Quetzeltanango, Guatemala, the city we now call home, is located in the Western Highlands of Guatemala, almost four hours due east of the capital, Guatemala City. Primarily known by its Mayan name of Xela (shay-la), the city and highlands area are home to a significant Mayan population -- well over 50%. We're slowly learning bits and pieces of the rich history of the city, region and country. It's quite fascinating really. Particularly the part about the 36 year civil war that ended in 1996, the history of agriculture exports, all seeming to be under the strong "influence" of US foreign policy inthe area. We saw at least a dozen books in a book store yesterday about the CIA's presence in Guatemala alone...there are lots of stories of US backing of various militia and guerilla groups. Okay, so we have a lot to learn and it's happening slowly but surely...little bits here and there from our teachers or from the weekly "conferencias" (lectures). We will continue to share...But back to the New Year!!
On Monday, July 17 the Mayan New Year began. Our school celebrated the occasion with a traditional Mayan ceremony, complete with decorations around the school. Classes ended early in the morning, making time for the 2 hour ceremony that was performed by four Mayan priests. It was a fascinating experience. Greta, the student coordinator at our school (she's from somewhere in the states), translated the majority of the ceremony.
Mayan years are based around a calendar of 260 days, which are divided into 13 day segments that each represent one of 20 dieties (here are the names thanks to wikipedia). We all gathered around a makeshift fire ring out in a garden area behind the school. We took lots of pictures throughout to at least capture images if we can't remember all of the ceremonial aspects! It started with the priests slowly building the fire with various (flamable) objects, each with a special significance: sugar, flowers, multiple colored candles (lots of candles), charcoal, chocolate, candies, tobacco, and a few other things.
Once the fire was lit, the ceremony celebrated each of the 20 dieties with a special chant followed by offerings (candles tossed into the flames) by those in attendance. As you will see from the pictures, the pyro in me came out and I started to become a bit mezmorized by the fire. It was a very peaceful ceremony -- giving thanks to the air, earth, wind and water and all that they allow in our lives. Sure, it's quite different than what we were used to on Sunday mornings at Government Street Presbyterian or St. Patrick's (it was in a different language and around a big fire with "offerings"), but in many ways it felt familiar as there were common themes to be celebrated.
Click here for the entire set of pictures from the ceremony. Enjoy!
1 comment:
I have a question....
How is a year based on less than 365 days? One year summer is hot, winter is cold; a few years later it would be the opposite! Sure blows the "Seasons" unit for a preschool/elementary teacher.
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