Achi people
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The Achi are a Maya ethnic group in
Guatemala Guatemala ( ; ), officially the Republic of Guatemala ( es, República de Guatemala, links=no), is a country in Central America. It is bordered to the north and west by Mexico; to the northeast by Belize and the Caribbean; to the east by Hon ...
. They live in various municipalities in the department of
Baja Verapaz Baja Verapaz () is a department in Guatemala. The capital is Salamá. Baja Verapaz contains the Mario Dary Biotope Preserve, preserving the native flora and fauna of the region, especially the endangered national bird of Guatemala, the Resplen ...
. The municipalities they live in are
Cubulco Cubulco is a small town, with a population of 10,681 (2018 census),Citypopulation.de
Population of cities & to ...
,
Rabinal Rabinal is a small town, with a population of 15,157 (2018 census),Citypopulation.de
Population of cities & to ...
,
San Miguel Chicaj San Miguel Chicaj () is a town and municipality in the Baja Verapaz department of Guatemala. San Miguel Chicaj has an area of 280 Km², which makes one of the largest municipality of Baja Verapaz Department. It has a population of 33,131 (2018 ...
,
Salamá Salamá is a city in Guatemala. It is the capital of the department of Baja Verapaz and it is situated at 940 m above sea level. The municipality of Salamá, for which the city of Salamá serves as the administrative centre, covers a total ...
, San Jerónimo, and
Purulhá Purulhá is a town and municipality in the Baja Verapaz department of Guatemala. It is situated at 1570 m above sea level. The municipality has a population of 56,822 (2018 census) and covers an area of 536 km². The annual festival is June 1 ...
, in addition to parts of Granados and
el Chol Santa Cruz El Chol () is a municipality in the Baja Verapaz department of Guatemala. It is situated at 1008 m above sea level and contains about 8817 people. It covers a terrain of 140 km² and its annual festival is held from December 6-Decem ...
. They speak Achi, which is closely related to K'iche'.


History


Pre-Columbian times


Attack by the K'iche'

The K'iche'
cacique A ''cacique'' (Latin American ; ; feminine form: ''cacica'') was a tribal chieftain of the Taíno people, the indigenous inhabitants at European contact of the Bahamas, the Greater Antilles, and the northern Lesser Antilles. The term is a S ...
Quicab,There were several K'iche' kings named Quicab. It is assumed that the one in this story was the first. famous for his wealth of pearls, emeralds, gold, and silver, approached the Achi at Xetulul. At noon, the K'iche' began to fight the Achi, winning lands and villages without killing any of them, only tormenting them. When the Achi surrendered, they gave tribute of fish and shrimp. As a present, the Achi offered cocoa and
pataxte ''Theobroma bicolor'', known commonly as the mocambo tree, jaguar tree, balamte, or pataxte, among various other common names, is a tree in the genus ''Theobroma'' (family Malvaceae), which also contains the better-known ''Theobroma cacao'' (coco ...
to the main cacique, Francisco Izquin Ahpalotz y Nehaib, giving him validity as king and obeying him as tributaries. The Achi gave him the rivers Zamalá, Ucuz, Nil, and Xab. These rivers were of great benefit to Cacique Quicab, as they produced fish, shrimp, turtles, and iguanas.Juan Carlos Escobedo (26 de marzo de 2006)
«Ixquín-Nehaib»
Literatura Guatemalteca. Archivado desd

el 10 de junio de 2007. Consultado el 7 de julio de 2007. El texto está basado en fragmentos del Memorial de Sololá.


Spanish conquest

When Spanish Dominican friars arrived in present-day Guatemala, the only place they had yet to conquer was Tezulutlán, or ''"Tierra de Guerra"'' (Land of War). Bartolomé de las Casas was commissioned to "reduce" the indigenous people through Christianity.
''Prensa Libre''. Prensa Libre. Archivado desd

el 9 de julio de 2007. Consultado el 7 de julio de 2007.
One of the oldest references to Cubulco, a dialect of the Achi language, is found in ''el Título Real'' (The Royal Title) of Don Francisco Izquin Nehabib, written in 1558. In 1862, the K'iche'-language play '' Rabinal Achí'' was published in Paris, France. This document was found by Abbé Charles Étienne Brasseur de Bourbourg. Expert studies state that the ethnodrama takes on values of military honor compared to Homer's ''Iliad''. The Dutch anthropologist Ruud Van Akkeren, in an interview on Mayan ethnic groups, stated that:


Geography

The original name of
Salamá Salamá is a city in Guatemala. It is the capital of the department of Baja Verapaz and it is situated at 940 m above sea level. The municipality of Salamá, for which the city of Salamá serves as the administrative centre, covers a total ...
, the capital of Baja Verapaz, is ''Tz'alam Ha, which means "tables on the water". Salamá, Cubulco, Rabinal, San Miguel Chicaj and San Jerónimo are the only municipalities in Guatemala where the mother tongue is Achi. In the municipality of Cubulco, there are less-visited archaeological sites such as Belejeb' Tzaq, Chilu, Los Cimientos, Nim Poco, and Pueblo Viejo. San Miguel Chicaj is known for its large Catholic church.


