#Kukulkan Pyramid

[rabbitcruiser]

Mexican Independence Day

Mexico is the best place to be on September 16, Mexican Independence Day. This fiesta-friendly holiday celebrates Mexico’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810, and it’s filled with national pride, colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food, food, and more Sabrosa food.

People of Mexican heritage all over the world commemorate this important event in their country’s history when a brave priest in the village of Dolores rang his church bell and delivered a powerful speech that set the War of Independence from Spain in motion. Even the President of Mexico participates by ringing that same bell — now over 200 years old — live on TV the night before the big celebration.

When is Mexican Independence Day 2023?

Get festive and celebrate Mexican heritage on Mexican Independence Day on September 16.

History of Mexican Independence Day

Mexico, once known as New Spain, was a colony harshly ruled by the kingdom of Spain for over 300 years. The native population was oppressed, farmland and personal wealth were confiscated and only Spaniards were allowed to hold political posts. The oppression became too much and a Catholic priest in the town of Dolores named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla had enough.

On September 16, 1810, he rang his church’s bell and delivered a speech now known as the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), demanding the end of Spanish rule. This started the brutal Mexican War of Independence, which lasted over a decade. On August 24, 1821, Spain withdrew and officially recognized Mexico as an independent country.  Today, Father Hidalgo is known as the Father of Mexican Independence. Mexican Independence Day has been celebrated every year since that momentous day on September 16, 1810. To promote education among Hispanic students many organizations and companies have established scholarships for Hispanic students, as another way of supporting Mexican independence.

Mexican Independence Day has developed into a huge nationwide celebration over the past 200-plus years. The country’s leaders were inspired by our own July 4 Independence Day festivities, so fireworks fill the skies at night and the day is filled with patriotic speeches, flag-waving, parades, live music, and home-cooked feasts. Red, white and green — the colors of the Mexican flag — are seen everywhere across Mexico and even cities in the U.S. with large Mexican populations.

One of the most popular events connected to Mexican Independence Day is when the President of Mexico rings the 200-year-old bell Father Hidalgo used in 1810 and recites the Grito de Dolores speech in front of 500,000 people. This event is broadcast live to millions via Mexican TV and radio on the evening of September 15.

Many people outside of Mexico think that Mexican Independence Day and Cinco de Mayo are the same things. Cinco de Mayo celebrates another victory when the outnumbered Mexican army defeated the powerful French militia in 1862 during the Battle of Puebla.

Mexican Independence Day timeline

April 21, 1519

300 Years of Spanish Rule

Spanish commander Hernán Cortés and his soldiers anchor off the Mexican coast, and the conquest and destruction of the mighty Aztec Empire begins.

September 16, 1810

El Grito de Dolores (The Cry of Dolores)

Father Hidalgo delivers his legendary speech, spurring the population to revolt against Spanish rule.

July 1811

Father Hidalgo is Executed by Spanish Forces.

His army, made up of loyal revolutionaries, continued to fight in his honor.

August 24, 1821

Mexico is Declared an Independent Country

Spain signs The Treaty of Cordoba, ending the War of Independence, declaring Mexico a free country.

Traditions of the Day

Mexican Independence Day is celebrated with festive fireworks, fiestas or parties, and lots of good food and music. The colors for the day are of the Mexican flag — red, white, and green — which are seen everywhere in public areas along with flowers and other decorations. Mexicans jubilantly blow whistles and horns and throw confetti, and crowds chant “Viva la independencia nacional!” and “Viva Mexico!” in the streets. 

Traditional mariachi music spices up the events with lively dancing. Of course, food is one of the most important aspects of Independence Day celebrations — restaurants and street vendors sell traditional Mexican food. Others prepare feasts at home to serve at parties. This includes fruit punch, candies like marzipan, ‘pozole’ — a soup made from hominy and pork, beef stew known as ‘Menudo,’ roast lamb, ‘Queso Fundido’ — a Mexican cheese fondue, and chips with guacamole and salsa. Popular beverages for parties are Mexican beer, sangria, or tequila.

By The Numbers 

127.6 million – the population of Mexico.

$1.269 trillion – the gross domestic product of Mexico.

50 – the number of indigenous languages spoken in Mexico.

