| Currently we all know about the ancient Mayan | | | | trumpets of triumph at ceremonies, and parties in |
| Calendar, and our 26.000 year cosmic alignment. | | | | Mayan culture. The simple bamboo flute, the |
| Yet one of the many great Mayan mysteries is | | | | sound of the Andes, is one instrument that |
| also about the music they played. which was used | | | | probably originates from this ancient culture. |
| to enchant the gods the ancient Maya worshiped. | | | | Carried and played by the few descendants of |
| Which many of the latter day descendants of the | | | | this empire, it has become a musical symbol of |
| ancient Maya say spoke directly from the Gods | | | | Central America. |
| themselves. | | | | The Ancient Maya were gifted musicians, and this |
| Music can be enchanting; it can bring us closer to | | | | gift has been recorded throughout history. When |
| others and our relationship with the spiritual World. | | | | the remaining "Indians" were "rescued" and |
| And the ancient Maya also used music to | | | | "protected" by more liberal members of the |
| celebrate, soothe the sick, welcome the gods, and | | | | Catholic Church in the 17th Century. Great |
| bring the joy of living to their people. Much is not | | | | Missions were built, and the "Indians" made and |
| known about pre-Columbian Mayan music, much | | | | played instruments like the violin, and flute. This |
| of the culture was kept by the scattered remains | | | | impressed the monks, who sold these |
| of the people who were once part of this ancient | | | | instruments worldwide, and were amazed by the |
| empire, but was destroyed as millions died of | | | | musical talents these descendants of the Maya |
| epidemics, or were deliberately slaughtered after | | | | processed. Often believing the music they played |
| the Spanish conquest of the Americas. However | | | | was a "Miracle of God." Many of these violins |
| temple relief's, and the simple instruments the | | | | were used by some of the great composers, and |
| few remaining descendents use today of this | | | | musicians of this period in Europe. |
| ancient empire, are a living testimony to the | | | | Perhaps a visitor to modern day Central America, |
| spiritual music of the Maya. | | | | could stumble across the descendants of this |
| Drums, whistles, flutes and trumpets played an | | | | great empire, and hear this mystical music. Music |
| important part in Mayan life. The "Popol Vuh," the | | | | today still played at the homes of the now |
| ancient Mayan, "Book of Life." Speaks of the soft, | | | | scattered tribes of the Maya, and wonder about |
| gloomy enchanting sound of drums as someone | | | | the stories that lay in the magical sounds they |
| departs to meet the spirits of the afterlife, and | | | | hear. |
| were an essential part of music with the | | | | |