The Yax Ché Nature Trail
text & photo by Shirleen M. E. Pilgrim
Honduras is a country rich
in nature, and great things continue to happen in Copán Ruinas. Among
the latest is the new Yax Ché Nature Trail at the Copán Archeological
Park. This newly redesigned trail winds between the sculpture museum and the
ruins. The deeply forested area allows visitors to walk in the footsteps of
ancient Maya while learning more about the role that nature played in their
lives and the importance of protecting the environment.
Signs in Spanish and English along the trail indicate particular features of
the forest, such as its many trees and plant life. For example, visitors learn
that the Ceiba tree served as the Maya symbol of the tree of life because its
deep roots were said to reach the underworld, while its branches were said to
stretch to heaven. Other explanations include the medicinal and traditional
uses of plants by both ancient and contemporary Maya. Another sign discusses
the agricultural practices of the Maya and how “slash and burn”
agriculture over the years led to the loss of essential nutrients in the soil.
Some archeologists believe that the Maya abandoned Copán because the
land could no longer sustain them due to deforestation.
Birds and butterflies are pointed out, along with the belief that when a warrior
died, his soul was transformed into a butterfly. (The trail also offers a great
opportunity for bird watching in solitude.) Visitors learn that the Maya ballgame
was a ritual used to resolve disputes. Almost every part of the game represented
an element of nature. The ritual was performed to ensure the continuation of
the essential cycles of life — the rain, the sunrise, the seasons and
good harvests.
The Maya use of animals, such as the jaguar, howler monkey, ocelot and scarlet
macaw, as a source of food, tools and clothing also is pointed out, as is the
belief that many animals had magical properties that they wanted to emulate.
Want to learn more? Visit the Copán Archeological Park Yax Ché
Nature Trail and walk in the footsteps of this ancient culture. •
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| A young girl “cuts the ribbon” at the entrance, officially
opening the Yax Ché Nature Trail. |
