Mayan ceremonies in the highlands of Chiapas

My wife June and I returned recently from three weeks visiting among Tzeltal and Tzotzil-speaking Maya near the highland city of San Cristóbal de las Casas attempting to assess Mayan perspectives concerning the future and the year 2012. I was genuinely surprised to find that nearly all the Maya we spoke with had already heard of the year 2012, usually via television, and they generally associated the date with an “end of the world” scenario.

I was invited to speak about 2012 in an outdoor meeting in the central square of the Tzeltal town of Tenejapa in an exchange that was broadcast live on the community radio station. I repeatedly emphasized that the date was not a reason for fear and people seemed genuinely appreciative to receive accurate information about what their ancestors said and did not say in the hieroglyphic texts, the Chilam Balam books and other primary resources.

The highlights of our visit were ceremonies that we participated in with a group of about 50 amazing people in a remote hamlet far from the town center. Most striking was the genuine warmth and humility with which we were received. At every moment we were treated as honored guests. The main prayer-maker was one of the most humble people I have ever met and a consummate ritualist. Words cannot do justice to the depth and intimacy of our experiences with our hosts. Suffice it to say that when we left for the last time, our departure came amidst shared sobs of gratitude for our shared appreciation of life and sorrow for our leaving. If you are interested, take a peek at The Living Maya page that I have on Facebook and you will get a little glimpse into a few dimensions of the multifaceted world of Mayan peoples.