Mayan Cultural Ceremonies and Marriages

At what age do girls typically undergo their coming-of-age ceremony in Mayan culture?

What role do matchmakers, known as atanzahab, play in Mayan marriages?

Which item is removed from a boy's hair during his coming-of-age ceremony?

What is typically given to the bride's family during the negotiations for a Mayan marriage?

How old do boys generally marry in Mayan culture?

Mayan Special Occasions

Birth ceremonies: Families celebrated a child's birth with a priest performing a ceremony similar to baptism, and forecasting the baby's future
Three-month ceremony (girls): Introduced girls to tools for household tasks (spinning, weaving, carrying water, cooking, maize processing)
Four-month ceremony (boys): Introduced boys to tools related to farming and hunting (axes, planting sticks, spears, knives, traps)
Coming-of-age ceremonies: Girls at 12, boys at 14, involved confessions, cleansing, and reciting rules of conduct; the ceremony involved removing symbols of innocence (white beads from boys' hair, red shells from girls' waists)

Mayan Marriage Customs

Marriage negotiations: Arranged by village matchmakers (atanzahab); families negotiated the bride price (food, clothing), agreeing on the number of years the groom would work for his wife's family.
Marriage ceremony: villagers built a hut; bride and groom wore special clothing; a priest blessed the marriage; celebration by the villagers.
Typical marriage ages: Men usually married around 20, women as young as 14.

Explore the rich traditions of the Mayan civilization, focusing on special occasions such as birth and coming-of-age ceremonies, as well as marriage customs. Learn about the rituals, tools involved, and the significance of these ceremonies in Mayan culture. Delve into the fascinating world of this ancient civilization and its customs.