If you are contemplating joining through a Mayan ceremony, there are points that you have to take into account so that it is a true experience and that it contains the usual symbolic elements.
Genders are broken in wishes and each couple thinks in one way on their wedding day. The options are endless in relation to wedding flowers, locations, decoration and, of course, the type of ceremony you want to have a dream wedding.
Some choose to give luxurious rings and there are those who choose to carry out a more spiritual union; There are those who choose the most sophisticated designs of wedding invitations, there are also those who pay attention to surrounding themselves with the most important people for their love story. One option that you can take into account to carry out a different celebration is to have a Mayan wedding.
Origin of Mayan Rituals
In Mesoamerica, over three thousand years ago, the Mayan culture spread, awakening the interest of artists and scholars, opening their minds to spectacular options.
The intelligence of the Mayan people can only be understood taking into account that, for them, everything was connected to their religious perspective:
They conceived the universe as a space where sacred energies interact with the cosmos, making themselves known in the entirety of their scope.
Through the stories of the Mayan descendants, archaeological finds and the characteristic civilization of Mexico and Latin America, the symbolism of these ancestral rituals has been preserved over the years.
They are full of symbolism that connects with the universe, the elements of the earth and with the Mayan gods to make a spiritual union.
If your desire is to carry out this ritual to join in marriage, there are some points that you have to consider so that a true Mayan ceremony is attempted in the same way that pre-Hispanic ancestors did.
Before a Mayan wedding…
To start the marriage on the right foot, the couple is required to take a purifying bath in a temazcal (steam bath).
Similarly, it is tradition that before the wedding the groom gives a mahul or dowry to the bride as a wedding trousseau.
Space for a Mayan Ceremony
The ceremony can be adapted to a wide variety of sites, so they will have many configurations depending on their location and style. However, what is truly common is that it takes place in Yucatán or Quintana Roo, cradles of the Mayan civilization.
There are several mystical and emblematic sites of that culture, such as archaeological locations, sacred cenotes, lagoons and fine sand beaches of the Caribbean Sea. And several hotels in the area offer the organization of Mayan weddings and offer the finished service.
If this type of ceremony is important to both of you, this is a perfect alternative for destination weddings. If you are in a different state and do not plan to get married far away, a very natural environment can coincide with a Mayan ritual.
You have the possibility of selecting a nearby beach or even a Magical Town. Or locate archaeological areas near your city; Although these belong to other civilizations and native peoples, they will provide them with a more inclined ancestral atmosphere.
If it is a bit difficult to detect this type of creations, you can select free spaces such as a forest or a nearby field.
Mayans Ceremony: The officiant (ah men o ajq’ij)
This is how the officiants of the Mayan wedding are known: they are the Mayan priests who have the possibility of making the connection. As spiritual guides, they are dedicated to guiding the Mayan social network on both spiritual and social and cultural issues.
They preserve Mayan knowledge and protect the legacy of this culture over time, which is why they have enormous mastery of Mayan cults and the Mayan calendar.
In the same way as in other religions, priests are people who dedicate their history to performing these rituals, who are in total connection with the universe and the pre-Hispanic worldview and seek good for the social network that surrounds them.
They have particular properties that fully identify them: they are recognized by society for their experience, intelligence and moral authority.
They usually wear blanket clothing, use a cloth to cover their head, and a red sash wraps around their waist. They carry a staff called tzite and a Mayan cross.
Look for the officiant of the ceremony in advance to give you all the suggestions and rules. Clarify all concerns and use me to help you with thoughts for wedding invitations in the Mayan language; It will be a very particular look for your guests.
Mayans Ritual’s altar
Being a ceremony full of magic and mysticism, the Mayan altar is made up of some elements that have a particular symbolism to make reference to the divine deities.
The altar is located within a circle that can be marked on the sand or earth; If it is stable soil, it is drawn with sugar.
To represent the 4 cardinal points, candles and handkerchiefs of different colors are placed: white to the north, yellow to the south, red to the east and black to the west.
In the center of the circumference, there is incense and a green cross that represents Humanity. It is estimated that burning copal purifies the environment from bad spirits. In addition, they have the possibility of decorating with fabrics and flowers that match the wedding table arrangements they chose for the reception.
Mayan Ceremony: The ritual
The Mayan ceremony begins by presenting the couple in front of the seven directions: Above resides the cosmic energy, Mother Earth rests below, around are the four winds (north, south, east and west) and the Higher Being is found inside their hearts.
The priest will begin by invoking the four elements and asking permission from the heart of heaven and earth, as well as the center of the galaxy, to make the union. He will say the prayers in Mayan, after which the groom will give the bride corn and cocoa.
In exchange, she will give him back tortillas and chocolate. The offerings can be reinterpreted, but they have to understand that this exchange symbolizes that they receive the fruit of the earth and will transform it into food. This represents the union and prosperity that will come later.
Now, the wedding vows will be read in which you will be able to integrate as many thoughts of love for the bride as you are able to create, such as rings or any object that you choose to seal your promise.
The couple will provide as an offering flowers, seeds, fruits and incense that refer to the 4 elements of nature.
It is suggested to accompany the moment with customary music from the Mayan civilization: drums, rattles, flutes, conch shells…
In this way, you will create an amazingly magical environment that will evoke in you and everyone present special wishes for your new life together.
Clothing for a Mayan Wedding
If you have concerns about clothing for a Mayan wedding, the couple will have to wear white: the women, with huipils; the men, with a white suit that may be made of linen. But if you plan to wear a more common dress, there is no problem, there are several simple wedding dresses with which you will be able to fulfill your dream and maintain some consistency with the type of Mayan ritual.
Keep in mind that throughout the entire ceremony you will have to be barefoot, so that you choose practical models that are not complicated to remove and put on. If your wedding destination is the beach, a hairstyle with braids will look really good on you, plus it will let you fight against the breeze.
Don’t forget to fill your look with a natural bridal bouquet. It is also suggested that close beings, family members and members of the party wear light or white clothing. Let them know on your authentic wedding invitations that your wedding will be different so they have time to select the right outfit.
The best are dresses for a beach party, with light, loose-fitting fabrics and, for them, light day suits.
Procedures for a Mayan wedding
It is important that you know that this ceremony is symbolic and has no legal validity, therefore, if you wish to carry out your legal marriage, you will have to attend the Civil Registry, whether in the days before or before the ritual.