Society

In Achi society, youth and adults interact because the elders instill in the new generations the preservation of traditions and customs. It is believed that the elders have overcome great obstacles to transmit this knowledge.«Comunidad Lingüística Achi»
Academia de Lenguas Mayas de Guatemala. Archivado desd

el 7 de agosto de 2007. Consultado el 8 de julio de 2007.


Education

There is a lack of bilingual schools, so illiteracy is common.


Culture


Religion

The Achi religion is a
syncretic Syncretism () is the practice of combining different beliefs and various schools of thought. Syncretism involves the merging or assimilation of several originally discrete traditions, especially in the theology and mythology of religion, thu ...
complex of Christianity-animism, which is why there are many sacred shrines and mounds.


Traditional medicine

The Achi have traditional empirical knowledge based in the use of temazcales, herbs, and medicinal plants. The work of the
midwives A midwife is a health professional who cares for mothers and newborns around childbirth, a specialization known as midwifery. The education and training for a midwife concentrates extensively on the care of women throughout their lifespan; c ...
is highly valued.


Cuisine


Drinks

The main drinks in the Achi cuisine are: * ''atol blanco'' (white
atole ''Atole'' (, from Nahuatl '' ātōlli'' ), also known as ''atolli'' and ''atol de elote'', is a traditional hot corn- and masa-based beverage of Mexican origin. Chocolate ''atole'' is known as ''champurrado'' or ''atole''. It typically accomp ...
) * ''tres cocimientos'' (three concoctions) * ''shuco'' * ''atol de arroz'' (rice atole) * '' arroz con leche'' (rice pudding; literally "rice with milk") The first three are made from corn. The ''atol blanco'' and ''tres cocimientos'' can be made with white or yellow corn, while ''shuco'' is made with black corn. ''Atol de arroz'' is made with ''
panela Panela () or rapadura (Portuguese pronunciation: ) is an unrefined whole cane sugar, typical of Central and Latin America. It is a solid form of sucrose derived from the boiling and evaporation of sugarcane juice. Panela is known by other na ...
de dulce'' and the essence of ''atol blanco.'' ''Atol de arroz'' is made with rice and milk, cow's or powdered. The drinks are made by the women and are used as a snack for workers and for the family. The custom of making these drinks is passed from mother to daughter.


Foods

The two most well-known dishes are '' pinol'' and ''bochbol'' (or ''boschbol''). ''Pinol'' is made with roasted corn, which is ground. Then, other seasonings and ''chompipe'' (turkey) are added. In the creation of the ''bochbol'', tender ayote leaves, corn dough, toasted ayote seed (which is then ground), and tomato are used. The ''bochboles'' are shaped in small cylindrical rolls which are then placed in a pot on the fire to be cooked. When they are served at the table, the ground seeds are added as well as the tomato. The custom is to eat them hot. ''Pinol'' is a food for special parties, while ''bochbol'' is a commonly consumed food. The recipes are passed from mothers to daughters.


Clothing

The clothing of the Achi is made with traditional instruments, and stands out for its colorfulness. The male attire was commonly created by the woman. Using cotton, she used the same thread to weave the shirt, the white pants, and the red sash. The man was in charge of planting the cotton and when it was harvested, he dedicated himself to the production of the thread and a natural paint was used to dye the prepared thread black. Modernity has influenced the loss of the costumes. There are few people who wear these costumes made with the backstrap loom and natural colors. In the past, women made their own ''güipil'' and its trim, both of which were black. At present, women who live in rural areas continue to make their own ''güipil'', but not the trim, as they are the most technical, using the fine threads and colors from the western part of the country. The red trim was created later; it is manufactured in the urban area of Rabinal and other places of the Achi region. As well as the creation of the colored ribbon, the cord and the ''uxaryo'' (collar) were brown or black. In both cases, the costumes had two variants: ceremonial and everyday wear.


