Description
Book SynopsisDrawing on a wealth of evidence that ranges from Pre-Columbian texts to ethnographic accounts of contemporary rituals, a leading scholar traces the extensive continuity of pre-Hispanic elements in Maya ceremonies of world renewal.
Trade ReviewAn important new contribution to the general study of enduring, ancient Maya traditions adapted to serve in modern times. * Choice *
That the Maya continued to practice traditional beliefs within their Christianity is not novel, but the details, interviews, photos, and descriptions contained in this book's chapter's contribute a new and exciting window through which to glimpse this blending of worldviews. As a result, the work would be a beneficial read to all with scholarly interests in the Maya. * Hispanic American Historical Review *
Christenson's distinct contribution lies in documenting the specific degree of blending of two entire ritual cycles rather than individual elements. For the Mesoamericanist, Christenson's book is well worth reading for his method and its content. * Journal of Latin American and Caribbean Anthropology *
Much has been written about Mayan beliefs but little with the historical depth and ethnographic detail that Allen J. Christenson brings to
The Burden of the Ancients...Christenson fills the book with personal ethnographic anecdotes that add richness to both the historical chapters and the contemporary descriptions of the Tz’utujil Mayas of Santiago Atitlán...This is an impressive work of scholarship. * Ethnohistory *
Table of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- 1. Pre-Columbian Rituals of World Renewal in Yucatan
- 2. New Year’s Ceremonies in the Maya Highlands
- 3. Easter and the Spanish Conquest
- 4. Post-Conquest Ceremonies of World Renewal
- 5. Holy Monday
- 6. Holy Tuesday
- 7. Holy Wednesday
- 8. Holy Thursday
- 9. Good Friday
- 10. Aftermath and Conclusions
- Bibliography
- Index
