The Mayans believed that
the quetzal would die rather be held captive, and so used to pluck a few feathers and set the bird free
. The Guatamalan anthem even includes the words “Antes muerto que esclavo será” (“Rather death than slavery”), inspired by Tecún Umán and the quetzal.
What is the relationship between quetzals and the Maya?
For centuries the Resplendent Quetzal Pharomacrus mocinno dominated the traditions and beliefs of the Maya and
Aztec Indians
of Central America. Quetzalcoatl, the cultural force for good for both Mayas and Aztecs, was symbolised by the head of a serpent adorned with the feathers of a Resplendent Quetzal.
What did the quetzal symbolize for the Mayans?
The Resplendent Quetzal is an important symbol in both Aztec and Mayan culture. … The quetzal is associated with the snake god Quetzalcoatl and seen as
a symbol for goodness and light
. Quetzalcoatl was even represented as a serpent adorned with the feathers of a Resplendent Quetzal.
Why was the quetzal important to the Mayans?
Links to Mayan mythology
First of all, the quetzal was incredibly important to the indigenous Maya of the country. The
bird represents liberty
, and is said to die of sadness if it is caged. For this reason the Mayans would pluck a few of its highly prized feathers before setting it free.
Why did the quetzal symbolize freedom for the Mayans?
The Quetzal or, as also known, the Splendid Trogon, was taken as a symbol of freedom since Mayan times
because of a popular belief according to which it would let itself die of hunger, rather than living in captivity
.
What is known as the best kept secret in the Mayan world?
Ek Balam
: Ancient Maya's Best-Kept Secret.
Is Quetzal a real bird?
Near threatened. The resplendent quetzal is an aptly named
bird
that many consider among the world's most beautiful. These vibrantly colored animals live in the mountainous, tropical forests of Central America where they eat fruit, insects, lizards, and other small creatures.
What is the most beautiful bird in the world?
- Indian Peacock: The very mention of a beautiful bird produces images of an Indian Peacock in our mind! …
- Golden Pheasant: …
- Rainbow Lorikeet: …
- Keel-Billed Toucan: …
- Nicobar Pigeon: …
- Great Bird of Paradise: …
- Mandarin Duck: …
- Spatuletail:
Can quetzals fly forever?
Quetzals do not initially attack prey regardless of being carnivores and
will fly around indefinitely
without the need to land.
Is Quetzalcoatl a Mayan?
Quetzalcóatl,
Mayan name Kukulcán
, (from Nahuatl quetzalli, “tail feather of the quetzal bird [Pharomachrus mocinno],” and coatl, “snake”), the Feathered Serpent, one of the major deities of the ancient Mexican pantheon.
Why is the city of Yaxhá so important?
Yaxha Attractions and Activities
The famous mayan ruins of Yaxha was the
most important cosmopolis where the political activities and spiritual rituals of the area were centralized
. Its inhabitants built over 1000 structures during their development, from which only 14 had been nicely restored.
Why was the snake important to the Mayans?
The serpent was a very important social and religious symbol, revered by the Maya. …
The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal
. They were so revered, that one of the main Mesoamerican deities, Quetzalcoatl, was represented as a feathered serpent.
Why are the Mayans called the Mayans?
The designation Maya comes from the ancient Yucatan city of Mayapan, the last capital of a Mayan Kingdom in the Post-Classic Period. The Maya people refer to
themselves by ethnicity and language bonds such as Quiche in the south or Yucatec in the north
(though there are many others).
What is unique about the La Danta Temple?
La Danta stands a staggering 236 feet tall. It has a total volume of nearly 99 million cubic feet, making it
one of the world's largest pyramids
, as well as one of the world's most enormous ancient structures. It's been calculated that 15 million man-days of labor were needed to construct the gigantic building.
What does the government do to protect the quetzal?
The quetzal, Guatemala's national bird, is threatened by the loss of habitat and the
National Protected Areas Council
, or Conap, has launched an effort to stem the fragmentation of nesting and migration areas.
What is the legend of the Quetzal?
Long ago in the mountains and rain forests of Guatemala, there was a
powerful Quiche leader named Cacique
. He longed for a son to succeed him and after many years Cacique's wife bore him a baby boy named Quetzal, which means ‘beautiful'.
