Chac by Samantha Davison

T M R G T M R G

chac THE MAYAN RAIN GOD CHA-CK

T M R G

cOn ten ts

... ... ....

The Myth Of Chac

Representation Of Chac

Chac Rituals

The Four Parts Of Chac

Chac In The Modern Day

The Myth Of Ch

The Maya believed that at the beggining of time that Chac, the god of rain split apart a sacred stone with his axe. From the split stone grew the first maize plant. Residing in the sky, Chac would strike the clouds with his axe to create thunder and rain. The mayans believed that Chac spilled his own blood in sacrifice to create rain. He was thought to have dwelled in the water sources of earth so Chac was worshipped by the Mayans at sacred sites called cenotes, which are cavernous sinkholes with natural wells often found in mesoamerica, which were also the mayans primary water source.

hac

The Maya believed that at the beggining of time that Chac, the god of rain split apart a sacred stone with his axe. From the split stone grew the first maize plant. He was thought to have dwelled in the water dources of earth so Chac was worshipped by the Maya at sacred sites called cenotes which are cavernous sinkholes with natural wells often found in mesoamerica Residing in the sky, Chac would strike the clouds with his axe to create thunder and rain. The mayans believed that Chac spilled his own blood in sacrifice to create rain. He was though to have dwelled in the water dources of earth so Chac

"Resi in th

ding

e sky 07

was worshipped by the Maya at sacred sites

in the water sources of earth so Chac was

called cenotes which are cavernous sinkholes

worshipped by the Maya at sacred sites called

with natural wells often found in mesoameri-

cenotes which are cavernous sinkholes with

ca, which were also the mayans primary water

natural wells often found in mesoamerica, which

source.

were also the mayans primary water source.

The Maya believed that at the beggining of time that Chac, the god of rain split apart a

Sacred sites

sacred stone with his axe. From the split stone

He was thought to have dwelled in the water

grew the first maize plant. Residing in the sky,

sources of earth so Chac was worshipped by

Chac would strike the clouds with his axe to cre-

the Maya at sacred sites called cenotes which

ate thunder and rain. The mayans believed that

are cavernous sinkholes with natural wells often

Chac spilled his own blood in sacrifice to create

found in mesoamerica, which were also the ma-

rain. He was though to have dwelled in the

yans primary water source. Residing in the sky,

water dources of earth so Chac was worshipped

Chac would strike the clouds with his axe to cre-

by the Mayans at sacred sites called cenotes

ate thunder and rain. The mayans believed that

which are cavernous sinkholes with natural wells

Chac spilled his own blood in sacrifice to create

often found in mesoamerica, which were also

rain. He was though to have dwelled in the

the mayans primary water source. Chac would

water dources of earth so Chac was worshipped

strike the clouds with his axe to create thunder

by the Mayans at sacred sites called cenotes

and rain. The mayans believed that Chac spilled

which are cavernous sinkholes with natural wells

his own blood in sacrifice to create rain. He was

often found in mesoamerica, which were also

though to have dwelled in the water ources of

the mayans primary water source.

earth so Chac was worshipped by the Maya at sacred sites called cenotes which are cavernous sinkholes with natural wells often found in mesoamerica, which were also the mayans primary water source. He was though to have dwelled The stepped pyramid at ChichĂŠn-ItzĂĄ.

Repres tion Of Chac

entaChac was represented in the ancient maya

in the codices more often than any other god.

books called codices. He was shown to have

Throughout all the codices the figure Chac

long curved tusks curving down from his mouth, appears 218 times . This is T shaped shown in one forwards and the other backwards. Chac

the codices. This eye symbol may represent tears

was one of the most important Mayan Gods and following which is a metaphor for rain and fertilwas depicted as having a reptilian scaled body,

ity. The symbol for Chac is also the same as the

matted hair, and a large turned up nose. He

symbol for the Mayan day Ik which patron diety

has large round eyes that are often depicted as

was more than likely the rain god. The symbol

shedding tears as a symbol of rain.

for Chac is also the same as the symbol for the

Chac is often seen holding an axe which he uses to create rain, lightning and thunder.

Mayan day Ik which patron diety was more than likely the rain god.

