The tradition of asking for blessing in Colombia. Is it still preserved?

The tradition of asking for blessings is still preserved in Colombia, but it is noted that with the generational change, it has diminished.

News Colombia

In Colombia, the tradition of ask for a blessing, or “give a blessing”remains an important pillar in the daily life of many families. This practice, which involves children or grandchildren asking for the blessing of their elders before leaving home or starting the day, as an act of respect.

The custom of asking for a blessing has roots in the influence of Spanish and Catholic traditions, and has remained alive over the years in different regions of Colombia, as well as Venezuela.

Typically, this tradition manifests itself when young people bow down and ask for the blessing of grandparents, parents, or older figures in the family, who respond with a blessing phrase, such as “God bless you” or “May it go well with you.”

Although the essence of this practice remains, its presence in daily life has shown signs of changing. In urban environments and among younger generations, the tradition may be less rigid or even occasional.

Despite these changes, the tradition remains a symbol of family cohesion and intergenerational respect in many communities. In rural areas and in more traditional contexts, asking for a blessing is an act that is still preserved.

Initially, the person asking for it would kneel down and put his hands together. Then, he would stand up and put his hands together, and now, he would make the request out loud.

The dialogue to request the blessing is presented in the following form:

– Mom (or dad, grandpa, godfather, etc.) give me your blessing!
– The person referred to: ‘May God bless you.’

To ask for a blessing is to ask someone, whom one respects, to be an intermediary before God in his request for protection and shelter.

In the Bible (Genesis 27, 28 and 29) it is indicated that Jacob asked his father Isaac for his blessing in order to obtain from him something that he was supposed to give to his firstborn, Esau.

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