Eight lessons on Sustainability from The Mayans
We just came back from a trip to Yucatán, a magical part of Mexico where time stands still and ancient knowledge remains relevant to the daily way of living. From dense jungles to pristine beaches, this state remains a hidden jewel waiting to be discovered.
Besides the beautiful landscapes and historical architecture, what captured most of our attention was the Mayan heritage. The Mayan civilization, which thrived from 2000 BC to the 16th century AD, was known for its advanced understanding and appreciation of nature.
Their sustainable practices and religious ceremonies around the environment were an essential part of their daily lives and beliefs. Here are some of the most significant ways the Mayans demonstrated their respect for nature was through sustainable agriculture.:
Mayans developed intricate irrigation systems to manage water supply, terraced hillsides to prevent erosion, and practiced crop rotation to preserve soil fertility. The Mayans also cultivated a wide range of crops, including maize, beans, squash, and cacao, which were grown in a symbiotic relationship with the forest.
The Mayans believed that all living things, including plants and animals, had a spiritual essence that needed to be respected. They viewed the environment as a sacred place, and their religious ceremonies reflected this reverence. For example, they conducted ceremonies to honor the sun, rain, and other natural elements that were essential to their agricultural practices.
Another way the Mayans showed their appreciation for nature was through their architecture. Their buildings were constructed to blend in with the natural surroundings, using local materials such as limestone and wood. They also incorporated elements of the environment into their buildings, such as incorporating natural springs into their palaces and temples.
In addition to their sustainable practices and religious ceremonies, the Mayans also had a complex system of environmental laws. These laws governed the use of natural resources, and ensured the preservation of the environment for future generations.
Their approach to the environment can serve as an example for modern societies seeking to live in harmony with the natural world.
Eight lessons on sustainability from The Mayans:
Offering rituals
The Mayans conducted offerings to specific gods of nature, such as the maize god Yumil Kaxob, to ensure successful harvests and show gratitude for the bounty of the land.
Sacred trees
The Mayans believed that trees had spirits and were sacred, particularly the ceiba tree, which they considered the "world tree" that connected the heavens, earth, and underworld. They required to leave fields fallow for several years to allow the soil to recover, and prohibited cutting down certain trees.
Solar alignments
The Mayans were skilled astronomers and constructed buildings and temples, such as the famous Temple of the Sun in Palenque, that aligned with the movements of the sun. This helped them predict the seasons and plan their agricultural activities accordingly.
Water ceremonies
The Mayans believed that water was a sacred element and performed ceremonies and rituals around natural sources of water, such as the Cenote Sagrado at Chichen Itza. They also believed that the rain god, Chac, had the power to bring both life and destruction through floods and hurricanes.
Shamanic healers
The Mayans had shamanic healers called ajq'ijab' who used plants and other natural remedies to heal illnesses. They believed that illnesses were caused by a disruption in the balance between humans and nature, and that healing required restoring this balance.
Nature-based architecture
The Mayans incorporated elements of nature into their architecture, such as using natural materials like limestone and building structures to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. They also included depictions of natural elements in their artwork and carvings, such as the feathered serpent Kukulkan.
Seasonal ceremonies
The Mayans performed ceremonies and rituals at specific times of the year to mark the changing seasons and to honor the gods who governed each season. For example, the Chaak ceremony was performed at the start of the rainy season to ask the rain god Chac for a bountiful harvest.
Mythology
The Mayans had a rich mythology that featured stories and legends about the natural world, such as the story of the Hero Twins who defeated the gods of the underworld and the creation myth of the Popol Vuh, which tells the story of how humans were created from maize. These stories helped the Mayans understand and make sense of their relationship with the natural world.
What indigenous ancestry exists where you live? What lessons can we learn from them to take better care of our planet? Let us know @casa.earth