Mayan Winter Solstice

Ready or not, the holiday season is almost here again, which means that many celebrations are in store.  People from every corner of the globe will be gathering together to share the joy of the holiday spirit from December 1st through the 31st.  Mexico is a place where holiday traditions are particularly significant, and festivities including the vibrant Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe and New Year’s Eve (when 12 grapes should be eaten) are reminders to take some time to enjoy your loved ones.  The Mayan winter solstice, though, is a magical celebration unlike anything else.

Ancient Mayan Civilization

The ancient Mayan Civilization at one time ruled large areas of Mexico and Central America, and its people showed their reverence for the winter solstice in December with a number of captivating rituals.  The winter solstice also happens to be the shortest day of the year, and arrives each December 21st.  The ancient Maya looked at this notable day as a time to reflect on what is to come; to them, it represented the continuation of life, with every day slightly longer than the last, symbolizing the coming of spring.  As the day of the year when the sun is at its furthest point from the Earth in the Northern Hemisphere, Mayan priests continue to honor its arrival with prayers and incense. 

Rebirth

John Major Jenkins, who wrote the Center of Mayan Time, says that the winter solstice “meant more than the birth of a new solar year. It meant the beginning of a new Great Cycle of time, the resetting of the great celestial star-clock of precession and, perhaps, an unprecedented shift in the nature of human consciousness and civilization.”  As a thriving society that incorporated everything from inspiring rituals and spiritual beliefs, to a remarkably advanced astronomical system, it is not surprising that several Mayan traditions have endured throughout the centuries as part of Mexico’s vibrant culture.

Mayan sacred sites

Throughout the years, Mayan archaeological sites have served as a place where large crowds of people can gather as they prepare to observe the remarkable happenings that take place on this significant day.  One extraordinary location to celebrate the day is Chichen Itza, where the unusual sight of the sun appearing to roll up the edge of a massive temple called El Castillo during its rise into the sky delights awestruck observers.  This day also brings the mystical sight of the sun shining brightly on the south and west sides of the temple, while the north and east sides are cloaked in total darkness.  Not unlike the solar patterns seen at the poles, this rare occurrence is just one of several intriguing ways the Mayans honored this important date.    

Mayan Ruins near Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort & Spa

El Meco Mayan ruins are situated only 5 minutes away from the Villa del Palmar Cancun resort where you will be working if you are a successful candidate. Here you can explore the ancient Mayan traditions that have been passed down through the generations.  On the day of the winter solstice, both tourists and locals congregate at El Meco to meditate and sing together in celebration.  For an unforgettable vacation experience in Cancun, become a part of the winter solstice observances where Mexico’s rich heritage will be front and center!