13th – the ranking of Mexico as the largest country in terms of land. 

52 – the international dialing code for Mexico.

Mexican Independence Day FAQs

Can you watch the President of Mexico reenact the The Cry of Dolores in person?

Yes. If you travel to Mexico City and go to the National Palace on September 15 around 11 p.m., you can be among the 500,000 people watching the President ring the bell of Hidalgo and recite The Cry of Dolores in person.

Why is Mexican Independence Day not as popular a holiday as Cinco de Mayo is in the U.S.?

Some experts in international relations think that Cinco de Mayo is more popular in the USA because it celebrates Mexican culture overall and does not celebrate the start of a war in another country, which Mexican Independence Day does.

What is the Cinco de Mayo?

The Cinco de Mayo is a celebration commemorating the victory of the Mexicans over the French at the Battle of Puebla.

Where exactly is the town of Dolores in Mexico?

Dolores, the charming colonial town where Father Hidalgo gave his famous Cry of Dolores speech, is located in central Mexico. The church where Hidalgo gave his famous speech still stands and there is a museum dedicated to his life in town as well as affordable hotels in the area.

Is Mexico a third world country?

Although technically recognized as a 3rd world country, Mexico has a thriving economy, an incredibly developed infrastructure, and low infant mortality rates compared with most other counties of the world.

How to Observe Mexican Independence Day

Grab a table at your local Mexican restaurant: You don’t have to be Mexican to celebrate Mexican Independence Day. Enjoy the festivities while you enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal and an ice cold cerveza.

Fly the Mexican flag: No matter where you live, celebrate Mexico’s independence by displaying the country’s distinctive green, white, and red flag. The vertical stripes represent — in order — independence, Roman Catholicism, and unity.

Watch or listen to the live broadcast of El Grito de Dolores reenactment: Settle down in front of your TV or radio when the President of Mexico delivers El Grito de Dolores, complete with bell ringing, at 11 p.m. on September 15. Then let the party begin!

5 Cool Facts About Mexican Independence Day

Eat the colors of the Mexican flag: Chiles En Nogada (poblano chiles stuffed with savory meat) features the three colors of the Mexican flag: green (fresh parsley), white (walnut cream sauce), and red (pomegranate seeds).

A Mexican household favorite: Beans are a staple of Mexican cooking, so buy some fresh pinto or black beans and whip up a hearty Mexican meal of Frijoles de la Olla (beans in a pot), which is basically a pot of simmered beans mixed with onion and garlic and topped with fresh sour cream.

Wash it down: Skip commonplace beverages like beer and margaritas and offer something different, like a traditional Mexican ponche (fruit punch) made from sugarcane, oranges, pears, guavas, raisins, and apples seasoned with cinnamon and clove.

Que es Queso?: Queso is the Spanish word for cheese, and the only thing cheesier than an overdramatic Mexican telenovela is Queso Fundido, a traditional Mexican fondue of melted white cheese simmered with lime juice, hot sauce and garlic.

Hangover Cure: Menudo, a rich, hearty stew made from stew beef, hominy (corn kernels), tripe (cow stomach lining) that’s cooked with onion, garlic, lime, and cilantro, is considered to be a traditional hangover cure for those who imbibe a few too many cervezas on September 16.

Why Mexican Independence Day is Important

It celebrates freedom: Just like July 4 in America or Bastille Day in France, Mexican Independence Day celebrates freedom. And we think there is nothing sweeter than freedom, unless you count Mazapán, a sweet peanut flavored Mexican candy.

It's a two day fiesta: Even though the official day of celebration is September 16, when banks, schools, and businesses are closed, many folks start gearing up on September 15, climaxing with the President’s reading of El Grito de Dolores live on TV at 11p.m.

It’s a day for Mexican cuisine: It’s probably one of the best days of the year to sample Mexican food! There will be an excess supply of it so get your taste buds ready for the feast.

Source

[blackpointgame]

[eagle-longing-for-rostau]

Drawing depicting what the Temple of Kukulkan at Chichen Itza might have looked like a few centuries after the Mayans abandoned it. Art by Frederick Catherwood, circa 1844

[larrycoyote]

Quetzalcoatl. The cosmic overseer perched at the apex.

