Permanencia y uso contemporáneo del calendario Cholq’ij/Tachb’al Amaq’ en tierras altas de Guatemala

Abstract

In the highlands of Guatemala, the knowledge and use of the Cholq’ij, 260-day ritual calendar, has persisted among contemporary Maya groups. Although it has not remained unchanged since pre-Columbian times, its characteristics do not show significant modifications and its constituent elements have subsisted through time. Its transformations have obeyed social, political and historical processes; this demonstrate the capacity of adaptation of the Maya people of Guatemala. At present the Cholq'ij is the axis of references and endogenous cultural proposals. This paper describes some of its main characteristics and constituent elements. In adition, we explain the way that this calendar is understood, transmitted, systematized and used among the Mayan people from the highlands of Guatemala. Likewise, we discuss on its scope and contemporary applications.