The God of Cigarettes and Beer

[@RareEarthSeries]

Donate and I promise to only lie to you when it is spiritually advantageous: www.patreon.com/rareearth

[@shaorandra]

Will you make "regular" videos again, or was that a spiritually advantageous lie? :P (I am just happy to see notifications about you uploading something 🥰 )

[@RareEarthSeries]

@@shaorandra you mean with me on camera more? I get back to that in the Azores but not so much in Jordan - it requires I have the script ready when filming which is so much harder and more expensive at the moment. My goal is to get back to how things were, but the Guatemala season was more like a quick test to see if I could even leave the house successfully.

[@shaorandra]

@@RareEarthSeries just videos in general 😊 I enjoy seeing them! And it seems you have left the house successfully. Did Kata help? 😋

[@RareEarthSeries]

@@shaorandra Kata edits and was there for short season 2, but hopefully we are back regular schedule forever - I just need a ton of runway to get started so I filmed ~18 in 3 spots and I'm working forward from there - had unfortunately planned filming in January as part of the cycle but covid-willing I'll figure it out I'm all vaxxed it's just an issue of costs being drastically higher and travel/filming being that much more complicated In my mind, though, we're back to stay

[@freak8385]

I remember when I went to "see" maximon, hell I was 16...big bro went to see him cause is tradition to see him atleast once in your life. Now here is the mystism you mention earlier, is true that he is and his not "god" but hell if you seal a "pact" you better keep it. You never know what might happen later in life...or what you actually you see that happens.

[@manicdogfood]

I've never seen such a complicated and nuanced topic explained so well in such a short amount of time.

[@nitehawk86]

This could be the subtitle of this channel. :)

[@manicdogfood]

@@nitehawk86 haha yep! Absolutely could!

[@kidmohair8151]

hopefully, however, you read the end screen [(particularly the fine print) (double particularly, the last line)]

[@wolvernight206x8]

As a Guatemalan, I must say that Maximon is a bit of a meme for those who don’t follow the syncretic Catholicism that is very prevalent in the country lol. It is very funny and hard to take seriously, but there is some slight fondness of the pure insanity of the whole affair that most of us hold. Many a drunk night out story in Atitlan ends with the person telling it somehow appearing in the shrine to Maximon; and even if it really does more harm than good, it’s funny either way. God bless Evan, thank you for covering this.

[@whyjnot420]

I think the same holds true for many traditions all over the place, religious or secular. Just look at how Santa Claus is used in the US. Mall Santas, Christmas villages, all the stories, advertising for anything you can imagine. Nobody really takes any of it seriously except kids. But people are truly fond of Santa come December each year, and are not getting rid of it anytime soon.

[@AceCmbatguy25]

Off topic but I love the way you phrase things ! Stay safe and good day to you stranger :)

[@theoriesbanana]

Wow. Just wow. In all my years hosting and running fantasy ttrpg, I have seen what I thought was all sides of religions depiction. And yet every time I think this real life shows me something new. Such a concise and pure depiction of organized religion and the heavy hand of the church, while at the same time a completely decentralized proto-cult with no clear beliefs. A god who not only lies to you, but does so to your face, openly. A god who does things we consider despicable, a lousy old man who talks too much. But he doesn't talk at all... And the worship still revolves around prayer for good fortune and advice. It's absolutely antithetical, it makes no god damn sense and I now want to partake in it Might be one of your best videos

[@IndicatedGoodLife]

Im seriously thinking about importing the idea.

[@gadguard]

@@IndicatedGoodLife Same here. Maybe we should run through some hooks or ideas. It would be fun setting for some intrigue.

[@oceannavagator]

Pardon my cynicism, but I see no difference between this and American evangelism.

[@AFlamingTacos]

It reminds me quite a bit of greco roman religion in some aspects, definitely feels underutilized as ideas in fantasy settings

[@Nono-hk3is]

@@oceannavagator Maximon does not seem to be inciting the destruction of the government.

[@BillyKamp]

I literally screamed "YES BABY", when I see this upload. Amazing to have you back man. Your work is amazing, and we want you to do it as long as you can. What I have learned from your channel, changed the way I have seen the world. You are an inspiration.

[@jincyquones]

I just watched a show a few days ago, "Mad Dogs," which is set in Belize. There's a random scene where a character stumbles on a church with a lady tending to one of these. It's never explained and it's not important to the plot... so this was a coincidentally well-timed explanation, thank you!

