Photo Source: Guatemala Tourism
Festivals in Guatemala often combine elements of Maya beliefs with Christianity. This blending of cultures can be observed in the Dance of the Palo Volador. The pre-Columbian ritual-dance is performed in Chichicastenango during the celebration for the town’s patron saint, Santo Tomas.
Festivities are centered around the 471 year old Catholic Church of Santo Tomas. When the Spanish colonizers built the church in 1540, they placed it directly on top of the existing Mayan temple. The steps from the old temple remain visible and continue to be venerated by the local Maya (Church of Santo Tomas).
After several days of feasting, dancing, and parading; a tall pole is erected in front of the Church of Santo Tomas (or the Mayan temple). At the top of the pole is a rotating frame from which dangle the ropes that the dancers tie themselves to. Before the dancers climb up the pole, an offering is made for their safety. When they are ready, the dancers climb up, then leap off the platform, spinning around the pole as they descend. The ropes unravel quickly from the rotating frame and it is a gamble if the dancers will reach the ground safely before their ropes completely unravel (Lonely Planet).
In the pre-conquest period, the dance was said to be associated with the bird deity, Itzamna, and the recreation or regeneration of the world. A flute player stood on the top of the pole and played flute music that imitated the sound of birds singing. The “flying bird men’ represented the four directions. And spinning around the pole represented the regeneration of the world (Flying Men Dance).
After the arrival of Christianity, the interpretation of the dance was altered. The ‘flying bird men’ were replaced by Angels. And their spinning descent to the ground represented the descent of the Angels into the Underworld to do battle with the forces of darkness (Joyabaj).
The venerated steps of the Church of Santo Tomas
Photo Source: Church of Santo Tomas
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