Chichén Itzá: The Mystery of the Equinox
Chichén Itzá: The Mystery of the Equinox
The spring equinox is an astronomical phenomenon, in which the earth is illuminated by the sun the same way in the northern hemisphere as in the south. Around March 21, when the sun moves northward over the equator, the archaeological site of Chichén Itzá is illuminated in all its grandeur.
Thousands of people from around the world flock to the plaza surrounding the Pyramid of Kukulkan (also known as Castle of Kukulcan) at the archeological site of Chichen Itza, a building 24 meters high and 55.5 meters wide. Suddenly, a phenomenon of light simulates a snake of triangles project a majestic balustrade or railing northwest of the Castle.
The Plumed Serpent progresses down to the head of the snake to the bottom of the railing. The duration of the descent is observed for about 3 hours before sunset and the triangles are observed for 10 minutes. Diego de Landa wrote in 1566 that last day, Kukulkan came down from heaven and received the services, vigils and offerings of its servers.
It was so for the four days the Mayans performed a series of preparations where various offerings were placed for the God Kukulkan who created the universe and the most powerful civilization in Mesoamerica: the Maya.
The mysteries surrounding this phenomenon left many questions open to scholars and experts in the topic. How to understand the wisdom and architectural harmony of a civilization that lived between huts made of logs, tree, palm and mud? What spiritual force pushed the walk between their palaces to see the fertilizing origin of the Feathered Serpent fertilizing?
As witnesses of these enigmas, we approach it with respect and admiration to the next equinox, where it is well worth admiring this experience and legacy that Mexico offers to the world.