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I would have assumed it was just a random bit of nonsense thrown in by the writers. Wild.

[@marreco6347]

Seems like the american remake is as surreal as the brittish original, now I have to watch it.

[@jincyquones]

@@marreco6347 Haven't seen the original, but I really, really enjoyed the remake.

[@peterfordyce7003]

Many aspects of this remind me of the polytheistic religions of ancient Greece and Rome. They too had no set beliefs or scripture, with a lot of variation between different communities. Also being a priest was not a generally a "profession"(except in notable cases like the Vestal virgins), instead priests were selected from prominent local families. I always assumed this was about sharing the honour of the priesthood, but Evan's video has made me think it was probably just as much about controlling and safeguarding a valuable resource.

[@GKS225]

Polytheistic religions are actually the norm across the world until the Abrahamic religions become prominent.

[@_sayan_roy_]

Polytheistic religions with variations and very flexible rules do exist today. The most prominent of those places is India. But priest is indeed a profession though.

[@isaaccastro4846]

Perfectly explained, great video. Its so refreshing to see people talking about my country without patronizing

[@Nyerguds]

If there's one thing that keeps me coming back to this channel , it's that unique combination of the sense of wonder and lack of judgement that defines the best documentary makers, and a healthy but not overbearing dose of cynical realism. He goes into the money flow behind the statues, but he doesn't judge them on it.

[@georgegardner3493]

I had the pleasure of meeting Maximon during my stay at Atitlan last year. It was incredible to see that the service they were holding for him was also essentially a small party for the locals. Very welcoming and very humbling experience.

[@WilliamAndrea]

I just learned about "El Tío" recently, who has some similarities, like that he smokes cigarettes and exists in duality with Christianity and as a composite of good and evil. But he's more of a demon than a patenal figure. This is in Bolivia.

[@Pyrotic_Napalm]

I remember hearing about El Tío a few years back, Lord of Bolivia's mines and mountains, his only home is the mines and caves. The miners don't pray to God or the cross for safety in those dangerous caves, they give El Tío a cigarette and hope he is in good spirits that day.

[@matthewtopping2061]

Rilaj Mam sounds a lot like a Japanese or Okinawan deity and its role within a certain community, like Yebisu or Hachiman, right down to the prominent families that manage the shrines/offering collections, and the nebulousness of the beliefs surrounding him.

[@guillermozepeda9967]

We studied the Cofradia in college. Our prof had spent time in Guatemala, and loudly exclaimed, "You may have heard rumors of the disappearance of the Maya in your archaeology course, I can assure you, they are still very much there!"

[@marreco6347]

I don't need to hear any more, I'm no longer an atheist: all glory to Maximon! 🍻🚬

[@fukpoeslaw3613]

Me too, brother in Maximon! HALLELUJAH!!

[@cybercomets7260]

🗿

[@HisameArtwork]

oh, you're still alive. so happy to see that. welcome back to the land of the living, hope you had a successful reanimation.

[@Peter1992t]

I spent a summer in Guatemala learning Spanish and was able to visit San Simon and it was awesome! I'm really happy to see you cover him in this video. I'm also very excited to see you cover more of Guatemala; it is a beautiful country with a great culture!

[@IndicatedGoodLife]

I swear to Maximon Im converted! I always belived in duality, entropy, abstraction and equilibrium. This is the god for me, he is everything and nothing. He teaches us that nothing has an easy answer but you should still keep looking for it and if you end up with no conclusion, don't give a shit anyway and make the best of what you have.

[@meisteremm]

Kind of reminds me of Señora Blanca in Mexico. I guess it just shows that there will always be shadows of the old Gods and Goddesses even in the new religion, no matter how complete and total the conquest seems. Still, for how bad the Conquistadores were, it's pretty amazing and very lucky that the Mayans still exist and still even have beliefs that aren't coded and mixed with Christianity, even if Maximon is not an example of pure Native religion. Edit: I wish there were easier answers as far as the issue of immigration goes. Obviously it's wrong to sneak into another nation illegally, and that nation absolutely has the right to turn you back if they find you (though I wouldn't agree with the detainment policies of Clinton, W. Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden,) but I understand that it is easier said than done to wait around in your own nation for permission when your reason for wanting to leave might even be something like a very reasonable fear of being murdered. I have worked in a lot of industries that many of the people in my country don't typically want to do and many of my coworkers have been from Central and South America. I don't know what their status was in terms of immigration and frankly I didn't want to know. It was enough in my eyes that they were hard workers and they were too busy being "on call" for cleaning up after floods, fires and sometimes dead bodies and as a result didn't have enough time in the day for killing, raping and selling drugs, as a certain former president would characterize them as doing. All I can say for that family's son is that if he can wait and do things legally then he should, but if there is an eminent threat and his reasons for coming over are to work hard and honestly and provide for his family then good luck and hopefully he can get his status above board in time. Like I said, I wish there were easier answers.