Feminine dress

The feminine dress of the Achi incudes: * '' Güipil:'' It has various colors, figures, embroidered with different names and thoughts related to the life of the human being. The meaning of the figures is a reserved matter for the women, as they weave without knowing the symbolism. * ''Corte'' (trim) * ''Cinta en colores'' (colored ribbon) * ''Cordón'' (cord) * ''Uxaryo'' (collar or necklace) * ''Cordel'' (cord)


Masculine dress

The masculine dress of the Achi includes: * ''Camisa'' (shirt) * ''Pantalón blanco (calsonsillo Blanco)'' (white pants, white underpants) * ''Banda roja'' (red ribbon)


Meaning of colors

Each color used is particular as it represents certain things in the life of the human being. * White: Represents the dawn of every day, color of bones and teeth, purity and well-being. * Red: Connotes life, strength, the sun's rays that warm and chase away the darkness, and the blood that circulates in every human being. * Black: Symbolizes the hair, the pupil of the eye, the night when the human being rests for having worked during the day, it is where the sun hides, where the dead lie. * Yellow: Symbolizes the similarity with yellow, black, red and white corn, and the production of excellent crops and the family. * Green: Embodies nature, the green area of the valleys, and all kinds of plantations. * Blue or light blue: Represents the great rivers, lakes, seas and the color of the sky. * Brown: Symbolizes the color of the earth. The ''cordel'' (cord) of the same color, used to tie women's hair, was very popular for a long time, in addition to the ''cinta'' (ribbon). In recent times, the ''cordel'' and the ''cinta'' can only be seen in the most remote communities.


Economy and production

Rabinal Rabinal is a small town, with a population of 15,157 (2018 census),Citypopulation.de
Population of cities & to ...
is famous for producing the sweetest oranges in the country. San Jerónimo is well known for being where the best haciendas and vineyards of the Dominicans were located. In this region, people of African origin were "introduced" to work in the plantations. In addition to the production of oranges and other crops, other outstanding activities are: handicrafts in Morro (jícaras, huchas, chinchines and guacales) made of clay, maguey, and wicker. Rabinal is known for its traditional markets.Carlos René García Escobar
«Cultura Social»
''Prensa Libre''. Prensa Libre. Archivado desd

el 7 de julio de 2007. Consultado el 8 de julio de 2007.
Located in the Zamaneb valley, Rabinal was an important trading post. Ceramics, textiles, oranges, pinol, boxboles, and atoles are traded. For its January festival, pack animals are traded.


Textiles

An important part of the Achi culture, textiles are made with the ''telar de cintura'' (backstrap loom) or ''palitos'' (sticks), and in the way of
Ixchel Ixchel or Ix Chel () is the 16th-century name of the aged jaguar Goddess of midwifery and medicine in ancient Maya culture. In a similar parallel, she corresponds, to Toci Yoalticitl "Our Grandmother the Nocturnal Physician", an Aztec earth God ...
. In the production, processes are followed such as: placing the thread in the loom, separating the thread, placing other threads to embroider, and forming the different figures. On these looms, they create ''güipiles'', ''bandas'' (sashes), ''servilletas'' (napkins), and ''manteles'' (tablecloths). The activity is carried out by housewives, who share the knowledge by teaching it to their daughters. The ''cortes'' (trims) or ''enaguas'' (petticoats) are made by men on ''telares de pie'' (standing looms). They use ''ixkak'', white and brown dyed cotton. The raw material is collected at the end of winter and is called ''mish''.


Ceramics

The artistic objects created by the Achi are traded at markets of all levels, including internationally. In both types of ceramics, whether handmade or made with technology, the work is passed from generation to generation. There are also glazed and aniline-painted ceramics, typical of Rabinal and Chicaj. They are used to personify dances such as ''Rabinal Achí, Venado, Negritos, La Conquista, Torito'' and ''Animales''.


Handmade ceramics

First, the raw material is obtained at a communal plot called ''"capilla del barro"'' (chapel of clay), then it is left to dry in the sun, then water is poured and the mud is stamped until it is very smooth, so it is ready for use. To give it shape, they turn it with the body creating pots, jars, pitchers, jugs, skillets, and bowls. They make shapes, painted in red clay which turns white when burned. Both the red clay, and the stone it is extracted from, have a natural origin. The handmade pottery is burned in the open air, in a flat place, surrounded by dung and wrapped entirely in dry straw (zacate or zacatón).


Ceramics made with technology

For the production of this type of pottery, the
potter's wheel In pottery, a potter's wheel is a machine used in the shaping (known as throwing) of clay into round ceramic ware. The wheel may also be used during the process of trimming excess clay from leather-hard dried ware that is stiff but malleable, ...
is used. The wheel is turned with the feet, leaving the hands free to mold the piece. For the creation of large and tall pieces, the pieces are made in parts. They are also decorated, then burned in a kiln. After burning, they are painted. The use of the wheel allows the creation of vases, flowerpots, lamps,
amphorae An amphora (; grc, ἀμφορεύς, ''amphoreús''; English plural: amphorae or amphoras) is a type of container with a pointed bottom and characteristic shape and size which fit tightly (and therefore safely) against each other in storag ...
, and tableware.