Quetzalcoatl

[jupiter049]

I had a dream where 'Rogue' came out and it was a completely different episode from what it was marketed as and instead it was another Doctor-lite episode in which Ruby made a journey with her friends to stop a bunch of conservatives from taking over the kukulkan pyramid. At the end it was revealed that now Doctor Who would be part of the MCU and that Ncuti Gatwa would play a Tony Stark variant.

It was the worst nightmare I had in years.

[apod]

2023 March 19

Equinox at the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent Image Credit & Copyright: Robert Fedez

Explanation: To see the feathered serpent descend the Mayan pyramid requires exquisite timing. You must visit El Castillo -- in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula -- near an equinox. Then, during the late afternoon if the sky is clear, the pyramid's own shadows create triangles that merge into the famous illusion of a slithering viper. Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, the impressive step-pyramid stands 30 meters tall and 55 meters wide at the base. Built up as a series of square terraces by the pre-Columbian civilization between the 9th and 12th century, the structure can be used as a calendar and is noted for astronomical alignments. The featured composite image was captured in 2019 with Jupiter and Saturn straddling the diagonal central band of our Milky Way galaxy. Tomorrow marks another equinox -- not only at Temple of Kukulcán, but all over planet Earth.

∞ Source: apod.nasa.gov/apod/ap230319.html

[tgrailwar-zero]

Thanks for setting up a meeting with Cleopatra. Sorry we weren’t more help. It couldn’t have been easy, but we’re really grateful.

Did the guards say anything, did they seem on edge?

MUSASHI: "Yep. Luckily, I had some clout because of my Bout match, so they were a bit more amenable. They also relayed that the Pharaoh wasn't in the most chipper of moods."

KUKULKAN: "Mm. War is on the horizon, yes? It hasn't spread to the people, but for those close to the rulers, they must be feeling the tension in the air."

The goddess folded her arms, sighing. She didn't go for the hug yet.

KUKULKAN: "I forgive you, okay? I was… I mean, I still am feeling a little frustrated…"

KUKULKAN: "…But just because I'm frustrated doesn't mean I hate you forever. I was just a little... I don't know, disappointed? But I wouldn't be disappointed if I didn't care, yes? I want to be better, you want to be better…"

KUKULKAN: "…Agh, this is so hard to put into words! It's easier to get my feelings out with my body! ¡Vamos a luchar, uno-a-uno!"

MUSASHI: "You almost sounded a little wise until that last part, though I do love when you get saucy. Besides, we've got work to do."

KUKULKAN: "Yes, lets keep moving, okay?"

MUSASHI: "We shouldn't keep the lovely Pharaoh waiting."

...And so, you went to the great pyramid.

You walked up the steps. Stairs upon stairs, rising higher and higher before you found yourself between several guards that stepped to the side, allowing you through.

It took a moment for your eyes to properly adjust.

The pyramid was bright.

Even though it was late at night, it felt as if it was the middle of the day.

You saw IZOU and DURYODHANA standing before a throne. And, up a massive staircase, the throne where the Pharaoh sat.

She didn't seem happy.

Considering the message that was probably relayed from the ADMINISTRATOR, that seemed… rational. She sat up, her eyes looking down at you with the authority of one who considered themselves an incarnation of the sun itself. There was also the petulance there of someone who was in the middle of resting, and was suddenly on the clock again.

It was intense, to say the least.

CLEOPATRA: "Well? Go on. I was woken up from my beauty rest by an urgent message from the Admin, a strong 'suggestion' that my Bout be cancelled due to 'impending warfare', and then suddenly you're knocking at my doorstep."

CLEOPATRA: "So whatever you have to say better be really good, and it should at least start with, 'O' Glorious Pharaoh Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator, Queen of the Nile, Most Radiant Under the Sun.' Got it?"

[shamandrummer]

Archaeoacoustics: The Archaeology of Sound

Archaeoacoustics, a burgeoning field within archaeology, combines the study of ancient sites and artifacts with the science of sound. By examining how sound was used and experienced in historical contexts, researchers can gain unique insights into the lives, cultures, and environments of ancient peoples. This post will delve into the principles of archaeoacoustics, its methodologies, significant findings, and the implications of these discoveries for our understanding of history.

