Ancient American Civilizations: Formalized Religion
All of the Mesoamerican religions were polytheistic. The Olmecs practiced Shaminism, they belived each individual has and animal spirit in them. The Olmec religion centered around the Shaman. The jaguar was also an important figure to Olmecs, and all other Ancient American civilizations. The Olmec cities were constructed around a central raised mound, which was used for religious ceremonies. The jaguar was associated with the god of rain and the god of fertility.
All of the Mesoamerican religions were polytheistic. The Olmecs practiced Shaminism, they belived each individual has and animal spirit in them. The Olmec religion centered around the Shaman. The jaguar was also an important figure to Olmecs, and all other Ancient American civilizations. The Olmec cities were constructed around a central raised mound, which was used for religious ceremonies. The jaguar was associated with the god of rain and the god of fertility.
-Olmecs: The Olmecs, like many Mesoamerican civilizations, had a highly developed calendar and were great mathematicians. They used a writing system similar to hieroglyphics and were deeply spiritual.Two of other gods that were worshiped included Cocijo, the rain god and Coquihani, the god of light. Those two gods were worshiped many times, and they are believed to be sacrificed.
-Zapotecs: The Zapotecs were also polytheistic, just like all of the other Mesoamerican civilizations. The Zapotecs believed in gods associated with the natural elements (rain, lightning, sun etc.) The rain god was worshiped in the Northern Sierra area. The Zapotec specialized ritual leader was the hechiceros. The hechiceros were like preists. The hechicheros conducts rituals in offerings of special things including money, flowers and more. The preists also conducted weddings, funerals, and new house initiations.The Zapotecs engaged in many ceremonies associated with farming. The Zapotec ceremonial center was located in Monte Albán. That site is one of the best places of the Ancient Americas. This archietcthal wonder is made up of steps and platforms. That site was also used for astronomical observations, so they could see the stars and space. All the Mesoamericans were great astronomers.
-Mayans: The Mayans were polytheistic. They believed in more than 165 gods. They were just like normal people, and did human activity such as harvesting maize, fighting wars and taking part in business. The gods were so well honored, they had pyramids build for them. The pyramids were also built for human sacrifice. The Mayan religion believed that the soul of most people were to spend their afterlives in the underworld. Even the souls of the rulers went to spend their afterlives in the underworld. All people except people who died in childbirth, and people who were sacrificed did not go to the underworld after they have died.
-Zapotecs: The Zapotecs were also polytheistic, just like all of the other Mesoamerican civilizations. The Zapotecs believed in gods associated with the natural elements (rain, lightning, sun etc.) The rain god was worshiped in the Northern Sierra area. The Zapotec specialized ritual leader was the hechiceros. The hechiceros were like preists. The hechicheros conducts rituals in offerings of special things including money, flowers and more. The preists also conducted weddings, funerals, and new house initiations.The Zapotecs engaged in many ceremonies associated with farming. The Zapotec ceremonial center was located in Monte Albán. That site is one of the best places of the Ancient Americas. This archietcthal wonder is made up of steps and platforms. That site was also used for astronomical observations, so they could see the stars and space. All the Mesoamericans were great astronomers.
-Mayans: The Mayans were polytheistic. They believed in more than 165 gods. They were just like normal people, and did human activity such as harvesting maize, fighting wars and taking part in business. The gods were so well honored, they had pyramids build for them. The pyramids were also built for human sacrifice. The Mayan religion believed that the soul of most people were to spend their afterlives in the underworld. Even the souls of the rulers went to spend their afterlives in the underworld. All people except people who died in childbirth, and people who were sacrificed did not go to the underworld after they have died.
Sources:
http://clio.missouristate.edu/chuchiak/New%20Webpage%20Images/HST%20397---Theme%2019---Zapotec_gods.htm
http://anthropology.msu.edu/anp264-ss13/2013/04/24/mayans-religion-gods-animal-spirits-and-pyramids/_
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/oaxaca_cultures.html
http://www.personal.psu.edu/msw5053/Assignment7.html
http://clio.missouristate.edu/chuchiak/New%20Webpage%20Images/HST%20397---Theme%2019---Zapotec_gods.htm
http://anthropology.msu.edu/anp264-ss13/2013/04/24/mayans-religion-gods-animal-spirits-and-pyramids/_
http://www.houstonculture.org/mexico/oaxaca_cultures.html
http://www.personal.psu.edu/msw5053/Assignment7.html