Maximón
Maximón or San Simón is a popular saint in the highlands of Guatemala , who is said to have both positive (healing and protective) and negative (ominous and cursing) powers.
distribution
The popular and very lively veneration of Maximón can be found across the tribes in about 20 localities in the mountains of Guatemala; the best known are: Santiago Atitlán , Zunil , San Andrés Itzapa u. a.
history
It is not known since when the worship of Maximón existed in Guatemala; mostly the 19th century is assumed. Probably there were forerunners, because some features of Maximón can be traced back to the Spanish colonial times or even to the Mayan era.
character
Maximón is a syncretistic saint who is difficult to classify, because almost every believer - depending on the situation - creates his own picture. Maximón bears traits of the Mayan deity Maam and combines them with biblical ( Simon Magus , Judas Iscariot ) and colonial ( Pedro de Alvarado ) elements. Sometimes he is also seen as a mediator between the powers of heaven ( huracán ) and those of the underworld ( xibalba ). The Latin word maximus ("the greatest") also resonates in its name .
presentation
The almost life-size Maximón figures traditionally have a more western-colonial appearance that comes close to that of a large landowner of the 19th or early 20th century - their equipment includes hat, suit jacket, shirt, tie, cloth trousers and expensive leather shoes, sometimes also sunglasses , Mustache and beard. You are sitting more or less elevated on a chair or armchair surrounded by flower vases and / or candles. Maximón's feet often rest on a footstool.
cult
Maximón is worshiped in a building or room specially reserved for him. In Santiago Atitlán, his whereabouts change every year. These framework conditions are in the hands of a brotherhood ( cofradia ). Every day, many villagers and pilgrims from the area pay him a visit - usually accompanied by a healer ( curandero ). As gifts they bring candles, flowers and petals with them, which they set up or spread out on the ground or on small altars. Above all, however, alcohol and cigars or cigarettes play a major role in producing his healing and helping powers - sometimes the chair on which he is sitting is tilted back and a few drops of schnapps are poured into him; the cigars and cigarettes are smoked by the men and then put smoldering in the corner of his mouth. He seems to like music - also from radios - and incense ; Banknotes are also required - especially from foreign photographers and tourists.
In processions during Holy Week or on the feast day of the patron saint, Maximón follows - sometimes even with the permission of the local pastor - at the end of the parade.
Powers
Maximón's powers are invoked on all kinds of occasions (marital problems, wishes for children, unemployment, etc.), but most importantly his healing powers are used in the treatment of physical and mental illnesses. To alleviate or heal physical or mental complaints (e.g. from epilepsy or depression ), the healers ( curanderos ) speak incantations in the respective Maya dialect in the presence of the patient. The patient is surrounded by burning candles, sprayed with alcohol from the mouth and touched with the hands in quick circular movements. Quiet movements and gestures like laying on of hands etc. are rather rare.