Basketry

The Achi practice
basketry Basket weaving (also basketry or basket making) is the process of weaving or sewing pliable materials into three-dimensional artifacts, such as baskets, mats, mesh bags or even furniture. Craftspeople and artists specialized in making baskets ...
by weaving hard, semi-hard, and flat fibers to create baskets of different uses and sizes. These handicrafts are produced mainly in Cubulco, San Miguel Chicaj, Salamá, and Purulhá.


Woodworking

People in the Achi municipalities practice
woodworking Woodworking is the skill of making items from wood, and includes cabinet making (cabinetry and furniture), wood carving, joinery, carpentry, and woodturning. History Along with stone, clay and animal parts, wood was one of the first mate ...
by making furniture of different woods, both fine and common. Chinchines (
maracas A maraca (), sometimes called shaker or chac-chac, is a rattle which appears in many genres of Caribbean and Latin music. It is shaken by a handle and usually played as part of a pair. Maracas (from Guaraní ), also known as tamaracas, were ...
), rattles, guitars, and violins are made in Rabinal, San Miguel Chicaj, Salamá, and Purulhá. Masks for ceremonies and parties are made in Granados and Rabinal. Toys are made in San Jerónimo.


Metalworking

Metalwork Metalworking is the process of shaping and reshaping metals to create useful objects, parts, assemblies, and large scale structures. As a term it covers a wide and diverse range of processes, skills, and tools for producing objects on every scale ...
varies by region. Only in Cubulco, Rabinal, San Miguel Chicaj and Purulhá do people use
wrought iron Wrought iron is an iron alloy with a very low carbon content (less than 0.08%) in contrast to that of cast iron (2.1% to 4%). It is a semi-fused mass of iron with fibrous slag inclusions (up to 2% by weight), which give it a wood-like "grain" ...
to make door knockers, balconies, doors, and ironwork. In Salamá and Rabinal, tin is used for lanterns, candelabras, and candlesticks.


Fireworks

In Rabinal, Salamá and Purulhá,
fireworks Fireworks are a class of low explosive pyrotechnic devices used for aesthetic and entertainment purposes. They are most commonly used in fireworks displays (also called a fireworks show or pyrotechnics), combining a large number of devices ...
are made with gunpowder for familial, religious, and civic festivities.


''Chinchines'' and ''guacales''

''Chinchines'' (maracas) ''guacales'' (alternatively spelled ''huacales''; bowls made of ''morro'' husks) are made with the raw '' morro'' material, obtained from the tree of the same name. First, the ''morros'' are collected, and they must be ripe. They use large ones to create ''guacales,'' and medium and small ones are used to make ''chinchines''. Once collected, the ''morro'' are cooked in a barrel. The ''baseado'' (base) is made using special instruments, it is also sanded with a special blade. After this complex process, they are painted and special decorations are added, using natural and artificial paints. This practice is passed on from parents to children. There are chinchines with zoomorphic (animal), phytomorphic (vegetable) or anthropomorphic (human) forms. According to historian Luis Luján Muñoz, the oldest pieces have their owners' names written on them and sometimes have text that alludes to the events for which they were made. The ''morro'' and the ''jícara'' are processed in three ways: * Carving the ''jícara'' in its natural color. * Coloring the items with '' palo amarillo'' and ''
achiote ''Bixa orellana'', also known as achiote, is a shrub native to Central America. ''Bixa orellana'' is grown in many countries worldwide. The tree is best known as the source of annatto, a natural orange-red condiment (also called or ) obtained ...
'' to create the red tone. * Providing the black color with ''ocote'' soot and embedding it with a fat removed from an insect called ''niij''. It is then rubbed with a cloth to polish it, and then carved to create landscapes, human and animal figures, as well as names and various symbols. This is how ''jícaras'', ''guacales'' and ''chinchines'' are made. Rabinal and San Miguel Chicaj have the largest production of these goods.


