Sunday, May 6, 2007

Yes, Mayan Rituals inside a 'Catholic Church' in San Juan Chamula. It was very interesting. Lots of boxes of eggs, crates of soda, accordians, pine needles on floor and people drinking liquor/Posh. I saw woman with bag with chicken she was going to sacrifice by breaking its neck. Incredible! I'll write more later, but here is some info. from a link on net.

Check out http://www.philipcoppens.com/chamula.html
''From the outside, the church looks typical. Once inside, that impression changes quickly. There are no pews, there is no altar. Instead, the walls are lined with glass cases, each containing a saint, resting on tables. These saints may seem to be Catholic saints, but really represent Mayan gods. In front are sometimes other tables, on which flowers stand. On the ground, rows of candles are burning, often with a worshipper behind it. In the background plays music, which is apparently a Christmas cassette the locals once received with the new Christmas lighting. Christmas music is not just for a season – it is for all seasons… On the right hand side is the shrine of the Virgin of Guadelupe, illuminated with a type of lighting you would expect on a strip in Las Vegas or Broadway, beckoning people inside. The scene looks otherworldly, though neither hellish nor divine… just very weird.

The floor of the church is normally covered with pine needles, but this is a Monday, when the floor has just had its weekly cleaning. One young man is still removing all the wax from burnt candles from the floor.''
http://www.philipcoppens.com/chamula.html

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