What is Archaeoacoustics?

Archaeoacoustics is the interdisciplinary study that merges archaeology, acoustics, and sometimes anthropology, to understand the role of sound in past human activities. This field investigates how ancient peoples produced, manipulated, and perceived sound, whether in rituals, communication, or daily life. By reconstructing these soundscapes, archaeoacoustics offers a sensory dimension to historical inquiry, enriching our interpretation of archaeological sites and artifacts.

Methodologies in Archaeoacoustics

Acoustic Measurements and Simulations

One of the primary methods in archaeoacoustics involves acoustic measurements and simulations. Researchers use modern technology to analyze the acoustics of ancient structures such as theaters, temples, and caves. Tools like sound level meters, directional microphones, and computer simulations help in understanding how sound behaves in these environments. By measuring reverberation times, frequency responses, and sound distribution, archaeologists can infer the acoustic properties and possible uses of these spaces.

Sound Mapping

Sound mapping is another critical technique, where the distribution of sound within a particular area is documented. This involves creating detailed maps that illustrate how sound travels and is experienced at different locations within a site. These maps can reveal areas of optimal acoustics that may have been used for specific activities, such as speech, music, or ritual practices.

Experimental Archaeology

Experimental archaeology also plays a role in archaeoacoustics. By recreating ancient instruments or sound-producing devices, researchers can explore how these tools might have been used and what kind of sounds they produced. This hands-on approach provides tangible insights into the auditory experiences of ancient peoples.

Significant Discoveries in Archaeoacoustics

The Acoustics of Stonehenge

One of the most fascinating studies in archaeoacoustics involves Stonehenge, the prehistoric monument in England. Researchers have used acoustic modeling to understand how sound would have behaved within this stone circle. Findings suggest that the stones could have amplified speech and musical sounds, creating an immersive auditory experience. This has led to speculation that Stonehenge may have been used for rituals or gatherings where sound played a crucial role.

The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni

The Hypogeum of Hal-Saflieni in Malta, an underground temple complex, is another site of interest. Acoustic studies have shown that certain chambers within the Hypogeum have unique resonance frequencies that enhance the human voice. This has led researchers to believe that the temple may have been designed with acoustic properties in mind, possibly for chanting or other vocal rituals.

Chavin de Huantar

At the ancient site of Chavin de Huantar in Peru, archaeoacoustics has revealed that the temple complex was built with sophisticated sound manipulation in mind. Researchers discovered that the architecture of the site, including its network of tunnels and chambers, could have been used to create disorienting and awe-inspiring auditory effects during religious ceremonies. The use of conch shell trumpets and other sound devices would have added to these effects, enhancing the spiritual and psychological impact on participants.

The Maya Pyramid of Kukulkan

At the Maya ceremonial center of Chichen Itza in Mexico, an incredible acoustic phenomenon can be heard at the Pyramid of Kukulkan. If you clap your hands directly in front of the pyramid's main staircase, it echoes back an almost mechanical bird-like chirping sound. Handclaps from different positions along the base of the staircase likewise trigger the echo, but with different musical tones spanning half an octave. Recordings of the hand-clap echoes match the chirp of the nearly extinct Quetzal, the sacred bird associated with both the name of the pyramid and its plumed serpent deity Kukulkan.

The Maya Ruins of Palenque

Archaeologists discovered that the temples and public squares in Palenque, Mexico could clearly project the sounds of a human speaker and musical instruments of the time across at least a hundred meters, or about the length of a football field. The investigation identified rooms that could have been used by musicians, speakers or priests to amplify the frequency, quality and volume of sound, allowing the music or the message to travel further and reach more people. The findings strongly suggest the design and structures at Palenque involved a great deal of knowledge about acoustics and the behavior of sound.

Implications and Insights

Understanding Rituals and Ceremonies

Archaeoacoustics provides valuable insights into the rituals and ceremonies of ancient cultures. By reconstructing the soundscapes of these events, researchers can better understand the sensory experiences of participants and the role of sound in these practices. This can shed light on the spiritual and cultural significance of sound in ancient societies.

