We had the honor of experiencing a traditional Maya Day Keeper ceremony while in Antigua. His name was Kawoq and he provided us with an unforgettable opportunity. The ceremony encompassed so many elements that we feel it will be best described by working through the five senses of our experience.
Sight: Traditional textiles were wrapped around his head, his way of dawning the role of Day Keeper. His family was present; they were an intimate part of the ceremony. The candles he used as offerings were all different colors, each symbolizing a part of the environment and cardinal directions. White symbolized the North, wind, and air. Red illustrated the rising sun and the East. Yellow represented Earth and the South. Black stood for the setting sun and the West. Lakota tribe ceremonial feathers were beside the fire. A tribe member had asked Kawoq to have them present for each ceremony.
Sound: Kawoq speaking in kaqchikel as he orchestrated the ceremony. Kawoq thanked each Nawal, explaining the meaning of our unique Nawales and how each of them embodied us in different ways. The fire crackled with each offering he added to the mound.
Feel: The heat of the fire against our open hands, accepting the energy from the flames. Emotionally feeling at ease, tranquil, and peaceful. However, the journey of the ceremony encompassed a roller coaster of emotions as we gave thanks to our Nawales and our ancestors. We felt the sacred water, which had been blessed with herbs, that he gave us to put on our hands and face for protection and wellness.
Smell: Incense burning, pine needle offerings, and sugar melting. Kawoq flung strong smelling liquid with a bushel of leaves at each of us, ensuring our safety in travel. The liquid we put directly on our skin smelled of herbs.
Taste: The bitterness of a ripeningSanta peach, a sweet sign of gratitude from Kawoq’s young daughter Xochitl.
Our experience with this ceremony was a little overwhelming. This is why we wanted to break it down into how we felt the experience. It truly was an authentic and intimate opportunity that people rarely get to take part in. We feel humbled and privileged to have witnessed such a significant part of traditional Maya culture that has stood the test of time.
Rebecca (Kawoq)
Andrea (Aq’ab’al)
Rylie (B’aatz)