ChimarrÃo
More than just a beverage, the Brazilian Chimarrão is a gathering instrument. This solid tradition originated in the south of Brazil and has been bringing people together for centuries, linked by the pleasure of preparing and drinking such a rich beverage. Chimarrão is a strong tea prepared with the greens of a plant called "erva mate", which is the reason why many people also refer to the beverage as Mate.
As picturesque as it is traditional, the beverage is prepared in a gourd like recipient called "Cuia", made out of a fruit shell and ornamented in many different ways, some in gold and silver. The ritual of Chimarrão consists in filling part of the recipient with the mate and then turning it upside down (holding the herb in), just so the mate is positioned close to the opening of the recipient. The "cuia" is then positioned horizontally to place the herb on one side, so the other side becomes open and can receive the boiling water. A special metal straw called "bomba" is then placed in the opening of the recipient. The Chimarrão is ready to be tasted!
When tasted in groups, the Chimarrão is shared by the many individuals of the group, whom, by tradition, have to finish their own water before pouring some more and passing it to the next person. Such ritual is considered to be more than just good for the body; it's also, according to locals, good for the soul. Much like the peace pipes for the Native American Indians, the habit of drinking the Chimarrão in groups allow for long moments of interaction, conversation and reflection. It is a solid belief that those who share the Chimarrão join in a kind of bond of total acceptance and friendship. A tradition worth keeping for many more years to come.