[@GuGus963]

Thank you Evan!! I went to Guatemala in 2017 with my wife and we absolutely loved it, we got married in the Tikal temple, and gave money to Maximon! So crazy to see these last 2 videos about beautiful Guatemala! Thank you !

[@johnl.7754]

If your still happily married then maybe it worked 😊

[@cybercomets7260]

😁

[@mattlarson7784]

In Kansas City, one of the Mardi Gras crewes “venerates” st maximon. His statue leads the Morning March, and the march the night before, which goes between the historically Mexican side of town to the (formerly segregated) union hall for jazz musicians.

[@julianaguirre7249]

Wonderful video. And this type of descentralized, almost unestructured, religion is a common trait of popular/folk religiosity/spirituality in all Latinoamérica. A mixture of indigenous, african and catholics beliefs and practices, ambiguos and really down to earth. The costume of offering cigarrettes , alcohol and little things to local spirits and saints can be found in a lot of places.

[@absp2006]

I missed this. Welcome back, Evan.

[@sirelkir]

If I lived there, as an atheist, I'd first laugh at the people who go there wasting their money. But I'm pretty sure after a while something would make me go there, be it peer pressure, curiosity, need for an irrational hope... I've had this with lighting candles in churches, incenses in temples, the human ritual is simply incredibly strong. They truly are the "cogs of our society"* Evan, thanks so much for such an amazing curiosity. Your stories always make me reflect. That's why I'm proud to be a Patron. *from _Earthlings 101: 11 - Rituals_ from Zogg from Betelgeuse another chest of wisdom

[@ConcerninglyWiseAlligator]

As an atheist who lives here, I can tell you: no, you wouldn't laugh at them. Because to the people who worship him, he is truly the best bet they got. He is a saint who truly listens to you because, unlike the other saints from far away lands and who belong to other cultures as mythical to them as you think their god is, but Maximón is their kin. And that's really important to people who barely know what they have seen and what have been told, and who probably have never left their village or gotten any education. And for them to be able to keep their last deity, they had to suck it up to the Spanish (my kin) and make them one of their saints, San Simón. It is not s matter of people who live in first world countries and prefer to stay ignorant, it's about a hegemony and the people who suffered it.

[@boborson5536]

@@ConcerninglyWiseAlligator I concur thoroughly, well said.

[@Benagiser]

You are an eloquent speaker, even if you are scripting it on the spot. Thanks Evan

[@azaza1018]

"On July 21st, 2021, I met God." is how I'm starting every story from now on

[@captainfactoid3867]

Probably been a while since the video was filmed, but good luck to the son of that family

[@Shivam-br5bk]

No blessing comes free.

[@420choochy]

Yes yes yes ,this year is gonna be epic . Rare earth is back up and running with not one ,but two videos in a month ,fuck yea ,just fuck yea !!!!!

[@RareEarthSeries]

I'm back on my weekly Saturday release schedule for at the very least a few months

[@420choochy]

@@RareEarthSeries however whenever ,I’m sure I’m not alone in those of us who are just happy knowing you,and all of yours are alive ,but your “you-ness” is back . This channel is one of the few I not only look forward to ,but also will get taught something I most likely either never knew,or had only seen/heard the one “popularized” agenda version approved,and broadcast out as the definitive . To me this is as big as news as having John Stewart back on . P.S. Danke for the response ,didn’t expect that .

[@shamblesgalore7468]

THE premium cultural story teller on the internet. So glad for your channel.

[@franklsuarez]

He's like the American Medical System.

[@mishx62]

DAMN did I miss this channel, another great one!

