• Home
  • Blog
  • who-are-the-maya
  • Maya Millennial Secrets of the Moon
<span id="hs_cos_wrapper_name" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="text" >Maya Millennial Secrets of the Moon</span>

Maya Millennial Secrets of the Moon

08 september 2021
/
2 min. de lectura
Share

The moon is one of the most enigmatic and important elements within Maya mythology, to the extent that a calendar was created from its observation. It is also identified with the goddess Ixchel, and the creation of life and fertility is attributed as powers. It is believed to have great influence over the inhabitants of the planet, oceans, women and agriculture. Nowadays, the “milperos” of the Yucatán Peninsula continue worshiping the moon in customs related to planting. Do you want to know more? Join us to discover some enigmas of the moon.

 

This astronomical body that dominates the night skies has always proved to be of great importance for its effects on the seas and life cycles. The Maya, as observers and scientists, also were aware of its influence on the flow of the tide, harvests and fertility, so they dedicated themselves to identify its phases. They already knew that the full moon is the phase that has the most power over living beings, so they took advantage of those days to sow their fields and to fish, because the fish are closer to the shores; as well as for trade and certain rituals involving potions and medicines.

 

representación-de-la-luna-by-Jorge-RosadoIn agriculture, the moon still governs some crops depending on their stages or the season. The Maya observed resins and liquids from plants and fruits, comparing their properties and taste to identify the best time for planting each one. These customs were inherited and preserved until today. Are you ready to learn some ancient secrets?

 

 

Full Moon:

Plant fruits that grow on the ground when the moon is full: tomato, chile, cucumber, melon, watermelon, pumpkin.

 

 

Crescent Moon:

Plants of leaves, flowers, and stems such as coriander, lettuce, peppermint, epazote, chaya, and cactus should be planted during the crescent moon.

 

 

Waning Moon:

In order to get better grains and seeds like corn, beans and lentils, give yourself time to plant during the waning moon.

 

 

New Moon:

Finally, fruits under the ground such as onion, garlic, beet, radish, carrot, peanuts, sweet potato, jícama and potato are ideal for planting during the new moon. If you have a plant and you want to prune it to grow better, do it during the waning moon or new moon. To make grafts, wait for the full moon.

 

With these valuable teaching of the Maya we are sure that you can plan your plantings better and take advantage of the influence of each phase of the moon to obtain better fruits.

Violeta H. Cantarell

Author: Violeta H. Cantarell

“Meridana,” traveler, animal lover, passionate reader, commentator, and enthusiastic promoter of the natural and human beauty of Yucatán.

¡Receive the latest articles and much more from the best of Yucatán in your email!



Related articles