Existing comment:
Blood for the Gods:
Personal bloodletting was an integral part of royal Maya life. Rulers believed that it brought them closer to their gods as well as to placate and nourish them. Bloodletting summons the gods to witness and participate in the ceremonies that were held at every political or religious event from birth to burial.
As a supreme act of devotion, Maya rulers used stingray spines, cords strung with thorns, and razor-sharp obsidian blades to pierce their bodies. They drew the spines, blades and cords through the most sensitive body parts such as the tongue and penis. Large shallow bowls lines with bark paper absorbed the royal blood. The ceremony continued by burning the blood-soaked paper along with rubber and tree resin. The heavenward-snaking smoke represented the Vision Serpent, the medium of communication with the gods and ancestors. |