[@uknowngamer1017]

I missed your videos. Always a pleasure to listen to your monologues and stories of valors

[@AlexApetrei]

Missed hearing from you :D . Love your stuff

[@CxAgar]

What a video this was every single of your videos outstands me with the effort and detail I don't take you as fact but you give me insight for stuff I never knew existed thanks alot :)

[@CraftingHock]

Has he said something that wasn’t true before?

[@CxAgar]

@@CraftingHock most likely but he says that “don’t let me think for you” what’s what i do but he just gives me amazing insight into stuff I never knew

[@atlaskinzel6560]

@@CraftingHock Often he gets a little whimsical and offers up some philosophy on life or philosophy on other stuff. I assume this is what they don't take as fact.

[@gavinmccormick3658]

THIS is the core of polytheism. Local dieties based on local stories that eventually grow in popularity and significance.

[@CountryBwoy]

So stoked to see your content again!!!!

[@olddognewtricks5879]

Good so see a new video, I was starting to worry given the state of the earth at this time in modern history. You're like a good friend, that always comes around with a good adventure story after being gone for weeks or months with no word. Keep the stories of your adventures coming. Until next time be well, be safe and may the road always rise with you.

[@BloodAsp]

I am so glad Rare Earth is back. Truth be told, I didn't fully realize you were gone, but am ecstatic that you are back.

[@rosierose8549]

I love how you never no what your going to get with this channel. However it will always be not just well made but on an amazing topic.

[@gardnep]

Thank god you’re back! Keep ‘‘em rolling. Thanks.

[@eudyptes]

I’m so glad that you’re back! Please stay safe!

[@eudyptes]

Do you have a Patreon?

[@eudyptes]

@@Stevie-J That doesn't even make sense. If you were trying to make a joke you failed?

[@stephaniesews6603]

Love that you are back. And I still love the end credits. Please never stop.

[@FishyBoi69]

glad too see you on my notifications once again! hands down my favorite channel.

[@GojiMet86]

Everyone wants to be the King of their own domain. Thanks for this episode, I like seeing Guatemala (as someone whose family lives there). It is very interesting to see the same mechanics across the many different religions and spiritualities of the world. It does give me a big bag of mixed feelings though, seeing religion for what it really is. Relief for looking at this and saying, "Ah, okay, so I wasn't the only one who thought this was kinda, er, ahem, not real". ......or dread, because people want to keep this real......

[@pigworts2]

This was great - it's my new favourite video of yours.

[@GuntherRommel]

I am a simple man, but I think the break did you some good, Evan. You seem less... Weighted, by the world. I'm very glad to hear it. That is Rare Earth.

[@aqualamb8978]

I visisted Guatemala last summer. Super cool place for people traveling on a budget. I recognized a ton of spots in your clips, chichicastenango, Panajachel, Antigua, and Tikal obv (also looks like your shot from the beginning was at the base of volcán fuego, did you do the acatenango hike out of Antigua?) Couple questions tho- Which village on Atitlan has Machimon? I visisted a bunch but didn’t catch or hear anything ab him. I’m bummed I missed out on an opportunity to see him. Regardless, great vid as always, and keep up the excellent work!

[@backpackercrows]

the village is called Santiago Atitlan

[@Kalas82]

your videos were always special, but this one stands out. the writing is on point mate. great job.

[@felipeberlim3587]

In Brazil is the same: some entities of Umbanda drink, smoke and curse while they give an advice in exchange for a gift - cheap sparkling wine, costume jewelry or cologne. The difference is that people here incorporate the spirit of the entity. Umbanda is a mixture of Candomblé, Espiritism and Catholicism. Besides Espiritism and Catholicism, which are European, Candomblé is African, and they use the Yorubá language in their rituals. Maybe all Latin American countries have these deities originated from the clash of the culture of the European conquerers and of the Native Americans. And in the case of Brazil, also the culture of Western Africa. We are always divided in our hearts and souls as Latin Americans.

[@MasterFallenHero]

I've never been more excited to see a KZbin video

[@ThisisallMax]

YESSS WELCOME BACK MAN ONE OF THE GOAT CHANNELS 💕💕

[@przykladprzyklad3859]

Absolutely stellar content, please never stop producing!

[@rogerexposito8815]

Good to see more content! Thanks man, missed ya

[@crzyxno]

Woo let's go new Rare Earth

[@mrhazard668]

Yay, he's back with more much needed bizarre and interesting

[@korakys]

He's like a "missing link" between ancestor worship and organised religion.

