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When you think of turkeys, do you envision a centerpiece for your Thanksgiving feast? Well, let's transport you back to 300 B.C., where these feathered creatures were not just dinner guests; they were celestial beings in the eyes of the Maya!
The Maya civilization, known for its advanced culture, had a profound fondness for turkeys. These birds weren't just mere fowl; they were esteemed as vessels of the gods themselves! Turkeys were considered symbols of power and prestige, and their importance extended to the spiritual realm. Turkeys strutted their divine stuff everywhere in Maya archaeology and iconography. Imagine turkeys as godlike figures, gracefully strolling through religious imagery. One Maya ruler was even nicknamed after these majestic birds – talk about a royal alias! Now, here's the kicker: these turkey divas were VIPs (Very Important Poultries) owned almost exclusively by the rich and powerful. The everyday Maya citizen might have been eyeing these feathered celebs with envy. The turkeys native to the Maya heartland, the ocellated turkeys, were especially revered for their stunning multi-colored feathers and regal heads. Sadly, they never made it to domestication, sparing us from seeing flashy turkeys wobbling around modern farms. How a turkey looked mattered a great deal to the Maya elite. These birds symbolized elite power, connected distant trading networks, and showcased the ruler's ability to provide colorful feather capes and sacrificial victims – all without hunting trips! Talk about one-stop shopping. The Maya didn't stop at adorning themselves with turkey feathers; they also included them in their religious rituals. Think turkey sacrifices to kickstart a fertile new year – a bit like modern New Year's resolutions but with feathers and flair! While the local wild turkeys eluded taming, the Maya incorporated both northern and local ocellated turkeys into their social and religious lives. Fast forward to today, and our Thanksgiving turkeys are the descendants of these esteemed Maya birds. So, when you feast on turkey, remember – you're indulging in a dignified tradition that's been centuries in the making. So, next Thanksgiving, when you gather around the table with friends and family, you can share the quirky story of the Maya and their divine turkey worship. Who knows, it might make the turkey taste even better! Comments are closed.
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AuthorThe Birmingham Free Press was established in 1997 as an independent news and entertainment source. We publish a variety of books, magazines, and comics, along with our flagship, broadsheet newspaper. Archives
August 2023
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