Reinterpreting Archaeological Sites

The study of sound can lead to new interpretations of archaeological sites. Structures that were previously thought to serve purely functional purposes may be re-evaluated in light of their acoustic properties. For example, a room that was assumed to be a storage area might be reconsidered as a space for ritual chanting if it has unique acoustic characteristics.

Enhancing Public Engagement

Archaeoacoustics also has the potential to enhance public engagement with archaeology. By recreating the sounds of the past, museums and heritage sites can offer immersive experiences that bring history to life. This sensory approach can make historical sites more accessible and engaging for visitors, fostering a deeper connection with the past.

Conclusion

Archaeoacoustics offers a fascinating and innovative approach to the study of ancient cultures. By exploring the acoustic properties of archaeological sites and artifacts, researchers can uncover new dimensions of historical experience and gain deeper insights into the lives of ancient peoples. Despite its challenges, the field holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of the past and engaging the public with history in new and exciting ways. As technology advances and interdisciplinary collaboration continues, the future of archaeoacoustics looks both promising and intriguing, inviting us to listen to the echoes of history in ever more profound ways.

[truevedicastrology]

Cosmic Architecture

🏛️🌠 How Ancient Civilizations Built the Stars into Their Structures 🔭🌍

Ever wondered why certain ancient structures seem to align perfectly with celestial events? It's not just coincidence - our ancestors were master sky-watchers who integrated astrology and astronomy into their architecture. Let's explore this fascinating fusion of earth and sky!

🔍 The Zodiac in Stone:

Great Pyramid of Giza 🔺

Aligned with cardinal directions

Air shafts point to important stars in Orion and Draco constellations

Possible connection to Orion's Belt (Osiris in Egyptian mythology)

Angkor Wat, Cambodia 🛕

Layout mimics the constellation Draco

Aligned with solar equinoxes

Possible representation of the Hindu cosmic ocean

Stonehenge, England 🗿

Aligns with summer solstice sunrise

Possible lunar calendar function

Theories suggest connections to eclipses and planetary cycles

Chichen Itza, Mexico 🐍

El Castillo pyramid aligns with Venus cycles

Equinox shadow resembles a serpent (Kukulkan)

Observatory (El Caracol) tracks Venus, equinoxes, and solstices

Newgrange, Ireland 🌄

Winter solstice sunrise illuminates inner chamber

Possible lunar alignments

Spiral carvings might represent celestial movements

🤯 Mind-Blowing Connections:

Sacred Geometry: Many structures use the Golden Ratio (1.618), mirroring patterns found in nature and the cosmos

Astronomical Precision: Some alignments are so accurate they still work thousands of years later!

Global Phenomenon: Cultures worldwide, often with no contact, developed similar astrological architecture

🔮 Astrological Implications:

Taurus ♉ - Earth Sign Connection: Many of these structures emphasize groundedness and permanence, reflecting Taurus energy

Leo ♌ - Solar Alignments: Solstice alignments might relate to Leo's ruling planet, the Sun

Sagittarius ♐ - Quest for Knowledge: The explorer spirit of Sagittarius reflects in the astronomical curiosity of these builders

Capricorn ♑ - Enduring Structures: The longevity and ambition of these projects resonate with Capricorn traits

Aquarius ♒ - Visionary Innovation: The forward-thinking, almost alien-like precision embodies Aquarian energy

🧠 Unique Perspectives:

Time Capsules of Ancient Astrology: These structures preserve astrological knowledge from millennia ago, offering insights into how our ancestors viewed cosmic cycles

Architectural Horoscopes: Could the placement and alignments of these structures be seen as a kind of "architectural horoscope" for entire civilizations?

Energetic Ley Lines: Some theorize these structures were built on Earth's "energy points," amplifying cosmic connections

Modern Astrological Architecture: How might we incorporate these principles into modern buildings for better cosmic harmony?

Personal Cosmic Spaces: Could aligning our living spaces with celestial events enhance our connection to astrological energies?

💭 Food for Thought:

How might our understanding of astrology change if we viewed it through the lens of ancient architecture?

Could there be undiscovered astrological alignments in other ancient (or even modern) structures?

How does knowing about these cosmic connections change your perspective on human history and capability?