Importance of the ''niij''

The ''niij'' (''Llaveia sp. Homoptera: Margarodidae'') is an insect that biologists classify in the " scale" group (in the sub-order Homoptera). Their eggs are laid on jocote, piñón, or ixcanal trees. The ''niiij'' is related to the ''cochinilla'' ('' Dactylopius coccus''), according to Universidad Rafael Landívar biologist Charles MacVean. The fat extracted from the ''niij'' is rubbed against the dry ''morro'', becoming a plant-drying oil or a kind of wax, which when mixed with ''tizne'' (fine charcoal from ''ocote'') becomes a lacquer-like film. It is lustrous, water-resistant, heat-resistant, abrasion-resistant, and non-toxic. It has a long traditional usein cooking utensils. In Mexico, it is mixed with ''achiote'', creating a red color. With the mixture of the sap of the ''palo amarillo'', the yellow color is produced. There are accounts by
Diego de Landa Diego de Landa Calderón, O.F.M. (12 November 1524 – 29 April 1579) was a Spanish Franciscan bishop of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Yucatán. Many historians criticize his campaign against idolatry. In particular, he burned almost a ...
and
Bernardino de Sahagún Bernardino de Sahagún, OFM (; – 5 February 1590) was a Franciscan friar, missionary priest and pioneering ethnographer who participated in the Catholic evangelization of colonial New Spain (now Mexico). Born in Sahagún, Spain, in 1499, ...
, who were the first to document such practices, similar to the current use. Sahagún, in his writings of 1582, reports that it was also used as a medicine for skin and throat diseases, uterine affections, inflammation of the testicles, and as an antidote for poisonous mushrooms. There are historical records that show that it inhabited from Sinaloa, Mexico to Chiriquí, Panama, but at altitudes of less than 1,372 meters.


Other products

They also produce rope, palm products, wax, leather, construction materials, musical instruments (such as the ''tun'' and the ''chirimía'' or shawm), and tulle.


Festivals and traditional ceremonies

The Achi share their customs from generation to generation. Their ceremonies revolve around the ''cofradías'' (fraternal groups) and the duty of the members to maintain the proper conduct of the festivities. Also noteworthy are the celebrations of Easter, Christmas and Christmas Eve. The Achi religion is a syncretic complex of Christianity-animism, which is why there are many sacred shrines and mounds. The most sanctified are Chipichek, Chusxan, B'ele tz'ak and Cuwajuexij.Celso Lara Figueroa
«Cultura Espiritual»
''Prensa Libre''. Prensa Libre. Archivado desd

el 27 de septiembre de 2007. Consultado el 8 de julio de 2007.
The Tzolk'in calendar directs the agricultural rites and ritual cosmogony.


Major festivals


Calendar of Achi festivals


''Fiesta de la Virgen del Patrocinio''

The ''Fiesta de la Virgen del Patrocinio'' (Festival of the Patron Virgin) is celebrated in Rabinal. A carved image consisting of
novenas A novena (from Latin: ''novem'', "nine") is an ancient tradition of devotional praying in Christianity, consisting of private or public prayers repeated for nine successive days or weeks. The nine days between the Feast of the Ascension and P ...
is shared from house to house. This tradition has been practiced since the 18th century.Carlos Grave (29 de noviembre de 2004)
«Rabinalenses festejan a la Virgen del Patrocinio»
''Prensa Libre''. Prensa Libre. Archivado desd

el 27 de septiembre de 2007. Consultado el 9 de julio de 2007.
The family requesting ''la Virgen'' must have an exemplary home in the eyes of the community, and that the father and mother must be married, religiously and legally. The couple that has this right is called the "''mayordomos de la cofradía de la Virgen''" (stewards of the Virgin's '' cofradía''), and a novena in her honor is held in their home. These activities take place from November 18 to November 22. During this period, the ''Convite de Rabinal'' and ''Santa Cruz del Quiché'' are presented and the ''cofradía'' members celebrate with fireworks. The legend of the ''Virgen del Patrocinio'' is well known by local historians, who say that in the mid-eighteenth century, a woman appeared to an old man who was cutting wood on the summit of San Miguel Chicaj, asking him to tell the priest of Rabinal to go to confession. The woodcutter then sent the message to the priest, who was incredulous. Some time later, the lady materialized in the priest's dream, asking him to confess her. When he awoke, he went to the summit, where the image that is still known as the ''Virgen del Patrocinio'' appeared to him.


''Rabinal Achí''

The ''Rabinal Achí'' is a nationally- and internationally-recognized Kʼicheʼ-language performance. Of pre-Hispanic origin, it is currently performed exclusively in the municipality of Rabinal. It is performed during the Festival of San Pablo Apóstol, 17 January to 25 January. Seven main characters participate. This drama portrays the 13th century proclamation of the Rabinal people to the K'iche' rulers. They refuse to pay tribute as the rulers destroyed the towns of the valley. K'iche' Achí is captured, imprisoned, and sentenced by the ruling court of the Rabinal. He is sacrificed after saying goodbye to his people. As part of the celebration, each year a new ''Alí Ajaw'' (Achí Princess) of Rabinal is elected. In 2004 the chosen one was Albertina Alvarado López of the Xococ village, a primary school teacher, who indicated that she would encourage the government to care for children, since infants are the present and future of Guatemala. She was joined in the proclamation by Rosa Glendy Pirir Coloch, her predecessor. In 2005, Karla Yolanda López López was elected for the 2005–2006 term. For the 2007–2008 term, Ana Julieta López Chen was elected. In a ballot of four candidates, Vivian Adriana Chen Piox, Rosalina Tot Morente and Ana Leticia López Yol also competed. Ana Julieta was awarded the crown and the ''chachal'' on 17 January, 2007.Carlos Grave (22 de noviembre de 2006)
«Eligen princesa Achi’»
''Prensa Libre''. Prensa Libre. Archivado desd

