Mayan religious practices

The ancient Maya practiced a complex religion centered on honoring gods associated with natural elements, celestial bodies, and societal forces. They performed elaborate rituals, including offerings, sacrifices (often of animals or for rulers), and ceremonies to ensure harmony, agricultural fertility, and cosmic order. Maya priests served as spiritual mediators, interpreting omens and conducting divination. Their calendar dictated timing for ceremonies. Temples and shrines were central to community life, serving as sites for worship, rituals, and astronomy. These practices reflected a deep connection between religion, politics, and daily life, emphasizing balance and renewal within their worldview.