Maya Mythology and Belief

Baktun

A period in the Mayan Long Count calendar that consists of 144,000 days.

Blood Sacrifice

A ritual offering of blood or life to appease gods or spirits in Mesoamerican cultures.

Books of Chilam Balam

A collection of 17th- and 18th-century Maya texts written in the Yucatec Maya language, documenting history and prophecy.

Chaak

The Mayan rain god associated with agriculture and fertility.

Codex (Codices)

Ancient Mesoamerican manuscripts that were created from bark paper or animal hides, often illustrated.

Codex hieroglyphs

The symbols used in Mayan codices that combine pictorial and phonetic elements to convey ideas.

Counting Glyphs

Symbols used in the Mayan numeral system for counting and calculation.

Ending Glyph

A glyph used to signify the end of a period or event in Mayan inscriptions.

Hero Twins

Characters from the Popol Vuh, significant in Maya mythology; they are Hunahpu and Xbalanque.

Hieroglyphics

The writing system used by the Maya, consisting of logograms and syllabic symbols.

Hun Hunapu

A character in Maya mythology known as the father of the Hero Twins.

Introducing Glyph

A glyph used to indicate the beginning of a new text or section in Mayan inscriptions.

Itzamnaaj

A principal deity in Maya mythology, associated with creation and the sky.

Katun

A period in the Mayan Long Count calendar equivalent to 7,200 days.

K'awiil

A deity associated with lightning and agriculture, often represented with an axe on his head.

Kimi

A concept in Maya cosmology representing death or mortality.

Kin

The smallest unit of time in the Mayan calendar, equal to one day.

K'inich Ajaw

A title meaning 'sun god' or 'he who shines', typically associated with the sun in Maya mythology.

K'uh

The term for 'god' or 'sacred' in the Mayan language.

Kukulcan

The feathered serpent deity in Maya mythology, linked to wind and storms.

Piktun (Pictun)

A period in the Mayan Long Count calendar equivalent to 20 baktuns.

Polychrome Vessel

Ceramic pottery adorned with multiple colors, typical of Maya artistry.

Popol Vuh

The Maya creation myth, a sacred text detailing gods, creation, and the Hero Twins.

Priest

A religious leader in Maya society responsible for rituals and communication with the gods.

Sacred (Tzolk'in) Calendar

A 260-day ritual calendar used by the Maya to mark religious events.

Sacrifice

A ceremonial offering, often of blood or other valuable items, to please deities.

Scribes

Individuals responsible for writing and recording events, history, and rituals in Maya society.

Solar (Haab) Calendar

The 365-day civil calendar of the Maya, used for agricultural and civic purposes.

Stela

A stone slab or pillar carved with inscriptions and imagery, often commemorating rulers.

Stela Hieroglyphs

The inscriptions found on stelae that provide information about Maya history and culture.

Tun

A time period in the Mayan Long Count calendar consisting of 360 days.

Uinal (Winal)

A unit in the Mayan calendar, equal to 20 days.

Way

A term referring to paths or roads and can also mean relationships in Maya cosmology.