Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Maya today
I found the article on "The Maya Today" very interesting due to the rituals and beliefs they still practice as their ancestors did. This has not been easy for the Maya's they have overcome many obstacles and still to this day have More to overcome. I love the fact they still weave there own clothes, grow maize and Shaman keep count with the ancient 260 day calendar. These are just a few traits that have been passed down through the many hundreds of years. I believe These are positive and keep them thriving in difficult times. The Mayans today have to fear the war between the Mexican government on one side and the Zapatistas rebels on the other side. Not only are they being caught between these two enemies at war but there are fundamentalist who are harvesting the great mahoganies in the Rainforest. This act of greed is destroying the Lacandon forest and the Lacandon Mayan community. The Mayan people are a strong and united culture, it shows in their dedication to their ancestor's rituals and beliefs. They are survivors.
I would agree with you that they are certainly survivors, and I hope that they can continue to live the lifestyle they want and thrive as a culture together. The traditions that they have weaved into their lives today that have been inherited by their families through many generations is a very special bond, and one that can be lost very quickly in the grand scheme of time. This let alone their struggle to simply survive in a feuding world. Among their traditions, I am very interested in learning more about the 260 day long count calender, as well, because it is a very unorthodox means of keeping track of time to my comparisons, but I am sure very legitimate and thoughtful as a useful tool in even societies today.
ReplyDeleteIt is really cool that they have been able to continue with some of their traditional customs and rituals. I can see how it wouldn't be easy to hold onto your culture when you are surrounded by other who have different beliefs. I myself am a mix of Caucasian nationalities and I wonder if I've held onto any culture that's been passed down to me from past ancestors. I would think that I probably haven't held onto much considering how much different each and every American is.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many positive things that keep the Mayan people together and keeping their culture alive. But as mentioned their situation with there government and having to defend themselves against guerillas. Will their faith in their culture help them over come this? I hope so...
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