The ancient civilization of the Mayans worshiped various gods. They would sacrifice humans in order to communicate with them. After death, the soul was believed to go to the Underworld (Xibalba) where the sinister God of Death (Yum Cimil) tested, tortured and tricked unlucky visitors to him.
The most powerful god was HUNAB KU. He was the creator. By day it would be KINICH AHAU, the Sun God, who was the patron god of the city of Itzamal. It was believed that he visited the city at noon and descended like a macaw and prepared offerings for the people. The feathered serpent mode of his was also known as KUKULCAN or also known as the Wind God: QUETZALCOATL. The feathered serpent, Kukulcán, is believed to have settled in the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá. On the two annual equinoxes, the play of light and shadow on the El Castillo staircase makes it look like a snake slithering down the pyramid.
Hunab Ku was married to IX CHEL, the Moon Goddess, also known as “The Rainbow Lady”. The Mayans associated all human events with the phases of the moon. Ix Chel was an old woman wearing a skirt of crossbones and a snake in her hand. She had an attendant sky serpent, who carried all the waters of the heavens in her womb. She was believed to be kinder than her somewhat cruel husband. She was also the protector of women in childbirth. At the southern end of Isla Mujeres there is a Mayan Temple named after Ix Chel. This temple is the easternmost point in all of Mexico and at this exact point is where the sunrise touches Mexico for the first time.
The Maize God was known as YUMIL KAXOB and is shown as ripe grain, which was the basis of Mayan agriculture. Yumil Kaxob was young and powerless and was protected by Chac (the rain god). His fortunes and misfortunes were decided by rain and drought. Yumil Kaxob suffered a painful death when YUM CIMIL (God of Death) ordered famine and drought. Yum Cimil was also known as AH PUCH, the god of the underworld. His body was a skeleton. Yum Cimil’s body is depicted as covered in black spots and he also wears a necklace with eyeless sockets.
Human Sacrifices were most commonly directed at Yumil Kaxob, for the corn, and also at CHAC: the Mayan God of Rain. The Mayans often sought help from him to help their crops grow. Each was associated with creation and life.
We know that the Mayans offered human blood to their gods. However, suicides in the Mayan World were very common. This was sometimes due to depression, however, it was most likely due to the fact that they would be taken straight to heaven and paradise. IXTAB was the Goddess of Suicide. Ancient carvings would show Ixtab with a robe around her neck.
The theme of the Mayan gods and goddesses and the brutally complex beliefs about blood and human sacrifice continue to fascinate people all over the world.
