Spanish (page 15)

Beginners’ Spanish I (SPAN 201): Research Report – Indigenous Civilizations

Hudson Sanderson

For this Cultural Portfolio entry, I wanted to expand on my knowledge of Indigenous communities within Latin America. The Maya civilization thrived in the areas identified as present-day Mexico, Guatemala, and Central America from around 2000 BC to 1697 AD. The Maya civilization was known for being one of the most advanced civilizations throughout the ancient Americas. The Maya people developed many impressive cities during this time with some of the most notable being Chichen Itza and Tikal, which continue to captivate many to this day with the ruins of huge temples and pyramids. The Maya people were some of the first in Latin America to create an advanced writing system using hieroglyphics that also aided in their advanced understanding of Math and Astronomy. The Maya people were deeply connected to their religion through their understanding of the universe and daily life. They worshipped not one, but many gods often linked to nature; for example, the sun, rain, and maize(corn). The Maya people often believed that their rulers acted as mediators between humans and gods, which led many to treat them as if they were gods. There would be religious ceremonies held that often involved offerings of food, incense, and precious items, as well as human sacrificial rituals to honor the gods. However, these sacrifices would only be reserved for important occasions like Festivals or in the events of a Crisis. Connecting back, the Maya people often used their intricate calendar system to plan these rituals, connecting their temples with celestial events. Although the Spanish conquered the Maya communities, their culture and language have survived through traditions upheld by descendants, and over six million still speak Mayan languages today.

When looking at the cultures and traditions of the Maya people, many similarities can be highlighted within Canada’s Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) community. When comparing the two communities, it is evident that they both had strong connections to their lands and traditions. The Maya people made massive cities like the Chichen Itza and Tikal, which were often a more hierarchical life, while the Iroquois communities in Canada built many longhouses, representing communal life. However, this isn’t to say that the Maya communities did not exhibit communal life; for example, ceremonies and water management would be identified as communal areas. Both cultures and communities often expressed their beliefs through art, storytelling, and spiritual practices. One of the biggest differences to highlight would be the events of colonization between these two communities. The Maya people were colonized through the destruction of their cities and systems by Spanish conquerors, while the English and French had forced assimilation and cultural suppression; highlighted by the many residential schools during the time in Canada. Despite these challenges and adversities, both cultures have survived through the resilience and determination of their descendants. Many of these descendants have created communities where these traditions and languages are taught and explained in hopes of preserving and revitalizing the culture. From the histories of both, we can learn the importance of respecting and preserving Indigenous knowledge and traditions. A lot of our present-day understanding of Math and Astronomy has originated through the historical recordings left by these communities. These communities have shown the terrible effects of colonization, reminding us to acknowledge these wrongs and ensure we support these communities as they begin to reclaim their heritage.

References

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, November 11). Maya civilization. Wikipedia.”

Wikimedia Foundation. (2024, November 10). Iroquois. Wikipedia.”