RITUALS AND INFLUENCE ON SOCIETY
RELIGION IS BELIEVING IN SOMEONE ELSES' EXPERIENCE. SPIRITUALITY IS HAVING YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE. |
MAYAN DANCE RITUAL
Among the ancient Maya, dance was an essential component of many rituals. Dance perfor- mances were complex events, combining body movement with song, instrumental music, and even comedy. Through these performances, the sacred world was visualized and dancers ac- quired supernatural powers. In addition to a religious function, dance had an important social role, particularly for men. Elites employed dance to express political relationships such as alli- ance and subordination as well as dynastic succession. |
How to participate in Mayan Ritual 'Bloodletting'
Ritualized bloodletting was typically performed by elites, settlement leaders, and religious figures within contexts visible to the public. The rituals were enacted on the summits of pyramids or on elevated platforms that were usually associated with broad and open plazas or courtyards. This was done so as to demonstrate the connection the person performing the auto-sacrifice had with the sacred sphere and, as such, a method used to maintain political power by legitimizing their prominent social, political, and/or ideological position.
While usually carried out by a ruling male, prominent females are also known to have performed the act. The El Perú tomb of a female (called the "Queen's Tomb") contains among its many grave goods a ceremonial stingray spine associated with her genital region.[3]
One of the best-known lintels from Mesoamerica, Yaxchilan Lintel 24 , shows Lady Xoc drawing a barbed rope through her tongue. In front of her, her husband and the ruler of Yaxchilan, Shield Jaguar, is shown holding a torch.
While usually carried out by a ruling male, prominent females are also known to have performed the act. The El Perú tomb of a female (called the "Queen's Tomb") contains among its many grave goods a ceremonial stingray spine associated with her genital region.[3]
One of the best-known lintels from Mesoamerica, Yaxchilan Lintel 24 , shows Lady Xoc drawing a barbed rope through her tongue. In front of her, her husband and the ruler of Yaxchilan, Shield Jaguar, is shown holding a torch.
Influence of Mayan Religion
Mayan civilisation had a considerable impact on the natural environment, and its effects are still being experienced today, a new study has revealed.
Evidence from the tropical lowlands of Central America has shown how activity dating back more than 2,000 years not only contributed to the decline of the culture's surroundings, but continues to influence conditions today.
Researchers say that the full extent of the 'Mayacene' can be understood as a microcosm of the early Anthropocene — a period when human activity began greatly affecting environmental conditions.
Sacrifice was a religious activity in Maya culture, involving either the killing of animals or the bloodletting by members of the community, in rituals superintended by priests. Sacrifice has been a feature of almost all pre-modern societies at some stage of their development and for broadly the same reason: to propitiate or fulfill a perceived obligation towards the gods.
Evidence from the tropical lowlands of Central America has shown how activity dating back more than 2,000 years not only contributed to the decline of the culture's surroundings, but continues to influence conditions today.
Researchers say that the full extent of the 'Mayacene' can be understood as a microcosm of the early Anthropocene — a period when human activity began greatly affecting environmental conditions.
Sacrifice was a religious activity in Maya culture, involving either the killing of animals or the bloodletting by members of the community, in rituals superintended by priests. Sacrifice has been a feature of almost all pre-modern societies at some stage of their development and for broadly the same reason: to propitiate or fulfill a perceived obligation towards the gods.