Tuesday, 26 March 2013

Maximon

Maximon ( mah-shee-mohn) is assumed to be a combination of Maya Gods. He is a wooden figure draped in colorful clothing, smoking a fat cigar. He stays in people's houses for one year, and then moves to another one. The house is chosen by the president, and it must be a bigger home as Maximon doesn't like little ones. While he is there it is the responsibility of the house owners to get him his cigarettes, cigars, liquor and candles. Locals guard and worship him, sitting and managing the offerings made to him. His favourite gifts are Payaso cigars, and Venado rum. Flashing electric lights and fruit decorate his chamber. Effigies of Jesus Christ and Christian saints lie or stand on either side of Maximon. While we were there, a older Mayan lady was visiting Maximon to have her troubles and problems solved. A Shaman (a representative of Maximon) was healing her by spitting liquor on her and shaking a smoky can around her, as well as covering her head and hitting her with a smoky cloth. In one of the pictures you can see the lady on the left side.







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