How did the Mayans use the equinox?
The most relevant positions of the sun are the equinoxes and the solstices, even to us today. For the Maya, sky gazers that they were, these were of supreme importance, and they paid homage to these positions. The equinox was unique because on that day, in March and September, night and day are equal.
What happens every March 21 in Chichen Itza?
Between March 20th and 21st the Chichén Itzá spring equinox, will take place, which is a light and shadows show that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The construction of the Pyramid of Kukulcán was in such a way that it has a complete alignment to the sun rays during the equinox.
When can you see the snake at Chichen Itza?
5 – What you see during the equinox are seven reversed isosceles triangles of light. At sunset of equinox day, on the steps of the Kukulkan pyramid, you can see a descending serpent consisting of seven reversed isosceles triangles made up of sunlight and shadow.
When was Chichen Itza built?
1. Chichen Itza was built by the Mayan people around 250 AD to 900 AD. This was even before the Aztec era! The Chichen Itza is built in the architectural style of Puuc.
Do we know why the Maya civilization declined?
Scholars have suggested a number of potential reasons for the downfall of Maya civilization in the southern lowlands, including overpopulation, environmental degradation, warfare, shifting trade routes and extended drought.
What is the snake at Chichen Itza?
Kukulkan
At Chichen Itza, Kukulkan ceased to be the Vision Serpent that served as a messenger between the king and the gods and came instead to symbolise the divinity of the state.
What is the Chichen Itza equinox?
The Chichen Itza Equinox and the Serpent effect that the sun provides in certain days and hours of the year is one of the main attractions to this Mayan Archeological Site.
Can you see the Feathered Serpent at Chichen Itza on the equinox?
The phenomenon of the descent of the feathered serpent at Chichen Itza can be seen on both equinoxes. My advice is that you don’t go on the 21st because the amount of people is tremendous and can be very uncomfortable.
What do the pyramids at Chichen Itza represent?
At Chichen Itza, during the spring and fall equinoxes — this pyramid dedicated to Kukulcán (or Quetzalcoatl) serves as a visual symbol of the day and night. On every equinox, the sun of the late afternoon creates the illusion of a snake creeping slowly down the northern staircase.
What to do in Chichen Itza?
You can attend this extraordinary phenomenon in one of the most famous Mayan Ruins named by UNESCO a World Heritage Site and a Wonder of the World, “Chichen Itza”. At Chichen Itza, during the spring and fall equinoxes — this pyramid dedicated to Kukulcán (or Quetzalcoatl) serves as a visual symbol of the day and night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0kOyGZxKh4