Invite the Mayan Gods to Your Wedding at Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Invite the Mayan Gods to Your Wedding at Banyan Tree Mayakoba
The concept behind the resort's Mayan Wedding Ritual relates to the connection between the universe and ancient religious beliefs. The ceremony, described in the Mayan's Sacred Book, the Popol Vuh, unites the couple in the presence of the four cardinal directions of North, South, East, and West. A local Shaman presides over the union by cleansing the altar with sacred smoke from the Copal tree and sounding a ritual conch shell horn. Traditional Mayan music accompanies the ceremony, played using pre-Hispanic instruments, drums and a conch.

During the ceremony, the couple enters a special altar, created to represent the cardinal points, each marked with flowers alongside sacrificial offerings of corn, beans, rice and fruit, symbolizing prosperity and fertility. A different color flower is placed at each direction, north is red, east is yellow, south is purple, and west is white. Candles at each point symbolize the presence of the four Mayan cosmos gods – Zac Cimi of the west, Hozanek of the south, Hobnil of the east, and Can Tzicnal of the north. A fifth flame is placed in the center and lit by the Shaman. This final candle symbolizes and unites the bond between the feminine spirit of Mother Earth and the masculine spirit, Cosmic Energy.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba is perfectly located on the ancient Riviera Maya coastline where luxury, nature and serenity blend in harmony. Mayakoba – meaning village over the water in Mayan – presents a unique fusion of Mexican culture and Asian hospitality. A breathtaking sanctuary for the senses, the resort is an ideal escape for relaxation, romance, world-class dining and picture-perfect weddings. Surrounded by emerald lagoons, lush mangroves, a PGA golf course and sugar-sand beaches, this intimate oasis offers wedding packages to suit every couple's needs from a small, intimate beach wedding to an extravagant affair, to vow renewals and marriage blessings. A wedding coordinator and romance team are on hand to curate the celebrations to the couple's exact specifications.

The Mayan Wedding Ritual starts at USD$285 per person. For more information about Banyan Tree Mayakoba and the Mayan Wedding Ritual, visit www.banyantree.com.