Photos: A Traditional Mayan Graveyard in Chiapas, Mexico
This is why I love having my own transportation while traveling, especially if it’s a motorcycle. For the price of a packaged tour to a couple of villages outside of San Cristobal, we were able to rent a 150cc motorcycle and explore on our own. Which means that we got to stop at this charming hillside graveyard while the bus rode right by.
Christianity, Chiapan-style, is a bit different than what we’re used to in much of the world. The cross itself is different: a blend of the crucifix and the Mayan world tree and decorated with Mayan symbols that are probably as old as Christianity.
After a bit of online research, my travel buddy Candy learned that the planks you see on top of the graves are actually taken from the deceased’s house or from a relative’s. I think they help avoid erosion but they obviously serve another more ritual purpose as well.
There were a few Mayan ‘wreaths’ like this scattered about the rather large cemetery, but they seem to only appear at the more upscale/wealthy graves.
I never did learn the story behind the multiple crosses we found on many sites (note that there’s only the date of death — most families don’t keep records, so the date of birth is unknown). I’ve seen such crosses in various Mayan towns and even in the main graveyard of San Cristobal but I have no idea of the significance. Any scholars out there willing to inform us?
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Please let us know what you find out about the crosses. I’m quite curious about it and would also love to know more about the wood planks. I’m living vicariously through you friend…
Still asking around but no luck yet.
Wow, what an interesting and photogenic place! Good find :)
I wish I weren’t petrified of motorcycles, this seems like the perfect way to see Mexico.
One of the best places to bike I’ve found so far — I’d rate the Chiapas mountains with Laos in terms of speed, safety, landscape and driver friendliness. It’s a far cry from Vietnam, India or even Thailand…
i await the scholare’s comments. nice shots