(ok, this was meant to be posted yesterday but I just couldn't finish it :s sorry!)
Today is the start of the year 5125 in the mayan calendar. As you may know mayan people had an almost exact calendar as the one we use nowadays. The difference was that every month in their calendar has 20 days and then came 5 days in which they thank their Gods for the blessings and made reflections.
As it is such a special ocassion, many mayan priests and priestess (they are called "tatas" and "nanas") came from all over the country to celebrate. They all made their altar to greet the sun in the first dawn of the year. The altars included resin from many trees, plants, food and candles.
The ritual took place at the sacred city of Iximché, in Tecpan, Chimaltenango. This is a very old mayan city that was abandoned in 1524 when the Spanish people came to conquer this city, one of the last ones standing. The ritual also has a special dance, la Danza del Venado.
They say this year will be ruled by "Iq", the Wind. And I think they are totally right 'cause that is exactly what we had today, WIND!
As it is such a special ocassion, many mayan priests and priestess (they are called "tatas" and "nanas") came from all over the country to celebrate. They all made their altar to greet the sun in the first dawn of the year. The altars included resin from many trees, plants, food and candles.
The ritual took place at the sacred city of Iximché, in Tecpan, Chimaltenango. This is a very old mayan city that was abandoned in 1524 when the Spanish people came to conquer this city, one of the last ones standing. The ritual also has a special dance, la Danza del Venado.
They say this year will be ruled by "Iq", the Wind. And I think they are totally right 'cause that is exactly what we had today, WIND!
Also last week we celebrated the day of our national instrument La Marimba an instrument with great cultural value, represents the art and tradition of Guatemala.
Nowadays, some people listens to Marimba music when they are having luch (cuando están almorzando) and during each town celebration, among a lot of other activities.
It was also the day of our national hero, Tecún Umán, they is a great leyend about this man. They say he was one of the last mayan kings, they say he and his army fought against Pedro de Alvarado (the man who supposedly conquered the mayan people), during the fight Tecún Umán was hurt by Pedro de Alvarado's sword and died, the leyend says that a Quetzal was flying above the fields were the battle took place and when Tecún fell to the ground the Quetzal posed over his chest and stained its beautiful green feathers with blood and since that day on the feathers in every Quetzal's chest are red.
1 comment:
I admire your love for Guatemala, which sadly I don't share, I was brought to Los Angeles when I was about 11 years old. But all I remember was poverty, how my mom strugle to keep food on the table, and everything that comes when you live in a poor country such as Guatemala, the oportunity to become someone are almost slim if you don't come from a family of means. The last time I was there was back in 1999 and I don't miss it, I like the weather but that's about it. Anyways, my hat is off to you for your love of the country and people like you make a big difference to help Guatemala become a better country.
Warm regards
Luis
Post a Comment