The Mayas were considered one of the great civilizations of Mexico (sheet)

The Mayan civilization is one of the most recognized nationally and internationally not only for its historical contribution, but for all the mysteries that surround this group. Installed in the southern part of the country, in Guatemala and Belize, this culture has an extensive mythology where gods such as Hunab Ku, Chaac, Itzamná among others stand out.

But one of the most intriguing mysteries of all their gods is their deity of love, the one responsible for bringing the earth to life with its fertility and care. Known as Ixchel, which means Rainbow Woman, she is the goddess who alludes to the Moon, water, earth and love.

According to the old codices, Ixchel She was considered the mother of management, textile work and medicine, in addition to those already mentioned, since for the Maya this goddess was the representative of femininity, ruled by the Moon, love and sexuality. In ancient pictographs she was recognized as an old woman carrying pitchers in her arms, as well as a remarkable beauty.

This deity was known by various names, however, all the writings agreed on its characteristics and its origins. However, and according to the Mayan codices and the famous Chilam Balam, she was also recognized for her destructive and malevolent ways, as she was afflicted by natural disasters, such as floods, diseases, droughts, spells, etc.

The monumental masks of Kohunlich are faces almost two meters high modeled in stucco (lime and sand) which stand out on the main face of the most important temple of the site.  (Photo: INAH Quintana Roo Center)
The monumental masks of Kohunlich are faces almost two meters high modeled in stucco (lime and sand) which stand out on the main face of the most important temple of the site. (Photo: INAH Quintana Roo Center)

According to legend, Ixchel was weaving when she met her husband, Itzam-Na, one of the most dominant gods in Mayan culture, as he represented the Sun, creation and light. These two deities had two sons: Yum Kaax, god of wild plants and animals, and Ek Chuah, god of cocoa, war and patron of merchants.

The goddess of love, was represented in different ways, due to her fertility characteristics, as well as her destructive facet, on some occasions she was seen as a young woman in the company of a rabbit, and in many other paintings, such as an old woman surrounded by snakes, skulls and underworld themes. Its remarkable colors were red, white, black and yellow, associating the course of the universe.

Other names by which it is known are:

Sak U’Ixik: Lady White Moon

Chak Chel: big rainbow

Ix Chebel Yax: lady of the first brush

Ix Chel: Shining Lady or Rainbow Lady

04/13/2015 Archaeologist Heather McKillop and her team have uncovered new findings about how the salt industry was organized to supply this staple food to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization.  POLICY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY EMILY BRAUNER/LSU
04/13/2015 Archaeologist Heather McKillop and her team have uncovered new findings about how the salt industry was organized to supply this staple food to inland cities during the Classic Maya civilization. POLICY RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY EMILY BRAUNER/LSU

One of the most representative temples of the goddess Ixchel was located on the island of Cuzumil, better known as Cozumel in the state of Quintana Roo. According to the data collected, the canoes with the pilgrims left from the post of the Pole, today Xcaret, where the inhabitants gathered with hundreds of gifts to be delivered.

Among the pilgrims stood out young women who went to temples to ask that in their pregnancies they be destined to be born as their husbands wanted, men for war and more.

Each year, Mayan culture celebrated Princess Ixchel with an event in what is now known as Playa del Carmen, where it was common to see the canoes of the Pilgrims.

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