The Cave as Earth's Womb
Caves as sacred entrances to the underworld and places of spiritual power.
Caves are entrances to Xibalba and the earth's womb. Water from caves is especially sacred. Rituals performed in caves access the powers of the underworld directly. Many important ceremonies were conducted in caves, and offerings are still made there today.
The cave is the mouth of the earth; enter with respect and offerings.
Cave rituals show the Mayan perception of the earth as a living, womb-like entity.
Archaeological Evidence
Written about in
- What the Maya tradition says about grief
Caves are held to be entrances to the underworld and the earth's womb, and offerings are still left in them today. Mourning here has an address — a physical place you can travel to and do something at.