Rilaj Mama Research Paper
Beloved by the Maya of western highland Guatemala, Maximón (pronounced Ma-shee-moan) is part ancient Mayan deity, part Catholic saint, part archetypal trickster. His complex character resonates with ancient religious associations between fertility, virility, the underworld, black magic, and sin. He is the patron saint of travelers and gamblers, and an associate of the devil according to the Catholic Church.
A name with many meanings
Many people identify him with the ancient Mayan underworld earth-god, Mam (or Ma'am) and may call him Rilaj Mam or “Great Grandfather.” In the local Mayan tongues “Ma” is an honorific title, similar to “Sir” or the Spanish Don, which also can also be used to address nobility or clergy. Max in the local tongues
can also mean “tobacco” and ximón can mean “tied up.” Both tobacco and tying things up are major themes in ancient Mayan literature with many meanings.
A mysterious past
Many other people believe that Maximón began as a much loved local Catholic priest, Simon, who was too fond of smoking, drinking, and womanizing for Church authorities, who disowned him. According to some he was executed by hanging, and thereafter became the unofficial saint, San Simon, still condemned by the Church today. Others say he represents the infamously cruel and homicidal conquistador of Guatemala, Pedro de Alvarado. All of these identities contribute to his character as a legendary bad-ass to be feared and loved, a deity who wants you to get drunk, get laid, and get rich, but who might just steal your wife if you're not careful.
A name with many meanings
Many people identify him with the ancient Mayan underworld earth-god, Mam (or Ma'am) and may call him Rilaj Mam or “Great Grandfather.” In the local Mayan tongues “Ma” is an honorific title, similar to “Sir” or the Spanish Don, which also can also be used to address nobility or clergy. Max in the local tongues
can also mean “tobacco” and ximón can mean “tied up.” Both tobacco and tying things up are major themes in ancient Mayan literature with many meanings.
A mysterious past
Many other people believe that Maximón began as a much loved local Catholic priest, Simon, who was too fond of smoking, drinking, and womanizing for Church authorities, who disowned him. According to some he was executed by hanging, and thereafter became the unofficial saint, San Simon, still condemned by the Church today. Others say he represents the infamously cruel and homicidal conquistador of Guatemala, Pedro de Alvarado. All of these identities contribute to his character as a legendary bad-ass to be feared and loved, a deity who wants you to get drunk, get laid, and get rich, but who might just steal your wife if you're not careful.