Mam (Maya mythology) facts for kids
Mam [mam] is a special word used by the Maya people. It can mean 'grandfather' or 'grandson'. It's also a word of respect for important ancestors and powerful gods.
In ancient Maya writings from the Classic period, the word mam was often used to introduce the name of a grandfather, grandson, or an important ancestor, sometimes even a king. Today, Mam also refers to several old Maya gods.
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Different Meanings of Mam
The meaning of Mam can change depending on the Maya group and their traditions. Here are some examples:
Mountain Spirits
- In Belize, among the Kekchi-speaking Maya, 'Mam' is a name for spirits that live in the mountains. Four specific Mams were linked to the four directions of the Earth.
- In Alta Verapaz, Guatemala, another Kekchi-speaking area, one of the Mams is a powerful mountain spirit. People greatly feared this spirit because it was connected to earthquakes and floods. An image of this Mam was sometimes buried during Holy Week.
Earth Gods
- Among the Huastec Maya people, the Mams or Mamlabs are gods of the Earth. There are usually three or four of them. The most important one, named Muxiʼ, is believed to cause the start of the rainy season with strong storms.
Maximón, God of Travelers
- In Santiago Atitlán, among the Tzutujil Maya, the Mam Maximón is a well-known god. He is seen as a protector of merchants and travelers. People also connect him with certain magical practices. He is especially honored during the last days of Holy Week, and then his image is put away until the next year.
Straw Puppets in Yucatán
- In the 16th century in Yucatán, 'Mam' was also the name for a straw puppet. This puppet was set up and honored during the five unlucky days at the end of the year, called Uayeb. People believed that during these days, magic was very strong. After these five days, the straw figure was thrown away.
Connections to Other Gods
Some experts believe that the Mams are similar to other old gods in Classic Maya culture. These include God D (Itzamna), different forms of God N (Bacab), and God L. In Aztec religion, a similar concept is Huehueteotl, which means 'old god' or 'ancient god'.
