Meet the Ixchel Temple, the goddess of fertility. The Mayans left a cultural heritage of priceless value. This civilization, which dominated the political, religious, economic, and cultural scene in the Yucatan Peninsula, left unforgettable customs and traditions on Mexican lands. Gastronomy, art, religion are just some examples. Each Mayan ruin that still stands in the Mexican Caribbean becomes a great testimony to the passage of time and reminds us that, although they are almost gone, they are still present.
The Mayans developed a stunning and highly precise religious system, which continues to amaze modern-day experts. Talking about it would practically be impossible without reducing what the deities represented to this civilization.
Princess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility
Among the most revered gods of the Mayans, Ixchel cannot be ignored. Yes, the Goddess of Fertility, Health, and Love. Some legends say she was the wife of the Sun God, with whom she had 13 children, two of whom were creator gods. Others merely explain the rituals that Mayan women performed to venerate her: sailing in the company of men to the temple of Isla Mujeres or Cozumel to ask the Goddess to bless their wombs with life.
This feminine deity was also associated with the moon. If you want to recognize her among the other gods, you need to know how she was depicted. There are two possibilities in this regard: the young goddess associated with the New Moon and the old one, associated with the Full Moon. The first was a young woman with a bare torso and long hair; the latter, an old woman with a serpent headdress, a pitcher in her hand pouring water on the ground, and in a weaving posture.
If you have the opportunity to travel to Isla Mujeres, you must visit the beautiful temple that Ixchel has there. It is located in the southern area of the island. Unfortunately, the passage of Hurricane Gilbert in 1988 destroyed a significant part of the temple; however, it still stands, reminding all visitors to the island that it was, is, and always will be a Mayan land.
Imagining the ceremonies and rituals celebrated in her name will be mind-blowing. Even more so if you take part in the Sacred Mayan Crossing organized by Xcaret for several years. What is it? In ancient times, the Mayans sailed from the coasts of Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen to worship this deity and ask for fertility, love, or health. Huge canoes departed from the coast of Quintana Roo and headed to the temples where Ixchel resided. Nowadays, the Xcaret park recreates these crossings with more than 300 artists on stage. It is truly an emotional spectacle that will make your imagination soar.
Visit the Mexican Caribbean, a destination where the most exotic Caribbean landscapes, excellence in tourist services, and the enigmatic Mayan tales coexist. Let yourself be seduced by its mysteries and charms!
Portuguese Versión: A Deusa da Fertilidade Ixchel tem sua tiemplo em Isla Mujeres