Remember, every time you look at these ancient wonders, you're not just seeing stones and mortar - you're witnessing a cosmic map, a celestial clock, and an astrological textbook all rolled into one. Our ancestors left us a legacy written in the stars and etched in stone. What cosmic messages are we leaving for future generations? 🌠🏛️

[namor-the-submariner-dot-net]

Monday MCU

ART OF RUTH E. CARTER

Brand new and just out now! A monograph of Ruth E. Carter's costuming work, including chapters on Wakanda Forever with pictures and sketches, including this one of Namora's dress.

From the Marvel.com article, an excerpt from the book.

ON THE DESIGN OF THE TALOKAN IN “WAKANDA FOREVER”:

"The most challenging costumes were built for the Talokanil. I immersed myself in studying Maya culture. Not only were the Maya colonized, but also the research about them contained many misrepresentations, and sometimes they were erased from the history books all together. It was imperative that we work closely with our historian to check our work and learn about a civilization that contributed to the culture of Mesoamerica as we know it today. Through resources like the Dresden Codex and the Maya Vase Database, we learned that the Maya wore ceremonial garments and that there were leaders and families whom you could identify through their dress and adornment.

We learned that Maya traditional costumes included sheer fabrics, prints, jewelry, adorn­ments, wraps of all types, and headpieces. There were specific elements we used to stay authentic to the culture, one of which was the ear spool. The ear spool, or flare, was made of jade and at times mimicked a flower. Worn on the ear, it was considered a pathway to the gods, and there’s hardly a Maya painting or sculpture without this detail. Using ear flares throughout the Talokanil’s costumes helped achieve the right look.

We also printed our own sheer fabrics using images seen on Maya vases, painted by different artists and depicting many true-to-life scenarios of the post-classic Mesoamerican period. The vases were so incredible; using imagery from them was a way to have Maya history present in the costumes, even if, once the fabric was made into a garment, the effect was more abstract. The colors and patterns created a beautiful palette.

Then I was inspired by the Jaina figurines—a set of clay sculptures excavated on a pre-Columbian archeological dig on an island off the Yucatán Peninsula. We studied the adornments on these figurines, and they presented a plethora of ideas for clothing, jewelry, and headpieces. The sculp­tures were a significant help in creating the look for an underwater society that lived parallel to their relatives on land.

I needed to blend the rich culture of the Maya with the fact that the Talokanil were an under­water civilization, thousands of years old. This created an additional layer of difficulty. Ancient Maya costumes were made of natural fibers, jade, shells, and clay. These elements needed to be mimicked and made of materials that could withstand being submerged in water for hours. As we had seen with M’Baku’s costume, costumes underwater can be beautiful, but understanding the dynamics of buoyancy and color refraction is necessary when designing them. Fabrics float up. Weights are sometimes required to achieve a desired effect. Chlorinated water and salt water both wreak havoc on fabric dyes.

Namor, brought to life by the wonderful Tenoch Huerta, was to wear a ceremonial headpiece and shoulder piece designed to reference the feath­ered serpent, a Maya deity that is seen repeatedly wrapping the bodies of nobles in Maya art. The serpent symbolizes life above and below the earth and is associated with the underworld. Namor’s neck ring also contains two feathered serpents that meet at the center front, greeting a large pearl with open mouths. The pearl represents the ocean. The neck-ring design was inspired by the pyramid at Chichén Itza (also called Kukulkan), which has a staircase with two feathered serpents descending on each side; at the base the two heads face a cenote. We modeled the headpiece first in clay. The feath­ers were made to resemble kelp and fish fins. The serpent was cast and painted gold with elements inspired by blue and green jade and mother-of-pearl. The blue stone in the head­piece was to represent Talokan’s vibranium."

[illjustpretend]

More ancient champion stuff! This time, my little ancient Rito champion who I’ve designed with the quetzal in mind…

The specific subspecies known as the resplendent quetzal is found in the tropical forests of Mexico and Central America and is the national bird of Guatemala. The currency of Guatemala is even called the quetzal because they were venerated by both the Aztecs and the Maya; their feathers were so precious that they were used as a medium of exchange.

These birds were considered divine due to their association with Quetzalcoatl (Kukulkan to the Maya), the feathered serpent god of light, life, knowledge, and the winds. Mesoamerican rulers and nobles wore their feathers in diadems to link themselves to Quetzalcoatl.

