Rituals and Children
The Maya desired some unnatural physical characteristics for their children. For instance, at a very young age boards were pressed on babies' foreheads to create a flattened surface. This process was widespread among the upper class.
Another practice was to cross babies' eyes. To do this, objects were dangled in front of a newborn’s eyes, until the newborn’s eyes were completely and permanently crossed. In addition, there were a few unique customs regarding children. For example, most Maya children were named according to the day they were born. Every day of the year had a specific name for both boys and girls and parents were expected to follow that practice.
A "puberty ceremony" was held when boys and girls reached a certain age, and at the conclusion of the procession the child was available for marriage. This ritual was an important occurrence, and afterward a big feast was held for everyone who attended.
Read more about this topic: Childhood In Maya Society
Famous quotes containing the words rituals and, rituals and/or children:
“Traditions are the “always” in life—the rituals and customs that build common memories for children, offer comfort and stability in good times and bad, and create a sense of family identity.”
—Marian Edelman Borden (20th century)
“Traditions are the “always” in life—the rituals and customs that build common memories for children, offer comfort and stability in good times and bad, and create a sense of family identity.”
—Marian Edelman Borden (20th century)
“In the event of an oxygen shortage on airplanes, mothers of young children are always reminded to put on their own oxygen mask first, to better assist the children with theirs. The same tactic is necessary on terra firma. There’s no way of sustaining our children if we don’t first rescue ourselves. I don’t call that selfish behavior. I call it love.”
—Joyce Maynard (20th century)