 Equinox
at
Chichen Itse
By
Becky Brandborg
Architectural and astrological marvel that it is, one of the
most exciting time to see the castle at Chichen Itza is during
the Autumnal and Vernal (Fall and Spring) Equinoxes.
After years of study and investigation, Mexican researcher
Luis Arochi recognized that the Kukulkan’s pyramid was closely
related to the equinoxes. The Mayans had been brilliant astronomers
and mathematicians. This is seen in many of the structures
that are left at Chichen Itza. But the engineering of the
central Pyramid is so exact that with the arrival of either
equinox, seven triangles of sunlight are projected down the
north face staircase. As you can see in the photo, when you
add the carving of the serpents head at the base of the stairway
it gives the illusion that the snake is dropping from the
sky, symbolizing (some say) the return of fertility to the
earth.
 This
is a time of great celebration at Chichen Itza and the other
Mayan ruins throughout the Yucatan. If you do not enjoy crowds
this is not the time to view the ruins. Approximately 25,000
visitors attend the celebration on the mall. It is however
worth doing just once. The shadow of the serpent is also visible
two days before and two days after the equinox.
In addition to this important event the Castillo or Pyramid
is thought to have been used as a calendar. Being centrally
located in the main square flags could have been placed on
the steps representing the day. When you add the 91 steps
on each of the four sides together you come up with 364 days
the base of the crowning temple platform being the 365th day.
In this manner, anyone walking through the mall would know
at a glance the “date”.
All in all the El Castillo or Kukulkan’s Pyramid is without
a doubt on of the most impressive monuments at Chichen Itza.
And during the Equinox it puts on an impressive show.
References:
Chichen Itza A Practical Guide and Photo Album by Xavier
Alducin
The Mysteries of Chichen Itza by Alberto Rivera A.
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