el 27 de septiembre de 2007. Consultado el 9 de julio de 2007.
Rabinal means ''"Lugar de la Hija del Señor"'' (Place of the Daughter of the Lord). Rabinal Achí is ''xajooj tun'' which means "dance of the ''tun''".


''Cofradías''

Among the Achi, there are highly consolidated social organizations, called ''cofradías''. In Rabinal there are 16, in San Miguel Chicaj there are 8, and in Salamá there are 3. There is also presence of ''cofradías'' in Cubulco and San Jerónimo. The ''cofradías'' are part of Achi roots and the culture of their ancestors. At present, the elders transmit this knowledge to their children through oral tradition. One of the positions that has a strict hierarchy is that of ''Qajawxeel'', the president of the ''cofradía''. The ''cofradías'' are also present in Mayan festivities, in which the Achi venerate an image, which represents a being that is important during their life. In Rabinal, the ''cofradía'' of Corpus Christi is celebrated 60 days after Holy Week, in celebration of the ''"Divino"'' (Divine), called ''Ajaaw'' in the Achi language. The ''cofradía'' of Corpus Christi is one of the most important ''cofradías'' of Rabinal, because in their celebration they invoke the rain, wind, and clouds to have a good harvest in the planting of corn, which is sacred and the basis of their food.


Dances

The Achi perform multiple and varied dances. These also play an important role in the transmission of the knowledge of the custom. Their best-known deities are the Ajaaw (the Divine), uk'u'x kaaj, and uk'u'x uleew to whom permission is requested before performing the ceremonial dances. Elements of nature such as rain, wind, clouds, and corn are considered sacred and part of their subsistence.


Dancing ritual

In general, all dances are practiced in rehearsals before being performed in public. In these rehearsals, elders guide the young people through each of the different scenes and movements. Before performing these activities, offerings must be made to uk'u'x kaaj and uk'u'x uleew to give the necessary permission and prevent problems. This is done by ajq'iij (lieutenant) and consists of making a vigil with all the masks of the participants, using candles, incense, liquor (awasib'al), invoking the ancestors who have participated in these dances. There are marimba ensembles of all kinds, including drums, whistles, and ''chirimías'' (shawms). The use of three important instruments stands out: the ''tun'', of pre-Hispanic origin, which accompanies with long trumpets the dance of the Rabinal Achí; the ''adufe'', a square drum of Arab origin; and three small drums called ''aj ec'', which is used in the dance of the Negritos in Rabinal. Harp, violin and guitarrilla groups, with their corresponding "puñetero" or "bordonero", of Q'eqchi' ancestry, are common in Baja Verapaz.


Regional dances

In Rabinal, there is diversity of dances for the holidays: In Rabinal, they also perform the well-known ethno-historic dance, the ''Rabinal Achí'' (''Xajooj Tuun''). In Cubulco, the ''Palo Volador'' is well known, as well as the dances of: The dances of Salamá are ''El Venado'' and ''El Costeño''. In Purulhá, the dances are ''El Venado'' and ''Los Mazates''. In San Miguel Chicaj, they perform ''El Baile de la Pichona'' and ''De Toritos''.


Oral tradition

There are several types of storytellers in oral traditions who are valued for their knowledge of legends. There are specialized storytellers, whose qualities include knowing how to pass on the historical memory of their people, giving advice to the community, and being true sentinels of the cultures of the region. For the Achi, this storyteller has the title of ''ajtzij'' (''Anciano Mayordomo''; Elder Steward). The other type of storyteller is the occasional one, who narrates with less mastery than the ''ajtzij'', although they retain a large part of the wisdom and the ancestral traditions of their people. The legends that are narrated during rituals by the ''ajtzij'' on sacred hills and shrines recall the mythical history, which for the Achí of Rabinal, is true. An important genre is that of the ''Señores y Dueños de Cerros'' (Owners of the Hills), largely shared with those of
Alta Verapaz Alta Verapaz () is a department in the north central part of Guatemala. The capital and chief city of the department is Cobán. Verapaz is bordered to the north by El Petén, to the east by Izabal, to the south by Zacapa, El Progreso, and ...
.


