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> Homepage > Welcome > Learn more > Culture > Mayan traditions >   The Cross
A belief in the Cross unites the Maya. During the Caste War it was a symbol of their armed struggle but its history goes back further. The ancient Maya were familiar with the concept of the cross long before the arrival of the Spaniards. For them it symbolized the four cosmic ways indicated by the cardinal directions. The modern Maya believe that the cross is the most sacred symbol of the Almighty and the medium he uses to communicate with mankind. For the cruzoob, not all crosses are of equal importance as hierarchies exist within the area, nevertheless, all are ruled by the Holiest Cross which stands guard in a sanctuary in the village of Tixcacal Guardia. Macehual communities have patron crosses which originally belonged to certain local families and rank second. Passed down from generation to generation, family crosses are kept in a tiny temple and follow in the hierarchy.
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.