Friday, December 9, 2011

Guatemala~ Maximon~ The Smoking Drinking God

Here's one God I wanted to find out more about, he loves to smoke cigars, drink whiskey and enjoys glitz and blazing offerings. In the highlands of Guatemala he is a favorite Mayan deity. He seems to be a deity morphed from Maya gods, catholic saints, and Spanish conquistadors; needless to say the catholic church is not too keen on his popularity.

Each village has their own effigy of Maximon which is hosted by a different Mayan family each year, either in their home or nearby church. Villagers seek out Maximon's help in times of need whether it be poor health, love lost or found, a better crop, or a nasty enemy that needs a hex. Different colored candles indicate the different needs, the black candles are for the hex's.

Enterprising vendors are always there to help facilitate all your offering needs. You can even buy a Maximon effigy for yourself but only one is the official Maximon in the village.


Outside the church offerings are assembled with candles, cigars, whiskey, coke, candy, and a generous sprinkling of sugar before being ignited. At that point the shaman and family pray, sing and dance around the offering. Once the ritual is completed the host shaman is paid for his efforts and the safe keeping of Maximon which of course includes the side benefits of drinking the whiskey and smoking the cigars.

1 comment:

  1. Wonderful, the description of Maximon

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