Rajawales

It is said in Cubulco that the ''cerro Cajiup'' (Cajiup Hill) in the ''valle del Urram'' (Urram valley) in Rabinal, is inhabited by the ''rajawales'', which are spirits of the community and the region. On one occasion, a couple of merchants who were going to sell ceramics in Rabinal stayed to sleep on the ''cerro Cajiup'', with a view of the top of the ''cerro de los Yaguales'' (Yaguales Hill). They were very hungry. One of them saw a deer coming out of the side of the road, so he captured it and killed it. They ate it for dinner and fell asleep. One of the two heard the voice from the ''cerro Cajiup'' telling the ''Yaguales'' that they had killed "''su caballito''" (his little horse), and that now he could not go to the farm, to his animals. or to watch over the corn, and he asked to borrow his dogs to avenge "''su caballito''". "Why not, take them away," (''"Como no, llévatelos,"'') said ''cerro de los Yaguales''. The merchant got up, terrified, and told his companion what he had heard, but they thought they were dreaming. When the man who heard the voices returned home, his wife told him that the coyotes came one night and killed all the chickens without eating them. Then, the man was frightened and went to ask forgiveness from the ''Señor del Cerro'' (Lord of the Hill), "doing a ritual for him" (''"haciéndole una costumbre"'') to calm his anger.


Juan Caleb

In El Chol, the ''ajtzij'' say that on one occasion, a man named Juan Caleb offered a ''baile de los moros'' (dance of the Moors) for the ''Virgen de la Concepción'' (The Virgin Mary). Due to his lack of money, he went to the ''cerro Pacoc'' (Pacoc Hill) and began to cry. Then, an old man appeared and led him to the inside of the hill, showing him all kinds of costumes and telling him to choose. The clothing that the ''Señor del Cerro'' offered to Juan Caleb was the most beautiful and striking and everyone admired it. Juan Caleb could not keep the secret and told them everything, which angered the ''Señor del Cerro Pacoc''. With a great wind, he took the costumes away from the dancers in full celebration and Juan Caleb died soon after. but due to his lack of money, he went to the Pacoc hill and began to cry; then, an old man appeared and directed him to the interior of the hill and showed him all kinds of costumes and told him to choose. The costume that the Lord of the Hill offered to Juan Caleb was the most beautiful and striking; everyone admired it, but Juan Caleb could not keep the secret and told everything, for that reason the Lord of the Pacoc Hill got angry, and by means of a great wind took away the costumes to the dancers during the celebration, and Juan Caleb died soon after. Variants of this legend are found in every municipality of the region, but especially in Salamá, San Miguel Chicaj and Granados, and in Purulhá with those of Pocomchí ancestry.


Origin of corn

The Achi and Pocomchí indicate in their myths that they spread corn from their department to Guatemala and the world. There are variations of the legend "When the God of the World locked away the corn" (''"Cuando el Dios Mundo encerró al maíz"''), which is deeply rooted in Cubulco, San Jerónimo, San Miguel Chicaj, and Purulhá. In Granados, it is said that the ''cuervo'' (crow) found the corn locked in the ''cerro de Las Burras'' (Las Burras Hill), and for this reason there is a shrine on its summit, which is very sacred for the inhabitants of the site.


Patron saints

Current and widespread legends speak about the origin of the towns and their founding patron saints. The ''abuelos rezadores'' (religious-leader elders) of Rabinal say that in ancient times, when San Pablo lived in Tzamaneb', Rabinal, there was a man named Yew Achí or K'iche', who stole San Pablo's children. The saint could never confront him because Yew Achí arrived at night. When San Pablo realized, his children had already been stolen from him. They say that Yew Achí took the children in a '' mecapal'' by the dozen. Santiago, the patron saint of Kub'ul (Cubulco), noticed what was happening to his younger brother and asked him what was going on. San Pablo began to cry, and Santiago suggested to him that they switch towns. Santiago, who was the strongest, started to fight Yew Achí, but the Yew Achí hid under the earth and the water. Santiago controlled him when he tried to come out, but Yew Achí did not allow him to do so. So that "he would not be bothering him" (''"no lo estuviera fastidiando"''), Yew Achí apologized to Santiago and offered all his riches so he would not be killed. Santiago did not want riches, as he was poor and good, so he did not forgive Yew Achí. Before Yew Achí was killed, he asked for permission to shout seven times, cursing the people of Cubulco. Because of that, Santiago had to stay in that place as protector and patron of the town. There are variants of this legend in Purulhá, Salamá and San Jerónimo, which are also characterized by the same details and elements.


