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Flying
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| Information sur la photo |
Copyright: Elias Castillo (manatee)
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 767 W: 5 N: 1153]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (3987) |
| Genre: Gens |
| Média: Couleur |
| Date de prise de vue: 2005-10-09 |
| Catégories: Cérémonies |
| Exposition: f/2.6 |
| More Photo Info: [view] |
| Versions: version originale |
| Date de soumission: 2006-09-14 3:08 |
| Vue: 640 |
| Points: 12 |
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| [Ligne directrice - Note] Note du photographe |
A Totonaca myth tells of a time in the 13th century when there was a great drought, causing food and water grew scarce throughout the land. Five young men decided that they must send a message to Xipe Totec, God of fertility so that the rains would return and nurture the soil, and their crops would again flourish. So they went into the forest and searched for the tallest, straightest tree they could find.
When they came upon the perfect tree, they spent the night, fasting and praying for the tree's spirit to help them in their quest. The next day they blessed the tree, cut it down, and carried it back to their village, never allowing it to touch the ground. Only when they decided upon the perfect place for their ritual, did they set the tree down.
The men stripped the tree of its leaves and branches, dug a hole to stand it upright, then blessed the site with ritual offerings. The men adorned their bodies with feathers so that they would appear like birds to Xipe Totec, in hope of attracting the god's attention to their important request. With vines wrapped around their waists, they secured themselves to the pole and made their plea through their flight and the haunting sound of the flute and drum.
In Mesoamerican times the ritual of the Volador was performed throughout much of Mexico. It was performed once every 52 years at the change of the century, and the brotherhood of the Voladores was passed from father to son.
Like many legends, there is another story, which we think is interlinked into the story we have just told.
The Totonaco Nation, of Papantlas, began this spiritual ritual after their beloved King Flatchutanechi died. During his rule, the Nation became stronger and more prosperous than ever before. After his death, the Nation faltered and became weak. In this spiritual ceremony, the dancers are praying to the Creator for another king with the wisdom and strength of King Flatchutanechi.
Flatchutanechi ruled for 52 years, and to honor that, each year of his reign the voladores circle the pole 13 times. Multiplied by the four voladores, it equals 52 spins which represents the number of years the King ruled and the number of weeks in each year. The dancer on top of the 100 foot high pole is praying to the four directions with his music and dance.
The top of the pole is approximately 10" in diameter. It is important to note that the wooden frame from which the dancers descend is not attached to the pole. To maintain balance, dancers must be of similar weight. The dancers are not acrobats and this is not a circus act. Rather, dancers chosen as participants in the spiritual Dance of the Voladores are very honored.
The colorful traditional outfits are a prayer to the colors of Mother Nature and the 4 elements - fire, water, air and earth. Blue is for sky, yellow for the sun, red for fire and green for trees. White represents purity.
By the time the Europeans arrived in this part of the world, the Totonacos had been performing this ceremony for over 200 years. They continue this ancient tradition because they have never lost faith in the Creator, nor given up hope. |
robertosalguero, broglia, Jeronimo, turkamerikali, riclopes, xuaxo trouve(nt) cette note utile
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| Discussions |
| Enchaînement de réflexions | Initiateur de la discussion |
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| A broglia: Hi | manatee |
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09-15 01:55 |
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Very impressive feat performed by these people Elias. I would be scare to even look at them fly like that :-)
Nice shot man! I like the perspective and framing. Including the pinnacle of the church is a good touch in this composition.
Well done Elias :-)
Roberto
Hi Elias, I have seen other shots of these flying men but none have offered such a feeling of height as yours. A great perspective. Thanks also for the excellent notes. This really is what TE is all about. TFS, Roberto
Hi Elias,
Great shot.Wonderful point wiev.
Well done.
Regards.
hAyAti
Exelent picture. Exelente ocupación del espacio! Es bueno la presencía de la iglesia en la esquina de la foto... una presencia que resalta el sincretismo cultural de mexico y como lo dice tu nota, esos valores tan impregnados en la cultura indigena de la cual tendriamos tantas cosas que aprender. Tu nota es imprescindible con tu foto. Hace vernos la riqueza cultural tan poco conocida de mexico... no nada mas los aztecas y Quetzalcoalt...
Mi mail is allaisjerome@yahoo.fr
Me llama la anteción tu sensibilidad, poco comun aquí en Mexico (perdon).
Estaría interesante que nos vieramos uno de esos dias.
Hola my Mexican Friend:)
Great and very cool composition Elias.
I like your pov,dof,colors,great note,framing,perspective and creative idea.TFS
Have a Great Weekend my friend,
Tolga/Indianapolis
Olá Elias, what a great shot along with a very interesting and informative note. The composition is very good and the black frame suits well the graphic scene of the sillouettes. And I like the inclusion of the church and the blue sky. Really cool!
Congratulations and nice to know that you borned in this city.
Un saludo,
Ricardo
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- xuaxo
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2654 W: 181 N: 2489]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(4130) - [2007-06-22 8:00]
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Hola Elias,
Una tradición muchísimo interesante. Me gusta saber que estas tradiciones antiguas todavía continúan en el gran país mexicano.
Una nota mucho completa.
Saludos,
Francisco
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 255 W: 43 N: 248]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(1375)