Mayan Religion
June 17, 2008
This ritual of Mayan religion are performed by Quiché tribesmen (in Guatemala there are about 23 so-called mayan tribes). It takes place on a mountain, because they are believed to be close to heaven (pyramids were build to resemble mountains). I think the guy in the middle is the shaman. The religion is a mix of ancient mayan beliefs, animism and catholicism (that Jesus sacrificed himself fits ancient customs of voluntary suicide to appeace gods). Rituals are performed on a regular basis using a calendar. And also to make people well etc. The fire in the middle is surrounded by candles in different symbolic colors (red is for vitality, green is for the heart of the earth, yellow is for maiz, etc). Sometimes a chicken is sacrificed for the gods.
