Spring Equinox at Dzibilchaltun --- We Were There!

We headed out this morning at 5:00 to the Maya ceremonial and administrative site of Dzibilchaltun, located only 25 minutes from the Central House. The site dates back to about 1000 BC and is recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited Maya site on the Yucatan Peninsula. Its east/west orientation suggests the site was used for astronomical observations. It is the only Maya temple with windows.

Twice a year, on the Spring and Fall Equinox, the sun appears through these windows. The equinox (meaning "equal night") marks the sun's crossing directly over the equator. Many cultures have rituals based on these important dates. Easter, for example, always falls on the Sunday after the first full moon after the Spring Equinox. The Maya used the Spring Equinox as a sign to begin planting corn.

Last spring, it rained. Last fall, much to my great embarrassment, I scheduled our excursion for the wrong date...the day after the equinox.

This year, however, we were there to witness the sun come shining through the window in all its glory. Unfortunately, the following picture does not do justice to the event. All of the students have better photos than mine, but given they have all gone back to bed and because I was excited to post, I am exposing my poor photo skills to the world once again. The moment was gorgeous, moving and fleeting.

I am so very glad we were there. Happy Spring!