Generally he also wears a elaborate knotted headband. The hieroglyph for Chacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name contains the symbols for the eye which is T shaped. This is T shaped shown in the codices. This eye symbol may represent tears following which is a metaphor for rain and fertility. The symbol for Chac is also the same as the symbol for the Mayan day Ik which patron diety was more than likely the rain god. Chac is mentioned or represented

long curved tusks curving down from his mouth"

Ancient Mayan codices

other god. Throughout all the codices the figure

Chac was represented in the ancient maya

Chac appears 218 times . Chac was represented

books called codices. He was shown to have

in the ancient maya books called codices. He

long curved tusks curving down from his mouth,

was shown to have long curved tusks curving

one forwards and the other backwards. Chac

down from his mouth, one forwards and the

was one of the most important Mayan Gods and

other backwards. Chac was one of the most

was depicted as having a reptilian scaled body,

important Mayan Gods and was depicted as

matted hair, and a large turned up nose. He

having a reptilian scaled body, matted hair, and

has large round eyes that are often depicted as

a large turned up nose. He has large round eyes

shedding tears as a symbol of rain.

that are often depicted as shedding tears as a

Chac is often seen holding an axe which

symbol of rain.

he uses to create rain, lightning and thunder. Generally he also wears a elaborate knotted headband. The hieroglyph for Chacâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name contains the symbols for the eye which is T shaped. This is T shaped shown in the codices. This eye symbol may represent tears following which is a metaphor for rain and fertility. The symbol for Chac is also the same as the symbol for the Mayan day Ik which patron diety was more than likely the rain god. Chac is mentioned or represented in the codices more often than any

Chac Rituals

Rituals and ceremonies were very important

sacrifice to appease Chac. One ritual involved

within Mayan society, they governed ever-

four boys behaving like frogs which is called the

day life. Ceremonies in honour of Chac were

Yucatec Cha-Chaac ceremony. It is believed they

common and were held in each Maya city at

did this because the frog represented Chac and

different levels of society. The rituals took place

frogs croaking were seen as a sign of impending

in agicultural fields asking Chac for rain. In times

rain. Shamans would perform rituals such as sac-

of severe drought sacrifices were made to Chac

rificing people by throwing them into cenotes.

to appease him.

In the sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in Yucatan

Shamans would perform rituals such

people were thrown into the wells and left to

as sacrificing people by throwing them into

drown. It is believed they did this because the

cenotes. In the sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in

frog represented Chac and frogs croaking were

Yucatan people were thrown into the wells and

seen as a sign of impending rain.

left to drown.They were usually accompanied by offerings of gold and Jade. If they survived they were seen as prophets of Chac and celebrated. Another rain ritual involved men leaving the village to follow strict fasting and celibacy to give

Shamans would perform rituals such as sacrificing people by throwing them into cenotes. In the sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in Yucatan people were thrown into the wells and left to drown.They were usually accompanied by offerings of gold and Jade. If they survived they were seen as prophets of Chac and celebrated. Another rain ritual involved men leaving the village to follow strict fasting and celibacy to give sacrifice to appease Chac. One ritual involved four boys behaving like frogs which is called the Yucatec Cha-Chaac ceremony. It is believed they did this because the frog represented Chac and frogs croaking were seen as a sign of impending rain. Shamans would perform rituals such as sacrificing people by throwing them into cenotes. In the sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in Yucatan people were thrown into the wells and left to drown. It is believed they did this because the frog represented Chac and frogs croaking were seen as a sign of impending rain. It is believed they did this because the frog represented Chac and frogs croaking were seen as a sign of impending rain. Shamans

The Shamans Rituals and ceremonies were very important within Mayan society, they governed everday life. Ceremonies in honour of Chac were common and were held in each Maya city at different levels of society. The rituals took place in agicultural fields asking Chac for rain. In times of severe drought sacrifices were made to Chac to appease him. Shamans would perform rituals such as sacrificing people by throwing them into cenotes. In the sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in Yucatan people were thrown into the wells and left to drown.They were usually accompanied by offerings of gold and Jade. If they survived they were seen as prophets of Chac and celebrated. Another rain ritual involved men leaving the village to follow strict fasting and celibacy to give sacrifice to appease Chac.

would perform rituals such as sacrificing people by throwing them into cenotes. In the sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in Yucatan people were thrown into the wells and left to drown. It is believed they did this because the frog represented Chac and frogs croaking were seen as a sign of impending rain.

Sacred cenote Chichén Itzá in Yucatan.

SACRIFICE ERE MAD TO CHAC T PPEASE HI

The Four Parts Of Chac

Due to the Maynans beliefs and there cosmol-

a sacred symbol to the Mayans centuries before

ogy Chaac was also linked to the four cardinal

Christianity arrived in central America.

directions. Each direction was linked to a specific

Each direction was linked to a specific Chac. Each of these Chacs or the plural Chacoob Chac. Each of these Chacs or the plural Chacoob was represented by a specific color, Chaak Xib was represented by a specific color, Chaak Xib Chaac, was the Red Chaac of the East., Sak Xib

Chaac, was the Red Chaac of the East., Sak Xib

Chaac, the White Chaac of the North, Ex Xib

Chaac, the Black Chaac of the West, and Kan

Xib Chaac, the Yellow Chaac of the South. These

Xib Chaac, the Yellow Chaac of the South.There

were the Chaacob were worshipped as deities

is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac

in many parts of Maya. Although the people

suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way

of Yucatan worshipped Chac as four seperate

children are ranked in Mayan society. There is

dieties in particular.

evidence that the four separate parts of Chac

There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas

suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. There is

this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. here is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society.

