LESSON PLAN FOR EASTER IN GUATEMALA VIDEO

MARY ELLEN PAGE

2011

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Map of Guatemala Intended Learning Outcomes Calendar of Holy Week Events Vocabulary List Suggested Activities Comparison Chart for Pagan and Christian Traditions Introduction to Mayan Culture Video Script for Easter in Guatemala Discussion Questions Word Find Activity Matching Activity Test Resources Answer Keys

 All exercises are for classroom use only and may not be used for commercial purposes

INTRODUCTION Guatemala has some quite unusual traditions at Easter time. Many of them are a combination of Christian after the arrival of the Spanish and the missionaries in the New World and pagan, their practices prior to the Spanish arrival. This dualism or syncretism of cultures is displayed in their religion, dress, art, and social customs. It is what makes Guatemalans unique. Students need to understand that these traditions have existed for hundreds of years, and no Western influence will change that. Outside the Catholic churches they still worship their ancient gods, burn incense to pray for favors and rain for their crops. Inside the churches, they also burn the incense and light candles and pray to a Christian God and a whole litany of saints to help them with their daily lives. One of their most noted traditions takes place during Holy Week and is a blending of the Christian with the religious celebrations, traditional dress, carrying the statues in procession throughout the streets, especially in Antigua, Guatemala City, Santiago Atitln, Chichicastenango, and Quetzaltenango. What is particularly interesting for these processions are the flower petal, seed, and colored sawdust street blankets over which the processions will pass. On a much smaller scale, this is somewhat similar to the Rose Bowl Parade floats of New Years Day in the United States. The pagan element of this season is displaying the Maximn, thought by some to be a representation of Judas Iscariot and all the evils in the world. This whole lesson plan is based on students watching the video, Easter in Guatemala,which can be found in video stores like Blockbuster, the public library, or college or

university campus libraries. It is most educational and will help students become more aware of other cultures and their traditions.