The 21st of November was a full moon, an important day for most farmers. Wood is cut on the full moon to avoid insect infestations. Most crops are planted to ensure a better harvest. That day, I accepted the invitation of my neighbor Hernando to plant corn in his finca.
It is the custom that food is provided on work days by the family for whom the work is being done. So after a hearty breakfast of coffee, boiled plantains, and hot dogs, we headed out of the house in a light mist. Forty minutes later, we arrived at the parcel of land he had burned earlier in the week to prepare for planting. Sticks were cut to make holes for the kernels, and we got started.
That day we had to abide by the rules of a superstition. It dictates that because Hernando´s wife is pregnant, we could not bring any food or water to the finca, or the corn would not grow. The people here have a lot of beliefs, and many make some sense, but this is one of the stranger ones I´ve heard. Apparently this food and drink rule only applies to rice and corn because they are more ¨delicate¨ crops. One wonders how the corn would know if I brought a bottle of water, or that his wife is pregnant, or what espiritu malo, bad spirit, would bother presiding over such a specific circumstance. Nevertheless, I abided by the rule because I don´t need the guilt of a failed corn harvest on my shoulders. I made a mental note not to plant any more rice or corn with Hernando until his wife has the baby. A hotter day could result in some serious dehydration.
In four hours. the five of us planted the whole parcel. Just as we finished, the rain started to pour, and we slid down back to his house to enjoy another meal-- stewed fish and plantains. Hernando stopped by a couple of days ago to report that the corn had sprouted nicely. He attributed this to the restraint we showed with regard to staying hydrated, and the good graces of the spirits.
The view from the ridge:
