Modern Maya Culture "We are not myths of the past, ruins in the jungle or zoos. We are people and we want to be respected, not to be victims of intolerance and racism." -Rigoberta Mench'u Tum

History Arriving in the region over 3000 years ago, the Maya developed one of the most advanced and sophisticated civilizations of their time. The culture of the ancient Maya is remarkable for its intellectual achievements in art & architecture, religion & mythology, and mathematics & astronomy. The culture's beginnings have been traced back to 1500 BC, entering the Classic period about 300 AD and flourishing between 600 and 900 AD. Although Maya civilization was virtually destroyed by the Spanish conquest, aspects of Maya culture did survive.

Maya culture is still very much alive. Throughout hundreds of years, the Maya people have continued to hold on to their unique way of life. Modern Maya religion is a blend of Catholicism and ancient Maya beliefs and rituals. Their ancient gods have been replaced with statues of Santos, but the stories of these saints only remotely resemble those of their European counterparts

Education can be defined as the different ways society conveys knowledge to its members. Mayan children are socialized to take part in all the activities of the family as soon as they are mentally capable.

Key Terms a gender role is a set of behavioral norms associated with a given gendered status (also called a gendered identity) in a given social group or system. A nuclear family is a household consisting of two married, heterosexual parents and their legal children (siblings), as distinct from the extended family.

RELIGION What constitutes the Maya Spirit? The Maya people have a deep respect and love for their land. Their spirit is directly connected to their natural environment. (nature-based) 1. The Maya are survivors. 2. Their spirit is connected to the desire to do what is needed to persevere. The heart of Guatemalan religion and culture lies in the public celebration of holy days, and personal events such as birthdays, marriages, births and deaths.

Family Life: Family members tend to live near each other, and Mayans rarely live or spend much time alone. Families also care for elderly relatives, and godparents are considered an important part of the family. structuremonogamous nuclear family structure

Gender roles: Men teach the younger generation skills and knowledge they need to successfully function in their role as a provider and a community member. teach their sons and grandsons about the responsibilities of communal living. In addition, they pass on cultural information to other males. Men are responsible for passing on musical and artisanship skills. The norm for child bearing is that Maya children are cared for by their mothers and grandmothers. Maya women depend upon their older children to help care for the younger ones. Females are expected to take care of all household activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and child rearing. Women teach their daughters how to take care of the family and artistry skills. For example, weaving or making pots.

Maya vs. Canada

Religion

Education

Family Life/Gender Roles:

What can be learned about Canadian culture?

What can be learned about Mayan culture?

*To avoid ethnocentric views, you must look at many aspects of culture. It is important that we realize our culture is not better, it is just different. Moreover, these differences are what make each of our societies so unique.*