The Four Chacs Another possibility, is that the four aspects additionally represent the four holy days of the vernal and autumnal equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices. The crossing of those two planes forms a cross over the Earth, which was

Each direction was linked to a specific Chac. Each of these Chacs or the plural Chacoob was represented by a specific color, Chaak Xib

Chaac, was the Red Chaac of the East., Sak Xib

Chaac, the White Chaac of the North, Ex Xib Chaac, the Black Chaac of the West, and Kan

Xib Chaac, the Yellow Chaac of the South.There

is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society.

evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. Each direction was linked to a specific Chac. Each of these Chacs or the plural Chacoob was represented by a specific color, Chaak Xib Chaac, was the Red Chaac of the East., Sak Xib Chaac, the White Chaac of the North, Ex Xib Chaac, the Black Chaac of the West, and Kan Xib Chaac, the Yellow Chaac of the South.There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society.

"EACH DIRECTION IS LINKED TO A SPECIFIC CHAC."

Each direction was linked to a specific Chac. Each of these Chacs or the plural Chacoob was represented by a specific color, Chaak Xib Chaac, was the Red Chaac of the East., Sak Xib Chaac, the White Chaac of the North, Ex Xib Chaac, the Black Chaac of the West, and Kan Xib Chaac, the Yellow Chaac of the South.There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society.

Siblings of the Gods There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. There is evidence that the four separate parts of Chac suggests for siblings of the Godas this is the way children are ranked in Mayan society. Each direction was linked to a specific Chac. Each of these Chacs or the plural Chacoob was represented by a specific color, Chaak Xib Chaac, was the Red Chaac of the East., Sak Xib Chaac, the White Chaac of the North, Ex Xib Chaac, the Black Chaac of the West, and Kan Xib Chaac, the Yellow Chaac of the South.

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Chac In The Modern Day Chac is still important within modern Mayan

culture. Rituals in caves are still held and offereings are given up to Chac in times of drought,

although the custom of human sacrificing has

died out. According to modern Mayan descendants living in Guatemala, â&#x20AC;&#x153;water is a god who

knows many paths and has much strength as he climbs to the sky in order to bring rain. There are an estimated 6 million Maya living in this area at the start of the 21st century. Some are quite integrated into the modern cultures of the nations in which they reside, others continue a more traditional culturally distinct life, often speaking one of the Mayan languages as a primary language.

Chac is still important within modern Mayan

culture. Rituals in caves are still held and offere-

ings are given up to Chac in times of drought,

although the custom of human sacrificing has

died out. According to modern Mayan descend-

died out. There are an estimated 6 million Maya

ants living in Guatemala, â&#x20AC;&#x153;water is a god who

living in this area at the start of the 21st century.

knows many paths and has much strength as he

Some are quite integrated into the modern cul-

climbs to the sky in order to bring rain.

tures of the nations in which they reside, others

There are an estimated 6 million Maya living in

continue a more traditional culturally distinct

this area at the start of the 21st century. Some

life, often speaking one of the Mayan languages

are quite integrated into the modern cultures

as a primary language.The mayans were invaded

of the nations in which they reside, others con-

for spanish explorers and some were forced to

tinue a more traditional culturally distinct life,

convert to Christianity. Today Chac is also asso-

often speaking one of the Mayan languages as a

ciated with St Peter to some Mayans.There are

primary language.

an estimated 6 million Maya living in this area at

The mayans were invaded for spanish

the start of the 21st century.

explorers and some were forced to convert to Christianity. Today Chac is also associated with St Peter to some Mayans.There are an estimated 6 million Maya living in this area at the start of the 21st century.

Modern Mayan women weaving traditional fabric for tourists.

chACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A special thankyou Chac is still important within modern Mayan culture. Rituals in caves are still held and offereings are given up to Chac in times of drought, although the custom of human sacrificing has died out. There are an estimated 6 million Maya living in this area at the start of the 21st century. Some are quite integrated into the modern cultures of the nations in which they reside, others continue a more traditional culturally distinct life, often speaking one of the Mayan languages as a primary language. Chac is still important within modern Mayan culture. Rituals in caves are still held and offereings are given up to Chac in times of drought, although the custom of human sacrificing has died out. There are an estimated 6 million Maya living in this area at the start of the 21st century. Some are quite integrated into the modern cultures of the nations in which they reside, others continue a more traditional culturally distinct life, often speaking one of the Mayan languages as a primary language.