The Ritual Language of Fire among the Maya of the Classic Period: an Approach
Por:
Najera Coronado, Martha Ilia
Publicada:
1 ene 2019
Resumen:
The symbolic value of fire is polysemic, although it is mainly a
temporary marker and, therefore, lights up at liminal moments, such as
the rise of a ruler, in the inauguration of a place or an object in
order to make them become sacred; in moments of communication with
ancient rulers, and in the foundation of a city. In fact, what was
sought was the recreation of cosmogonic myth in order to regenerate the
world.
This article aims to show, based on the comparative history of
religions, some of the main fire rituals developed in different sites of
the Maya area, during the Classic period. Also, through a comparative
analysis, it pretends to find models that allow us to understand its
meaning, taking similarities and differences into account. These rituals
were carried out by the nobility and have been preserved in different
images and inscriptions in numerous sites of the Maya area. Although
fire rituals are mentioned in many research papers, the data is
scattered and its true meaning could be lost. Thus, in this first
publication, the aim is to combine and integrate some data on pyrolatry
practiced by the Maya; therefore, it will only deal with specific topics
such as the myths of the recreation of fire, the ceremonies to light it,
the rituals of fire in caves, the introduction of fire in different
spaces, buildings, tombs, and their possible symbolic significance.
Filiaciones:
Najera Coronado, Martha Ilia:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Invest Filol, Ctr Estudios Mayas, Mexico City, DF, Mexico
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