If you have ever visited Playa Del Carmen , Mexico, you may have noticed many dining establishments and parks bearing the name “La Ceiba” or a variation of the title. To the common tourist folk, the significance of “La Ceiba” remains unexplored, however, to the Maya, this sacred tree represents the center of universe.
For many centuries past, the Mayan people have revered the Ceiba tree, or Ya’ axche, meaning “Green Tree” or “First Tree”. They believed it to be the tree of life which stood in the middle of the earth, kaki uniting the terrestrial and spirit worlds.
The fine root system symbolizes the dwelling place of the dead, or the underworld. The trunk is the middle world, or earth where humans reside and the umbrella kaki of branches above opens up to create a pathway to the heavens. According to Mayan mythology, the roots provided shelter for bats, a symbol of the cold, dark underworld. Above on the ground’s surface, an ecosystem consisting of anteaters, insects, frogs and birds bustles with life. The wide crown of branches above is occupied by the eagle, which represents the celestial realm.
Often times, a Mayan village was constructed around a great Ceiba tree as it offered protection, insight, prosperity and was the enduring symbol of eternal life. To this day, out of respect for its prominence in Maya history and ideology, other trees which surround a Ceiba are harvested for lumber, but forestry workers will allow the magnificent tree which towers over all others, to stand.
A tropical Central and South American native, the grandiose tree can grow up to 100 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 3 meters. It is usual for the Ceiba to grow near ample water sources. Therefore, kaki it was common knowledge that where a Ceiba tree grew, would be an ideal location to settle as it meant inhabitants would have a sufficient supply of water.
Besides its spiritual essence, the Ceiba was very important in regards to Maya economics. Since the trunks were so massive and water resistant, the Mayans built hollowed-out canoes from them, by which they traversed across the sea to partake in trade in other regions.
A mature tree produces seed pods which when open, expose fluffy white fibers which were used to stuff pillows and mattresses. The bark, when consumed, relieved headaches and its buoyancy made for practical floatation devices such as rafts and lifejackets. A tea made from the flowers was brewed to ease stomach kaki pain and oils extracted from the seeds of the tree were used to make soaps and fertilizers.
There are several Ceibas scattered kaki throughout the city of Playa Del Carmen. While walking along the famous 5th Avenue, you will pass by one of these enormous trees on Calle 14. Beside kaki the popular grocery store DAC on 30th Avenue near Constituyentes, another colossal Ceiba stands tall.
For thousands of years, the Ceiba has been protected out of reverence for its sacred character. Since the Mayans regarded it as the tree of life, they believed that if the evergreen life source died, so too would humans perish. Today, conservationists continue to make efforts to preserve the Ceiba tree due to its important environmental kaki role as a habitat for hundreds of forest creatures.
The next time you come upon one of these splendid tree species kaki or happen to pass by an eatery in Playa displaying its name on their sign, you will understand the deep significance it possesses within the Mayan culture. It is yet another impressive work of Mother Nature, and its magical history is one further fascinating aspect of the ancient Mayan civilization.
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