Romance

Love is a universal feeling that has inspired all cultures and times. The Mayans, one of the most advanced civilizations of antiquity, also had their own ways of expressing and living love, both on the divine and human level. In this article we will tell you some interesting aspects about love among the Mayans, based on their myths, rites and customs. The myths of Mayan love The Mayans believed in various gods and goddesses who represented different aspects of nature and life. Among them, there were some divine couples who symbolized love and fertility. For example, Ixchel and Itzamná, the goddess of the moon and the god of the sun, who according to a legend fell in love when they were mortals and had to overcome several tests to be together. Or Xquic and Hunahpú, the maiden of blood and the twin hero, who met in the underworld and gave birth to the god of corn, the sacred food of the Mayans. The Maya also had legends of tragic love, such as that of Xtabay and Utz-Colel, two sisters of opposite character who competed for the love of men. Xtabay was a beautiful and kind woman who helped the poor and sick, while Utz-Colel was a proud and cruel woman who despised others. When Xtabay died, her grave was covered with fragrant flowers, and her spirit became a nymph who seduced men and led them to happiness. When Utz-Colel died, her grave was filled with thorns, and her spirit was transformed into a witch who deceived men and led them to death. Another Mayan love story is that of Sac-Nicté and Canek, two young people from rival kingdoms who fell in love and had to flee to escape the wrath of their parents. Their fate was tragic, as they were pursued and killed by warriors from both sides. However, their love was so strong that their souls joined in the sky and formed a new star, which the Maya called Zuhuy Kak, the star of fire. Mayan love rites Love among the Maya was not only manifested on the mythical level, but also on the social level. Marriage was an important institution, which presided over the transmission of life and the order of the family and the community. The Maya had a patrilineal kinship system, that is, one based on the father's line. Therefore, sons inherited the surname, status and property of the father, and could not marry any woman from the paternal family. Instead, they could marry relatives of the mother, or women from other families or lineages. Fathers usually chose wives for their sons, since it was frowned upon for them to choose their own partner. To ask for a maiden's hand, the suitor had to visit her parents several times, offering them increasingly valuable gifts, until they accepted. Then, the dowry was agreed upon and the groom's father gave it to the bride's father, while the groom's mother made the ceremonial clothes for her daughter-in-law and son. On the wedding day, some elders went to find the bride and carried her on their shoulders to the place of the ceremony, which was usually the groom's house. There, a ritual of exchanging rings, necklaces and blankets was performed, which symbolized the union of the spouses. Afterwards, a party was held with music, dancing and food, and the bride and groom retired to their room to consummate the marriage. Mayan Marriage Mayan marriage was not indissoluble, but could be dissolved for various reasons, such as adultery, sterility, violence or abandonment. In this case, the spouses had to return the property they had received from their in-laws, and could remarry other people. However, divorce was not very common, as the Maya valued harmony and fidelity in marriage. Maya love customs In addition to marriage, the Maya had other ways of expressing and experiencing love, both in public and in private. For example, the Maya practiced courtship, which consisted of a series of nocturnal visits that the man made to the woman he liked, with the consent of her parents. The man played a flute or a drum to attract the woman's attention, and then spoke to her with sweet and flattering words. The woman could respond or ignore him, depending on her interest. If the relationship prospered, they could have intimate encounters, always with discretion and respect. The Maya also celebrated love with special festivals and ceremonies, such as Valentine's Day, which coincided with the beginning of the Mayan New Year. On that day, young single people met in the squares and exchanged flowers, fruit and sweets, as signs of affection and sympathy. Those who liked each other could dance together and engage in conversation, hoping to start a relationship. Love among the Mayans was also expressed through art and literature. The Mayans created beautiful sculptures, paintings, and jewelry depicting love scenes between gods and humans, or between real or legendary couples. They also composed poems, songs, and stories that told stories of love, both happy and tragic, that reflected their feelings, emotions, and values. Love among the Mayans was a complex and diverse reality, which manifested itself in different ways on the divine and human plane. The Mayans had their own myths, rites, and customs about love, which reveal their worldview and culture. Love among the Mayans was a vital force, which drove the creation, reproduction, and expression of the Mayans. Learn more about this fascinating culture: Blog Zazil Tunich Reserve your space in this blog