 | Temascal *Open your door to Xcaret`s Temascal steam bath By Alejandra Flores `Entering a temascal is like returning to Mother Earth, going back to our gestational roots. It is a way to renew in order to continue living, a steam bath for the soul; cleanliness for the body and healing energies created by contact with the hot stones from Popocateptl Volcano mixed with the cool water of Xcaret; infusions of aromatic herbs in the repairing silence and the power of prayer, of ancient supplication.` These are the words of Xaman Eduardo `Macehual` Colunga, head of Xcaret`s temascal during the 3rd Life and Death Traditions Festival, Xcaret 2008. From October 30th to November 2nd, Colunga will offer renewal rituals to add to the rituals undertaken by the Mayan prayer leaders to welcome the dearly departed, inviting them to visit their altars and asking for the eternal rest of all souls. The Xaman reminds us that the temascal is a legacy from our ancestors, a ritual that brings us into contact with the four elements: water, wind, fire and earth. We can enter the temascal as mere observers or we can immerse ourselves in the ritual and complete the ceremony asking for the gods` blessings or offering thanks for favors granted. Xcaret`s temascal is dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, patroness of the region. To her do we direct our prayers, our supplication and our requests; to her do we give thanks. On All Saints and All Soul`s Day, the temascal opens its doors to a special celebration: a ritual for the Day of the Dead. Let us set up our altar, first for the dearly departed children to whom we offer candy made of pumpkin or pine nuts and honey. Then we redecorate the altar for the adults who have gone before, with their favorite food, aquavit and corn leaf and tobacco leaf cigarettes. With our faces painted yellow, we will pray for life and renewal for all who visit. Whoever enters the temascal will understand that this is not just a steam bath but rather is an ancient form of healing. Take a few minutes to think about life, to enjoy the warm embrace of Mother Earth and prepare to be renewed. Outside, a well of cold water and a refreshing drink made of spinach tree leaves await to bring us back to life. If you want to enter the zumpulcheé, as the temascal is known in Maya, during the 3rd Life and Death Traditions Festival, Xcaret 2008, remember to make your reservation at the Park`s ticket office.
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