Home Living in Mexico Oaxaca’s Zapotec Heritage: A Modern Ceremony at Villas Biznaga Oaxaca’s Zapotec Heritage: A Modern Ceremony at Villas Biznaga by Brent May December 11, 2023 by Brent May 1.1K The Zapotecs (Oaxaca’s Zapotec Heritage) were an indigenous civilization that lived along the Oaxaca coast and all over the state of Oaxaca. They are known for their rich and ancient history, with roots dating back over 2,500 years. You may be familiar with Monte Alban right outside of Oaxaca city. It was the most significant Zapotec city-state, founded around 500 BC. It was known for its impressive architecture, pyramids, and complex city planning. It was one of the earliest urban centers in Mesoamerica. Zapotec culture is still very present along the coast. We witness aspects of the culture almost daily. We meet people and families who speak Zapotec, we have visited Zapotec sites like Monte Alban and other lesser-known archaeological sites around Oaxaca. One of the main representations of Zapotec society that we witness today are traditional ceremonies and rituals. The Zapotecs had a polytheistic religion, worshipping several deities, some of which were related to natural elements and agricultural cycles. Ceremonies revolve around giving thanks, asking for rain or a good harvest. We recently attended a ceremony on the land for the new development, Villas Biznaga. Offerings were made of corn, cotton, feathers, herbs, precious stones, ears of corn, statuettes, chilis, beans, pumpkin seeds, etc. Offerings are laid out to different gods, honoring the 4 cardinal points. To the West, offerings are laid out on a red or orange cloth, honoring Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god or god of creation, who represents the Earth. Facing North, offerings are laid on a black cloth, honoring Tzcatlipoca, creator of sky and earth, manifesting as Wind. To the East, on a white cloth, offerings are laid out to Xipe Totec, god of life and death and agriculture, representing fire. To the South, on a blue cloth, offerings are laid out to honor Huitzilopochtli, sun and war god, representing water. During the ritual, copal is burned. Copal is a tree resin from the Copal tree or can be made from other tropical trees. It is from the same family of trees as Frankincense, Myrrh and Palo Santo. Copal is burnt in an urn called a Popoxcomitl. It has a sweet, earthy pine-like aroma. The Copal is figuratively the sacrificial blood of the trees, food for the gods and ancestors, and a smoke signal to the heavens and a way of saying thank you. It is believed to call upon the gods to purify the energy of places. It is also a spiritual and physical medicine thought to help with opening the soul to intuition and inspiration. The ceremony on the land asked for the purification of the energy of this special place. Copal was burned and presented to the 4 cardinal points, also purifying those who attended the ceremony. Today, the descendants of the Zapotecs continue to live in Oaxaca and maintain aspects of their cultural heritage. They are known for their vibrant traditions, crafts, and cuisine, making Oaxaca a culturally rich and diverse region within Mexico. 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail Brent May Brent May is the GM and Founder of Mexico Living. He is highly motivated and strives for excellence in order to provide the best service possible for foreigners buying property in Mexico. He understands some of the frustrations people may have while searching for a property in paradise and has learned from his own experiences buying and living in Mexico. Brent and his wife are grateful for the opportunities they have and to be able to live in a place most people vacation in. Brent's extensive knowledge and experience in the buying process will leave you at ease while buying property in Mexico. previous post Exploring Real Estate Investment Opportunities in Mazatlán next post December’s posadas mix dancing, fireworks, drink and devotion You may also like Spice Up Your Holidays with Authentic Mexican Christmas... December 20, 2024 Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Mexico with Great Schools... December 19, 2024 Las Posadas: Mexico’s Christmas Tradition December 16, 2024 Understanding the Safety of Living in Huatulco: What... December 12, 2024 How To Celebrate the Holiday Season in Mexico December 6, 2024 How Mexico Property Taxes Differ from the U.S.... December 3, 2024 Why Mexican Modern Homes are Redefining Architecture in... November 21, 2024 What Makes Homes for Sale in Mazatlán, Mexico... November 18, 2024 How Much Does Homeowners Insurance Cost in Mexico’s... October 29, 2024 How to Experience Day of the Dead in... October 28, 2024 Leave a Comment Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.