Rabbit in the Moon
www.halfmoon.org
One of the easiest ways to learn about something is to become actively involved in it. Either that, or learn something about it that seems so “off the wall” that it sticks in one’s memory. Rabbit in the Moon utilizes this technique. The website has numerous subjects to click on and find more information about. Rather than having the typical straightforward historical information, this site has more unusual information. For example, under the “Mayan Architectural Models” link, the visitor can get access to the basic layout of the House of the Governor as well as information about its uses. Furthermore, the site has information about the Mayan language, games and odd bits of information about the culture that are presented in an interesting way. It even has a translator!
The site itself, besides being useful, is also fun. The text, background and links are all different, bright colors. If you get stuck, there is a search engine that the visitor can use to search the site. In addition, there are many links to other sites if the visitor finds that this particular site does not provide the information that they require. However, since the sites last update was more than two years ago, 5/10/99, some of the links and/or contact information are bound to be out of date. Overall, this site to be very fun, though not as informative as some would like. If nothing else, the web address, www.halfmoon.org is short and easy to remember!
CMCC -- Mystery of the Maya -- Maya Civilization
www.civilization.ca/membrs/civiliz/maya/mmc01eng.html
If the visitor prefers simple, straightforward information, they may prefer this site. Upon your arrival to the site, there are a few paragraphs providing general information about the Mayan people. Once the visitor has scrolled farther down the page, there is a set of different links to different parts of the site that provide information about the subject of choice. In each category there is a lengthy essay on that particular topic. Photographs accompany the information. There are links within the category that take the visitor to other pages or other parts of the site. For example, under the “Cosmology and Religion” category, there is a link named “Sacred Round Calendar” that will direct the visitor to the page about the Mayan Calendar.
The site is both attractive and functional. It is also simplistically informative. M The language is more advanced that a grade school book but less complicated than a graduate students’ book. It is accessible in French as well as English. However, due to the fact that it was last updated April 13, 1997, many of the links are obsolete and some of the information may not incorporate the latest discovery. Though it may not be up to date, this particular website functions well as a springboard into the Mayan civilization.
Mayans
www.crystalinks.com/mayan.html
Another simple but informative website is Mayans. The welcome page has a map of the Mayan region. Scrolling down, one will find links to different pages. One of the more fascinating is the one that takes the visitor to a page about the Mayan “Gods and Goddesses.” This page is rather fascinating in that it provides short paragraphs about several of the major gods, incorporating pictures where appropriate. Farther down the page, there is an alphabetical listing and short sentences about other well know gods and goddesses. In addition to information about gods and goddesses, the pages’ author has categories of art and architecture, geography, society, calendar and prophesies, history and religion.
The page is not necessarily connected with any institution or educational facility, but it does have interesting and good information. Like the site mentioned prior to this one, the language is simplistic, but not exceedingly so. While there is no firm date as to when the site was last updated, the sites’ sponsor last updated their site on June 28, 2001. Overall, it is a site well worth one’s visit.
Component B
My name is Ix Chel. It is pronounced “eesh- chel.” Many of my worshipers, whom modern history refers to as the Mayans, refer to me as “Lady Rainbow.” The creator of this page has asked me to tell you what I can about the gods and goddesses of the Mayan world. Most archeologists and paleontologists have found the Mayan pantheon, or recognized gods, to be too confusing. They have not been able to find a lot of information about them. I will tell you what I can.
I am the goddess of many things. Some see me as a kind and gentle goddess; some see me as a vengeful one. Well, as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” so too is personality. My actions may cause pain at times, but can also be the source of great joy at others.
Some historians believe that I was a beautiful woman who sat in side the curve of the moon with a rabbit on my lap. Ha! Had they looked as the art that my worshipers had created they would see that I am more often depicted as an old woman wearing a skirt that has two crossed bones on it. I often have my serpent friend, who has a large belly full of water, with me. Many times I have a large jug of water with me.
Both the snake and the jug are indicative of one of my better known duties, which is to overturn the jug, or let the water out of the snake, causing floods and powerful rainstorms. For this, many see me as horrible and unforgiving. However, I am also the goddess of most things feminine. I watch over those who are in childbirth. I also watch over the basket weavers. I am also associated with the moon quite frequently.
Oh, I suppose you want to hear about some of the other gods as well. My husband is Itzamna. Many historians and researchers sometimes believe him to be the Supreme Being. Well, I guess that is what they might think given that he is the god of heaven, day and night. He also gave humans writing, the calendar and is the patron saint of medicine. Sometimes people of modern times consider us to be the same deity; he being the male persona and I the female.
Another god is Ah Puch. He is the god of death. Many confuse him with Ixtab, who is the goddess of suicide. In the ancient times, suicide was not the taboo that it is now. My people believed that committing the act would help you go to heaven, so it was not all that uncommon.
Chac is the god of rain. Many of the farmers prayed to him for rain for their crops. I suppose that they do not like the fact that I make all the water come at one time, which is not good for their crops. Most associate him with creation and life. However, some priests who aid in human and animal sacrifices are called chacs in honor of him. I do not understand that.
Well, that is enough for now. Should you desire to learn more, I would examine the links that the mistress of this page has provided for you. Farewell.
