact with their first snowfall, how the light reflects off of the ice and snow. See how the sacred evergreen trees resist the cold winter, while in contrast other trees take a break and adapt to protect themselves. Feel the balance in how the fire keeps us warm in its mantle, dancing and radiating to consume the wood, the earth, in the process creating energy.
This balance and diversity on the earth parallels us humans as we all celebrate the arrival of the winter solstice differently. The same way we recognize that trees adapt to this time of year in varied ways, whether you venture out to engage in outdoor winter sports or cozy up by the fireplace, both are valid connections to the earth. In building a relationship with Nana Echeri we allow her to speak to us, and the duality of her current state. That on one hand Nana Echeri has provided us with abundance, her harvest feeds us. On the other hand, she sends us warnings of changes to come, the potential for a harsher winter.
Most importantly of all, may the way Nana Echeri shows her duality encourage us to do the same. To be filled with gratitude for all her beautiful teachings and lean into collective care as we prepare for any uncertainty.