''Kabracán'' (earthquake)

The ''atzij'' say that the ''Dios Mundo'' is supported by four giant men, who when they get tired of holding it all up (''"de sostenerlo a tuto"''), change their position, and that is when earthquakes are generated. For this reason, earthquakes are called ''cabracanes'' in the region. It is also said that "as soon as the quake starts, the women must make 'tur tur' like they do when they call the hens." (''"en cuanto empieza a temblar, las mujeres deben hacer 'tur tur' como cuando llaman a las gallinas."'') They do this so that Kabracán does not take the heart of the corn, because it is the blood of the inhabitants of Baja Verapaz. A variant of this legend is known in San Jerónimo as "Sipac and the Three Spirits of Corn" (''"Sipac y los Tres Espíritus del Maíz"'') and in Purulhá as "Sipac, The Powerful" (''"Sipac, El Poderoso"''). In San Miguel Chicaj, there is a legend that tells of the struggle between the snake, the angel of lightning, and the spirit of corn.


''La Monja Blanca''

In ancient times, there was a ''Gran Señor'' (Great Lord), owner of hills and valleys, who came down to the village once a year. One day he saw a very beautiful woman with whom he fell in love. The ''Gran Señor'' went to the house of the young woman to ask for her as a wife, giving as dowry a chest full of money. The woman decided to live with the ''Gran Señor'', who spoiled her. However, the woman's parents took advantage of the situation to extort money, land, corn, cocoa, and other riches from their son-in-law. The woman suffered from shame due to her parents' greed. The parents wanted more money and went to visit the ''Gran Señor'', but saw nothing, only a light through the trees. They believed that the light was the spirit of the girl. When the ''Gran Señor'' came near, upon seeing them he turned them into tree trunks. After mourning his wife for many days, he turned the light into a beautiful white flower. Thus, the '' Monja Blanca'' (white nun) was created. It is the national flower, adorning every corner of Baja Verapaz.


Animistic legends

In Salamá, ''el Sombrerón'' is a giant who wears a big hat and watches over the animals at night. It is only seen before dawn. ''La Siguanaba'' is found in all the towns and villages of the department. ''La Llorona'' in Chol, shows a very different variant, since instead of drowning her son, she eats him to enact revenge on her husband who had a relationship with a woman from Cobán. In San Miguel Chicaj, it is said that the
siren Siren or sirens may refer to: Common meanings * Siren (alarm), a loud acoustic alarm used to alert people to emergencies * Siren (mythology), an enchanting but dangerous monster in Greek mythology Places * Siren (town), Wisconsin * Siren, Wiscon ...
was a disobedient woman who lived on the outskirts of San Miguel and bathed in the Ixcayán River on Good Friday, so God punished her by turning her into a siren. Other scary creatures are ''la Siguamonta'', ''el Cadejo'' and ''los Tzizimites'', of the sugar cane, which is abundant in San Jerónimo, Purulhá, and Cubulco.


Griffin

The griffin (''el pájaro grifo'') is characterized as a western literary figure from Salamá, and several stories are found in the mestizo population. In the neighborhood of Calvario, the story of the griffin is told. It tells of the adventures of a boy, inhabitant of El Chol, who has to obtain feathers of a magic bird called griffin to heal and marry the daughter of the ''Gran Señor'' of the water country (''país del agua''). After a series of incredible events, the teenager catches the bird and goes to live in the palace of the ''Señor del Agua'' (Lord of Water).


Other literary figures

A widespread tale is "Juan Oso" among the mestizos of Granados, and "Blanca Flor y Rosa Flor" ("White Flower and Pink Flower) in El Chol. Pedro Urdemales (or Ardimales), ''Tío Conejo'' (Uncle Rabbit) and ''Tío Coyote'' (Uncle Coyote) persist as characters in popular tales in San Miguel Chicaj and San Jerónimo. In Salamá, riddle-tales such as ''"Pan Mató a Panda"'' ("Bread Killed the Panda") and ''"Las Tres Adivinanzas"'' ("The Three Riddles) are well-known. Also in Salamá, part of the traditional oral poetry of medieval times is preserved, with the romances ''"Madre que sufría"'' ("Mother who suffered"), ''"Alfonsito llorón"'' ("Crying little Alfonso"), and ''"Dile, dile golondrina"'' ("Tell them, tell them, little bird"). There are also modern couplets, décimas, and ''romancillos'' (short romances) in the region. There is a myth in Rabinal that on the top of the ''Cerro Cuxbalám'' (Cuxbalám Hill) is the entrance to Xibalbá, the Maya underworld. It is said that the center of Xibalbá is Rabinal, where the men of Rabinal continue to play '' pelota''.


Notes


References

{{authority control Indigenous peoples in Guatemala Maya peoples Mesoamerican cultures Baja Verapaz Department