[@nonsequitor]

Great to see you back! Epic effort! ❤️

[@Perririri]

Epic 🍓 Eper!

[@reenakemp9132]

Loving that your back...

[@The13thRepublic]

I am so glad you are back

[@Xiassen]

Boy am I glad I stayed subscribed to this channel during is cold period

[@charmygreen665]

A reminder of how amazing your content is. I'm gonna go watch some recent videos i havent yet 🤘

[@nirui.o]

They do you know that vipping delivers heavy metal to your lungs? I just learned that from the ending ad.

[@ravioli9171]

Wow, that is wacky. Great job on the video by the way. I've been binging Rare Earth all morning

[@bluesquare23]

Those Cigarettes don't buy themselves.

[@martinseelig585]

liked, shared and commented, that's my little payer to our "abusive grandfather" here, KZbins allgotythm.

[@ForelliBoy]

I can see the inspiration for Kurt Vonnegut's Bokonon in this

[@AllPileup]

To say truth is also sometimes to stay silent.

[@Shadowgunner785]

So when are you guys going to Ecuador? I'm still waiting on those episodes!!!

[@W4iteFlame]

At least he's honest about lying

[@stephenlane7676]

I think I finally found a religion I can get behind. This is a god I understand.

[@mulchmeat9715]

Good to have you guys back!

[@briangarrow448]

Finally a deity I can relate to!

[@junglie2]

This is incredible!

[@thesafaripete]

u are a brilliant story teller

[@danishaiman8135]

its good to have you back evan

[@llantup]

I'm glad to see you back. Just please stay safe and healthy.

[@c97x]

Who made a statue of dad?

[@Vanalos]

Interesting thoughts and nice pictures. Great mix.

[@shayneweyker]

Reminds me of American Gods and J.R. "Bob" Dobbs.

[@buriedunborn]

You should visit Argentina and learn about San La Muerte and/or El Gauchito Gil. It would make a really good video!

[@grahamaskey5721]

So good to have you back doing regular videos, you put every other travel video to shame

[@elliottprats1910]

Hey STRANGER, good to see you still at it!

[@steverogers7611]

Where have u been ?

[@BriManeely]

Still, and always, the best series on KZbin. Thanks for your BS, Evan.

[@NirrumTheMad]

My muscles were not physically prepared for how fast I clicked. It took a few seconds for me to register *that* I clicked

[@Hello-wf5tv]

Welcome back

[@noarmsnolife6665]

What else is there to say about Rare Earth besides that it's the best series on youtube? And Evan is a fantastic presenter, although I'm sure he knows that already

[@aguysaid5457]

Thank you!

[@omeyehead7436]

Always enjoy your videos

[@seanbirtwistle649]

i like the tie

[@axeavier]

welcome back!

[@osobaum]

Quality!

[@Original-Phantom]

im gonna make my own statue

[@wombat3455]

When I visited, another tourist and myself had a strange experience ... it's very interesting travel but tend to stay away from these things nowadays

[@TB-jn2sx]

Now you need to share your experience! Go on..

[@wombat3455]

A strong young guy in our group, a rugby player, was sat next to me on a little plastic stool. He suddenly looked distressed and scurried out the room - I could see through the open door he was not happy. Which left me sitting alone with my back to the wall. Then *something* grabbed me so I left the room too. The two girls we were with were giggling, loving the spectacle of the ceremony. When we got back down the hill the young chap took me to one side and said 'it grabbed you too, didn't it!' The creepy part was when I was standing outside the hut I could feel something bad stuck to me so just said a little prayer to myself and immediately felt ok. It might sound silly, like scooby doo cartoon but am a bit wary of such things now.

[@Wayzor_]

Religious syncretism is fascinating.

[@decus9544]

God of cigarettes and beer you say? I've found my patron deity.

[@oquendo0021]

Dam bro that's a big offering. About 200 quetzales. I'd give him two packs of cigarettes. But then again you talked about the families that run the shrine I don't blame you.

[@commentaccount7880]

holy shit man i finally got good internet so i can peep this shit on my 4k monitor lets goooo

[@Melody_Raventress]

Worship ended with Christian God, now Maximón is my new Deity.

[@JustAnotherNamelessGuy]

Beer and cigarettes rule!

[@SirBlackjack010]

Damn I missed Rare Earth.