Reply #27: Absolutely They Do. Many Travel Great Distances To These Sites. [View All]

[DistressedAmerican]

Many (not all) Maya still hold these locations as sacred. The mix of religion is one of the single most interesting aspects about the modern culture.

I have seen the entire congregations leave a large Catholic mass (where Maya shamans burned incense to the Maya gods right on the Front steps of the church) let out and every single member of the congregation walk up the mountain to the traditional shrine to make their offerings. I have attended Maya rituals where the santos are atoned right along the Maya spirits. Fascinating mix.

I guess when you try to dominate a polytheistic religion, there is plenty of room for inclusion.

This is not a trend that started with the arrival of the Spaniards though. We see similar developments in Maya religion over time as they added central Mexican deities to their pre-existing Maya mix.

Happens to be one of my specialties actually!