Living Legend
Once the super power of a vast geographical region, the ancient maya civilization went on to suffer a cataclysmic and mysterious decline. Mora than a thousand years have passed since Maya Nobles inhabited luridly-colored temples and palaces, lording it over an obsequious peasant population that labored to meet the demand of its rulers. Their anciente bustling cities have been reclaimed by the jungle or have benn rediscovered by archeologists only to become principal attractions at impeccable parks visited by history buffs with day passes.
But the Maya themselves never disappeared. Today they are a culturally diverse group divided by landscape and culturally throughout Mexico and Central America. These living Maya, today numbering about two million, are the direct descendants of the ancient powers. They are divided by the some 24 different indigenous languages spoken throughout the Maya World. Nevertheless, these modern-day Maya are united by the cultural and religious practises that bind them to the past. They have adopted christianity, but their form of worship integrates the elements and symbols of ancient ritual; they have made an industry of their handicrafts, but the use the tools utilized by their ancestors; and they make their living as farmers, but without modern technology.
Just how much the Maya have been affected by the onslaught of modern civilization varies from group to group. More isolated communities, particularly throughout southeast Mexico and Guatemala, continue to wear the traditional dress of their ancestors, to pray to the ancentral gods and to build the same oblong-shaped dwellings with high walls, thatched roofs and dirt floors that were constructed by their predecessors. Other groups have intermarried with the various european, middle eastern and african peoples who migrated the region after the spanish conquest almost 500 years ago. Still, others have maintained their cultural identity, but work in the cities or rely on the tourist trade for economic support.
In general, the living maya are a poor but proud people, a fact borne out by the dignity with which they attend to the most humble daily chore. They are passionate about their history and unstintingly generous with those whom thay accept into their communities. Nevertheless, they are also intensely private. As a mark of respect, it’s always wise to ask permission before taking photos. Different cultures have different values and the Maya are no exception.
By:Cityview
Este sitio es elaborado por Enlaces y Comunicaciones del Sureste, S.A. de C.V.
en coordinación con El Diario de Yucatán
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