Exploring The Ancient Maya
Mayan Superstitions: Echoes of Ancient Beliefs in the Modern World
For the ancient Maya, the world was brimming with spirits, omens, and powerful forces interwoven with daily life. While many aspects of their civilization have changed, echoes of traditional beliefs and superstitions still linger. These superstitions provide a...
Habitat of the Maya
Generally speaking, the Maya were a lowland people, inhabiting the Atlantic coast plains of southern Mexico and northern Central America. The southern part of this region is abundantly watered by a network of streams, many of which have their rise in the Cordillera, while the northern part, comprising the peninsula of Yucatan, is entirely lacking in water courses and, were it not for natural wells called cenotes, would be uninhabitable. This condition in the north is due to the geologic formation of the peninsula, a vast plain underlain by limestone through which water quickly percolates to subterranean channels.
Akumal – The Place of the Turtle
Mayan Religious Beliefs and Deities
Nothing could be more appropriate than to call attention once more to the supreme importance of religion in the life of the ancient Maya. Religion was indeed the very fountain-head of their civilization, and on its rites and observances they lavished a devotion rarely equaled in the annals of man. To its great uplifting force was due the conception and evolution of the hieroglyphic writing and calendar, alike the invention and the exclusive property of the priesthood. To its need for sanctuary may be attributed the origin of Maya architecture; to its desire for expression, the rise of Maya sculpture. All activities reflected its powerful influence and all were more or less dominated by its needs and teachings. In short, religion was the foundation upon which the structure of the Maya civilization was reared.
Maya and The Number Seven
Nearly all the monuments of Yucatan bear evidence that the Mayas had a predilection for number seven. Since we find that their artificial mounds were composed of seven superposed platforms; that the city of Uxmal contained seven of these mounds; that the north side of the palace of King Can was adorned with seven turrets; that the entwined serpents, his totem, which adorn the east facade of the west wing of this building, have seven rattles; that the head-dress of kings and queens were adorned with seven blue feathers; in a word, that the number seven prevails in all places and in everything where Maya influence has predominated.
It is a fact, and one that may not be altogether devoid of significance, that this number seven seems to have been the mystic number of many of the nations of antiquity. It has even reached our times as such, being used as symbol by several of the secret societies existing among us.
A Selection of Mayan Vocabulary
Akuml means "place of the turtle" Alux, h'lox, or more fully h'loxkatob. The meaning is "the strong clay images." Atole. Nahuan atolli, or atlaolli. Corn-meal gruel. Balám. Tiger or mountain-lion. The word was applied also to a class of priests and to kings as a title...
Symbols of Mayan Dieties
Symbols of Mayan DIeties