Reading first

Our intercultural country has a variety of typical clothes, one of which is the poncho, which protects us from the cold and is really comfortable. We have seen ponchos around us most of our lives. We may not know that besides being a beautiful piece of clothing that protects people from the cold, a poncho can also have different meanings according to its colors and shapes. The different designs represent peoples’ gods, feelings, and roots, as well as elements in nature. Ponchos are luxury pieces that hold ancient wisdom and are also a symbol of each community; they may even show if a person is single or married.

In Ecuador, we can find more than 15 different kinds of ponchos. Each community has its own kind of poncho with unique characteristics that represent the identity of each group. They are made of alpaca or sheep wool and can be many different colors. Red represents the blood of our ancestors in fights for freedom as well as the vitality of living things. Blue represents the ocean and our taitas’ wisdom. Black represents feelings, sorrow, the night, and our mother Earth. It is a beautiful part of our identity, culture, and traditions; something to be proud of and also respect