The Mayas during the classic period embraced a wide variety of beliefs and practices. For starters, the Mayas believed that the universe had been destroyed and created again multiple times. Mayas also adhered to the belief that each cycle lasted about 5000 years, and that the cycles of creation and destruction would continue forever. We are said to be nearing the end of a 5000 year cycle. Yet with each end, a new creation appears to resemble the old universe. The Mayas also had one of the most complex calendars of their time. Their calendar integrated a 365-day solar year cycle, a 584-day Venus movement cycle, and even a 260-day ritual year cycle along with many more.
Religion played a huge role in the lives of the Mayas and of their existence. They were a polytheistic community that worshiped many gods. Their rituals and ceremonies were extravagant yet crucial to their survival. Their deities were manifested in many forms and shapes according to what their responsibilities were. Two of their highly acclaimed gods were Kinish Ahau, the sun god and Chac, the rain god. Many rituals were performed to honor them, as well as to honor many more gods. A ritual performed for divine procreation of the cosmos entailed the cutting of the foreskin of kings’ and queens’ genitalia. The blood was then poured on a paper and burned to ensure balance of the cosmos.
For Mayas, balance was very important. They believed in a duality concept maintaining that one part of us balanced the other. In order to feel a connection and balance with the gods, Mayas took many ritual baths and consumed hallucinogenic drugs. They made many sacrifices to the gods, sometimes including human sacrifice. Mayas also built temples to honor their gods. They would build alters and bring food and offerings to these temples in return to get favor from the gods. Religion was a way of life for the Mayas. They revolved their lives around the ritual calendars and were in constant attempt to please and honor their gods.
Chac- god of rain
(sources)
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