It is a cliche to mention that all cultures of humanity have celebrated the solstices since the beginning of humanity itself, but there is no other way to say it. The winter solstice, in the northern hemisphere, is of great importance for agriculture, social cohesion and abundance.

For the first human settlers, the cycles of the sun and the moon were key to determining their behavior patterns, as well as their cultivation and consumption habits. Although this is no longer the case in most societies now, there are still population groups, such as the modern Maya, who still perform rituals for the solstices and equinoxes.

Why are they held?

Mayan ceremony in the Iximché Archaeological Park, in Tecpán, Chimaltenango. Photo: CONAP / SIGAP

The winter solstice occurs when the North Pole is farthest from the Sun. This means that fewer hours of light are received and the day is shorter than the rest. The word solstice comes from the Latin solstitium, which means “the sun stands still.”

In Mesoamerican and Inca indigenous cultures, the winter solstice is known as the day of the “new sun”, since from this date, the days begin to get longer.

The ceremonies and rituals that the indigenous populations perform are oriented to give thanks for the birth of a new light, as well as for the possibility of abundance and well-being in crops and in everyday life.

In the fire ceremonies, the spirit guides thank the Ajaw (Creator) for the blessings received during the cycle that ends and ask him for a healthy and abundant harvest season. This way of celebrating connects the current guides with the energies of their ancestors and the Universe that surrounds them.

Solstice and architecture

Entrance to the Uaxactún Archaeological Park. Photo: Jorge Rodríguez / Viatori Magazine

In Guatemala there are places like Uaxactún in which two temples were built to celebrate the arrival of the solstices. Like many other ancient cultures in the world, the Mayans built monuments to celebrate these types of natural events.

At the beginning of the 20th century, Uaxactún was inhabited by Mexican emigrants who were attracted by the gum tree, which was in great demand at that time. What is today a soccer field and area for community activities, was previously used as a landing strip by explorers of archaeological sites.

Today, chewing gum seeks to regain its importance and there are some community efforts to manufacture and market artisan chewing gum.

Astronomical Observatory

Uaxactún is a sacred place due to its history and its orientation towards the stars. Photo: Jorge Rodríguez / Viatori

Uaxactún, as we mentioned before, was the largest astronomical observatory in the Tikal region. Today it still attracts thousands of people looking to witness the equinoxes and solstices.

In the central plaza of the site there are three structures, in which, depending on the time of year, the movement of the Sun and the Moon is marked. This was the system in which the ancient inhabitants of the place used to know the season they were living, which determined their periods of sowing, harvesting, etc.

Part of the Maya Biosphere Reserve, the inhabitants of Uaxactún carry out their activities in order not to damage the forest ecosystem.

Some extractive activities are carried out, such as xate, chicle and timber trees. Some edible plants are also used, such as chaya, to make typical local food.

Responsible Tourism

Tourism is key to the development of the Uaxactún community. Photo: Jorge Rodríguez / Viatori

Like any rural community, Uaxactún depends on tourism to give development to its inhabitants. About 20% is dedicated to this activity, which depends entirely on the tourism that comes to Tikal.

The community guides make a detailed tour of the different areas where there are archaeological remains, where they tell the intimate relationship they have with the history of the place.

Uaxactún is located 23 kilometers from Tikal and access is by land. There are lodging, food and guide services. There is no internet or phone service and water and electricity are limited.

Through the ACOFOP tourist service you can hire tourist packages.

*Story originally published on December 21, 2018