PLANTAS UTILIZADAS EN LA CELEBRACIÓN DE LA SEMANA SANTA EN ZAACHILA, OAXACA, MÉXICO

Abstract

We documented the ceremonial use of
plants during the celebration of Holy Week
in Zaachila, Oaxaca. By means of direct
observations and open interviews we obtained information about species utilized,
harvest localities, ornaments produced,
and participation of people in this annual
catholic tradition. Twenty-six plant species,
14 of them orchids, are employed in the elaboration of eight ornaments for Zaachila´s
churches; most are harvested from the
wild, but others are acquired from the
local market. Zaachila’s inhabitants form
three collector groups (“concheros”), each
one having the commission to harvest the
three most utilized species, Disocactus ackermannii, Huperzia sp., and Prosthechea
karwinskii. Since the harvest localities are
far from Zaachila, the “concheros” spend
an entire week looking for the plants, returning Tuesday of Holy Week, when the
village receives them with music, dances,
and processions. This day and the next
people make the ornaments and put them
in Zaachila’s churches. We recommend
quantifying the impacts of the harvest on
the populations of the three most heavily
used species and implementing a management plan with the intention of rescuing
them from over-utilization.