Ceiba Tree: Sacred Tree Of Life Of Maya People And Universal Concept In Ancient Beliefs
A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Most civilizations of Mesoamerica have an old belief in the power of the “ceiba” tree. Mixtec, Aztec, Maya, and other cultures consider this tree sacred.
Tree of Life, Izapa Stela 5. Image credit: James Q. Jacobs - CC BY-SA 3.0
The ceiba is a gigantic Tree of Life in Maya religion and cosmology, and the point of beginning where the world came into existence. It grew deep into the underworld; its branches reached upwards towards the heavens, supporting it.
The Tree of Life, with its roots and branches, is a powerful worldwide symbol. It connects the earth and the sky and symbolizes strength, wisdom, protection, wealth, and beauty. The tree has become a symbol of immortality because it bears fruit and seeds that create new trees and new life.
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See also:
Centeotl: Lord Of Maize Who Was Revered Before The Olmecs By All Mesoamerica’s Inhabitants
Alux: Little Mythical Troublemaker And Guardian Of Corn Fields In Mayan Folklore
Xibalba: Nine-Leveled Underground Place Of Fear Ruled By Lords Of Death In Maya Beliefs
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