What is Alux?

March 2, 2023

Recently, Mexican President Andrés Manuel Lopez Obrador controversially claimed that a photo showed an Alux. Alux is a small, mischievous mythological creature that finds mention in Mayan mythology. It is believed to live in forests and fields and play tricks on people. It resembles miniature, traditionally dressed Mayan people. Its description and mythological role are similar to that of other sprite-like mythical entities like that of the Celtic leprechaun.

What is Mayan mythology?

It is a part of Meso-American mythology. They speak about the moral values in human lives. The mythology follows the tradition of preaching moral values through stories. The characters in the stories are fictitious and imaginary. They are heavenly bodies, mountains, landscapes, rain, clouds, etc.

What is Mayan Civilization?

The Mayan civilization belongs to the period between 300 AD and 900 AD. The civilization brought many innovations in stone architecture and farming. The people who lived during the period had good knowledge of astronomy and mathematics.

Where did Mayan Civilisation start?

In the Yucatan peninsula located in the Gulf of Mexico. The region has several Mayan sites like Ek Balam. The site that president AMLO recently referred to is also in Yucata. The Mayan people are still living in some of these regions.

Traditions in worshippingAluxes

Small offerings are left for aluxes to appease them and gain good luck or protection from thieves. Shelter-like structures are also built to attract these mythological creatures when construction works are being undertaken. These structures are believed to ward off hindrances and help the work proceed smoothly.

What is Maya Train line?

The Maya Train Line is 1,500 km long. It connects the Mayan civilization sites and beach resorts. The construction of the train line raised controversies about damaging the environment. Many were of the belief that the train line construction angered the Aluxes that lived in the forest!

« Previous PostNext Post »