Art Workshops in Guatemala |
Maya Cosmovision and Tzolk'in New Year
Short Count Calendar
6 - 15 December 2012
Notice I said, Short Count,
not the Long Count Calendar.
The
Maya have more than one calendar. The more famous Long Count, begins a new 5125.36 year cycle - Baktun - on 21 December 2012.
No, it's not the end of the world.
But guaranteed it will be a crazy, busy time in Guatemala.
I think I'll stay home !!
However, the 260 day sacred calendar, called the Tzolk'in Calendar, celebrates its New Year,
called Wajshikib' B'atz on
12 December 2012. That's 12/12/12 and
THAT got my attention !!!
I took a group to Momostenango for the last
Wajshikib' B'atz - 27 March 2012.
We all loved it !! OK, so it poured rain for much
of the nite, so only a hardy few of us saw the
ceremonial fires burning on hills all over the small city.
But even those who stayed in bed said it was very special, and well worth the trip.
So the highlights I have planned are:
** Burning of the Devil in Antigua on 7 December (I've never seen this and have always wanted to.)
** Tikal - learn about the history,
temples, stelae and experience the night sky and sunrise overlooking the Plaza Mayor
** Momostenango for Wajshaki
Batz predawn fire ceremonies - Mayan New Year
** Chichicastenango - meet with a
spiritual guide and visit Pascual Abaj, learn about the rituals still performed there and experience market day on the first
day of week long feast day festivities
for St Thomas the Apostle.
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Our focus will be Mayan Culture - ancient and how it is lived today.
I've had these dates for this idea on the schedule tentatively. To be honest, I wasn't sure if I'd be able to make it happen. However, the stars must be aligned or something..... it all fell into place just this week.
I know it is relatively short notice, but please let me know if you are interested in this program
as soon as posssible. December is high season, a busy time in Guatemala,
so I can't hold hotel space for too long.
We'll be busy traveling, but do our best to also explore:
What is the complicated relationship between the Maya traditional religious practices and the Catholic Church?? And now, the evangelicals??
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more than 15 years of providing great learning and cultural experiences,
call Liza 612-825-0747, email fourre@artguat.org or skype (lizafourre). ** Total package price, including RT airfare to Tikal, lodging in a lovely colonial style hotels, a hearty breakfast each morning, ground transportation and some pretty interesting cultural experiences is a very reasonable $2,295.00. ** If you'd like to join us, just send in a $500 deposit with the registration form on our web page. Hope to see you this important and energy filled time in Guatemala !! Liza ****************************************************************************************** |
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