Visitors to Lake Atitlan are enchanted by the gods that dwell there, and the mystical atmosphere permeates their spirits. Because the world is shrinking and Western civilization has spread to every corner of the globe. Lake Atitlan is the only place on Earth where the quickly changing world seems to have less of an influence. Traditional Mayan healers are still sought out first by the locals in the event of health issues, and magic permeates the ancient supervolcanic valley.
There is a Mother in the river, and there is a mystical force in the mountains
The local Mayans who live in the Sierra Madre Mountains, three hours from Lake Atitlan, are Lake Atitlan’s beating heart. The lake is referred to as ‘the location of the water,’ ‘the spot where the colours of the rainbow originate from,’ and even ‘the site of the gringo’ by the locals. ‘
This 11.8 by 6 mile (19 x 10 km) lake is surrounded by small towns, yet the gringos (or gringas to use a hilarious moniker for a non-native) have legends of mysticism and magic, as well as a profound spiritual connection to this site, much like the indigenous Mayans.
Backpackers and anthropologists flock to this spot to see the paranormal’s impact. After visiting, many individuals who had before disbelieved in the power of the supernatural became believers. According to the anecdotes and comments, guests at this well-known Yoga retreat have reported experiencing a variety of strange and vivid dreams. Even now, Mayan mythology is still spoken about reverently and whispered among the indigenous population.
Atitlan, Lake Atitlan, Lake Atitlan
Despite the fact that they have been heavily influenced by the West, the people of this rural corner of Guatemala are thriving. Their Mayan ancestry runs as deep as the lake itself, which measures 1,049 feet (320 metres). In order to preserve their culture, they are not allowed to marry outsiders and must wear traditional clothing. In the tourism sector, they have carved out a niche for themselves by preserving and promoting the core qualities of their culture.
The Mayan civilization may be found in Lake Atitlan
The Mayans have a well-deserved reputation for having a deep respect for nature and all that it has to offer. It is said that a person is born with four animal spirits that come to represent different elements of their personality as they grow older. There are spiritual beings known as Nuuals that live in this planet. In art, rituals, and on dwellings, maize is often depicted since it represents the source of life.
Mayans worshipped to a variety of gods and goddesses in addition to fire in order to get what they needed to live and thrive: fruit from the land, chicken eggs, storms and thunder from the mountains, and even the life-giving waters of the lake.
The Mayans were enslaved by the Spanish conquistadors and compelled to wear traditional dress, which is now considered traditional, but was initially worn to identify the indigenous people as slaves.
The Mayan civilization may be found in Lake Atitlan
People still weave Nuuals into their clothing as a way of giving them strength and power, even if the Mayan elements of it have long since faded.
Consequently, these civilizations rely heavily on tourists to come and learn about them. This initiative has made it feasible for the elderly to put food on the table and acquire treatment for the back pain and arthritis they suffer from years of hauling enormous bags of coffee, beans, and other things up and down steep slopes.