How Bloodletting And Human Sacrifice - 1235 Words

The practice of bloodletting and human sacrifice ritual is undoubtedly important in the life of the Mayans. The bloodletting allows the ruler the ability to communicate with the Gods and their ancestors. While the human sacrifice is connected to the continuation of the cosmos and the resurrection of the agricultural seasons. A summary and a discussion of the book Popol Vuh is presented, on the topic of reassurance theme of human sacrifice is addressed in this paper. The examination of how bloodletting and human sacrifice is crucial to the Mayan culture, and how these rituals provided the stability of social and political aspect of the Mayan society. Introduction Mesoamerica is the area in which the ancient Maya had lived, and is the area where modern Mayans are still reside. According to Coe, the Mayan geographic can range from Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Yucatan Peninsula, and the Mexican States of Chiapas and Tabasco (1966:17). Yet these areas are not limited to just Mayan. Many structural architecture remains today has proven the complexity of the Mayan culture in Mesoamerica. The Mayan history consisted of three main phases. The Preclassic period, the Classic period, and the Late Classic period. With each period containing several subdivisions. The Preclassic period started at the time civilization first emerged in Mesoamerica, around 1500 B.C., to about A.D. 250/300. The Preclassic period phase contained three subdivisions. The Early Preclassic, theShow MoreRelatedHuman Sacrifice And The Gods Essay1360 Words   |  6 Pagesdripped down off the sacrificial table as the priest cuts out the man’s heart to offer it to the gods.â€Å" The occurrence of human sacrifice can usually be related to the recognition of human blood as the sacred life force†(â€Å"Human Sacrificing†). The thought of human sacrificing may seem inhuman or uncivilized; however, in the ancient times, it was considered a prayer for better times. Human sacrificing was not only a ritual act to earn a god s favor, but also for a greater cause. Usually people would benefitRead MoreAncient Civilization And The Mayan People917 Words   |  4 PagesEvery ancient civilization had a set of beliefs and the Mayan people were no different. The Mayan people believed in two worlds, the â€Å"everyday world and the underworld, or the Place of Awe,† (2012). The Mayans believed in many gods, human sacrifice and the burial process for the poor and the kings were very different. The Mayans became around 250 AD and the Olmec’s influenced their religious culture. It was not until 900 AD that the Mayans began to flourish in cities across modern day Mexico, GuatemalaRead MoreThe Gods Of Aztec Religion975 Words   |  4 Pagesaround to date. Just how complex the culture was the religion followed suit. The Aztec religion was an intricate part of their way of life. The Aztec’s believed in a completely different way than most religions are today. 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The Maya were once thought to be a peaceful culture and removed from activities such as human sacrifice and blood offerings (Schele and Miller 1986:15). However, human sacrifice and bloodletting rituals are unquestionably important in the Mayan culture as demonstrated through Maya art and hieroglyphic texts. By performing such act, Maya rulers and elite participa nt would be able to openedRead MoreThe Maya And The Mayan Civilization1439 Words   |  6 Pagesarchitectural people, their religion still had a vital role in their lives. One thing the ancient Mayans did was have festivals, which would tie into their harvest. It was a big celebration for the thanking the gods for their plentiful harvest. It was like how the Pilgrims celebrated Thanksgiving. The Mayans were known for keeping track of their times of harvest (Jarus). Some of the important things the Mayans planted were corn, or as they called it â€Å"maize,† beans, squash, and cassava (manioc) (Maya, McManus)Read MoreThe Ideas Of Regeneration Of Time And Calendrical Rites1548 Words   |  7 Pagesthe gods at Teotihaucan, the Sun of Motion, Nahui Ollin, is created. Just as the gods had to sacrifice themselves, so humans must supply their own hearts and blood to ensure that the fifth sun continues to move in its path.† (Aztec and Maya Myths, Page 44) ; which demonstrates the regeneration and periodic purification aspect, because at the end of a 52 year cycle the Aztecs would need to make sacrifices in order to keep the world going. This can be further confirmed when Mircea Eliade says â€Å"RegenerationRead MoreArt Of The Indigenous Americas2071 Words   |  9 Pagesthe American continents over the past five hundred years. 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The Maya are probably the best-known of the classical civilizations