The Temple of Kukulcán at Chichén Itzá is perhaps the most notable example of religious sites built to venerate this god. In the weeks around the spring and autumn equinoxes, in the late afternoon, the light casts over the northwest corner of the pyramid in such a way that triangular shadows running down the pyramid seem to form the body of this great serpent. At the base is a stone carving of the serpent’s head, completing the illusion.

WELL I could info dump forever about this stuff so moving on a bit. I decided this ancient champion should use a sling weapon to launch clay bullets. Aztec warriors used all kinds of ranged weapons including bows and blowguns, but slings are cool as fuck and underrated so there.

The bullets were sometimes pierced through with a hole so that as they were launched through the air, they would whistle! So of course hers are bored through as such, and I’ve decided that they should chirp like the quetzal does (not sure if that would work logistically so don’t come for me). WHICH of course is a unique sound that you can replicate if you stand in front of the Temple of Kukulcán and clap. The sound echoes off the steps in such a way that it imitates their call.

Anyways sling weapons are punishing as fuck and can sometimes have greater range than even bows. Now since my little champion is so small and can fly faster than most Rito, a blow from one of her sling bullets would be devastating.

There's a billion other things I could say but I think that's it for now! If you read it all thanks!

[veale2006-blog]

Feathered Serpent The earliest representations of feathered serpents appear in the Olmec culture (c. 1400–400 BC. The Olmec culture predates the Maya and the Aztec. This cultural enclave extended from the Gulf of Mexico to Nicaragua. Most surviving representations in Olmec art, such as Monument 19 at La Venta, and a painting in the Juxtlahuaca cave, show the Feathered Serpent as a crested rattlesnake, sometimes with feathers covering the body and legs, and often close to humans. It is believed that Olmec supernatural entities such as the feathered serpent were the forerunners of many later Mesoamerican deities, although experts disagree on the feathered serpent's religious importance to the Olmec. H.B. Nicholson notes that as early as the Middle Formative (Preclassic) in the Olmec tradition, images of serpents with avian characteristics were often represented in several types of artifacts and monuments. This composite creature, who has been denominated the “Avian Serpent” and “Olmec God VII,” appears to constitute an earlier form of the later full-fledged Feathered Serpent, the rattlesnake covered with feathers, probably with at least some of the same celestial and fertility connotations.

The pantheon of the people of Teotihuacan (200 BC – 700 AD) also featured a feathered serpent, shown most prominently on the Temple of the Feathered Serpent (dated 150–200 AD). The pyramid was built southeast of the intersection of the avenue of the dead and the east-end avenue. Several feathered serpent representations appear on the building, many of them including full-body profiles and feathered serpent heads. The sculptures utilize practices such as relief carving to create complex ornate compositions. Head carvings of the Feathered Serpent have been frequently found around the Pyramid of the Feathered Serpent.

While the feathered serpent has been a common theme in different Mesoamerican works, it is frequently and most commonly reflected in the architecture of Mesoamerican culture. Some common techniques used to incorporate imagery of the Feathered Serpent into this architecture is relief carving, which involves “a sculpture with figures that protrude from a background while still being attached to it” and normally combined with tenoned heads, which are large pieces of stone carved but have a peg of sorts to insert them into the wall area, adding more depth and details to the architecture. Other Mesoamerican structures, such as the ones in Tula, the capital of the later Toltecs (950–1150 AD), also featured profiles of feathered serpents..

The Aztec feathered serpent deity known as Quetzalcoatl is known from several Aztec codices, such as the Florentine codex, as well as from the records of the Spanish conquistadors. Quetzalcoatl was known as the deity of wind and rain, bringer of knowledge, the inventor of books, and associated with the planet Venus.

The corresponding Mayan god Kukulkan was rare in the Classic era Maya civilization. However, in the Popol Vuh, the K'iche' feathered serpent god Tepeu Q'uq'umatz is the creator of the cosmos.

Along with the feathered serpent deity, several other serpent gods existed in the pantheon of Mesoamerican gods with similar traits, all of which had an important role in the cultural development of Mesoamerican cultures. The evidence of the importance of these deities to Mesoamerican culture lies in the architecture left from these civilizations and the rituals surrounding them.

