Hacha'kyum- Maya GodDeity"Our True Lord"
Also known as: Hachäkyum, Hachakyum, and Hach Ak Yum
Description
Hacha'kyum made the sky, the earth, the stars, and the first humans. The Lacandon Maya of Chiapas still burn copal in his god houses, feeding clay censers that bear his likeness.
Mythology & Lore
Our True Lord
Hacha'kyum, "Our True Lord," existed before all things. He made the sky and the earth, set the stars in their courses, and fashioned the first humans from clay. He did not withdraw after creation. From his celestial dwelling he watches human behavior and receives offerings at Lacandon ceremonial houses deep in the Chiapas rainforest.
The God Houses
Worship centers on the god houses, the nah, where Lacandon men keep clay censers that represent the gods. Hacha'kyum's censer holds the most important position. Men burn copal incense and offer food and drink before it. When humans neglect these duties, Hacha'kyum withdraws his blessing. Illness comes, harvests fail, hunts turn up empty. The remedy is ritual: copal, food, attention. He provides rain and game; humans owe him worship in return.
The Divine Family
Hacha'kyum does not rule alone. His wife Äkyantho' shares divine power, and beneath them Mensäbäk sends rain while Sukunkyum keeps the dead. Each god retains a separate domain, but Hacha'kyum stands above them all.
Relationships
- Enemy of