Introduction
Understanding Mayan Spiritualities
There is no single Mayan spirituality. The K-iche, Yucatecian, Q-eqchi-, Tzotzil and many others have their languages, calendars and customs.
The current traditions are not mere vestiges of the classical period: they have traversed conquest, Christianization and social transformation.
To be retained
Four essential principles
- There is no single Mayan spirituality.
- The classic Mayan cities were linked to royalty, calendar cycles, dynastic ancestors and communication with powers.
- Time is organized into interlocked cycles.
- mayan spiritualitys are living traditions of reciprocity between time, community, territory and ancestors.
Small timeline
A tradition shaped by history
Origins and training
The classic Mayan cities were linked to royalty, calendar cycles, dynastic ancestors and communication with powers.
Historical developments
After the Spanish arrival, manuscripts and objects were destroyed, but knowledge was passed on orally or in Christian-Maya forms.
Ritual life and teachings
Time is organized into interlocked cycles.
A living and plural tradition
Dayguards still maintain certain calendar practices.
History and development
The classical Mayan cities were linked to royalty, calendar cycles, dynastic ancestors and communication with the powers. After the Spanish arrival, manuscripts and objects were destroyed, but knowledge was passed on orally or in Christian-Mayan forms.
Dayguards still maintain certain calendar practices.
Worldview, beliefs and practices
Time is organized into interlocked cycles. Mountains, caves, springs, fields and community crosses can be places of relationship with ancestors and powers.
Offered with copal, candles, drinks, seeds and prayers seek balance, healing and reciprocity. In ancient times, royal self-sacrifice and human sacrifices existed in certain contexts, without summarizing the whole religion.
Texts, symbols and transmission
Popol Vuh k的iche, books by Chilam Balam, Dresden codex, Madrid and Paris, hieroglyphic inscriptions. Symbols: cosmic tree ceiba, corn, jade, feather snake, calendar.
Their meaning varies according to time and community.
What research can and cannot say
The decryption of writing corrected the old image of a purely peaceful and astronomer civilization. Calendar knowledge is remarkable, but did not predict the end of the world in 2012.
References