[misspepita]

via NASA https://ift.tt/WqrYHOz

To see the feathered serpent descend the Mayan pyramid requires exquisite timing. You must visit El Castillo -- in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula -- near an equinox. Then, during the late afternoon if the sky is clear, the pyramid's own shadows create triangles that merge into the famous illusion of a slithering viper. Also known as the Temple of Kukulkan, the impressive step-pyramid stands 30 meters tall and 55 meters wide at the base. Built up as a series of square terraces by the pre-Columbian civilization between the 9th and 12th century, the structure can be used as a calendar and is noted for astronomical alignments. The featured composite image was captured in 2019 with Jupiter and Saturn straddling the diagonal central band of our Milky Way galaxy. Tomorrow marks another equinox -- not only at Temple of Kukulcán, but all over planet Earth.

[majestativa]

I dove into the abyss strange images invaded me: Teotl [...] Lilith and Kukulkan the sweet birds who wept when a baby girl died.

I rose to the surface and dove down once more: skulls pyramids fissured wasteland.

— Claribel Alegría, Thresholds/Umbrales: Poems, (1996)

[thecursedhellblazer]

Discussed starter for @heksery - John & Juliana

John took one last look at the map, before folding it and messily stuffing it in one of the pockets of his trench coat. Blue eyes took in the half buried pyramid in front of him, following the angles of the worn stone that time and bad weather had eroded and chipped away. The name of this particular temple was long lost, but his sources were reliable enough to leave him very few doubts.

It was the right place, the lost lost building where the Haab had been hidden centuries before.

The magician pulled out a ruined package of Silk Cut, slipping a cigarette between his lips, before lighting it up with a small flame conjured on the tip of his thumb. He had spent a few years trying to locate that artefact. It had mostly been a side project, since he had had his hands full with more urgent business. In the last few months, however, life had surprisingly allowed him some breathing space, and he had decided to use it to take precautions to prevent a possible apocalypse for once, instead of rushing to stop it at the last moment, as it usually happened.

His steps were cautious as he approached the entrance, hidden away behind vines and debris. There was no telling what sort of magic might be protecting the place, even if he was pretty sure that it had to be of the nasty kind. After all, this was a temple dedicated to Kukulkan, the bloodthirsty Feathered Serpent. John had never met this one particular deity, but from the tales he had heard he had to be one nasty, self-righteous bastard.

Caution wasn't his forte, but lately he had had one brush too many with death and was ready to at least try to avoid unnecessary risks.

He was about to reach out and see if he could pull at the vines and squeeze inside without needing to use magic, when the sounds of approaching steps caught his attention.

The conman instantly turned his head in that direction, brows furrowing as he spotted a black-haired woman advancing towards his. Her clothes, while somewhat suitable for the kind of hike that led to the temple, still looked too expensive to fully fit their setting. Or, perhaps, it was the contrast between her outfit and John's creased and stained clothing.

Blimey. The last thing he had been expecting and wanted from that trip was to have company. No matter how good-looking the stranger could be. If she was there, it meant that she was after the artefact too, and that alone made her the bad kind of company.

"Oi, yeh lost, luv?" He called out nonchalantly, as if they had bumped into each other in some nameless alley in the suburbs. "I gots some business to take care o', so soz but I can't take yeh back. But I can show yeh th' direction to reach th' closest town."

And with that, he made a vague gesture towards the path he had made for himself while trudging through the forest.

"Dis ain't no fun place, 'specially at nite, so yeh might wants to 'urry up n' 'ed back."

[callmeanxietygirl]

NUEVA MONEDA CONMEMORATIVA

Moneda trimetálica conmemorativa de la Cultura Maya 🇲🇽

+ Anverso: Aro marcador de juego de pelota, numeración Maya e ideogramas.

+ Reverso: Pirámide castillo de Kukulkán y los meses Mayas.

Trimetallic commemorative coin of the Mayan Culture 🇲🇽

+ Obverse: Ball game marker ring, Mayan numbering and ideograms.

+ Reverse: Kukulkan castle pyramid and Mayan months.

Transcripción por: Hugo Von Humboldt