6 Ben (May 19)

6 Ben (May 19): The number 6 is stable and solid; in the Palenque Creation Myth, it is associated with the World Tree. To a certain degree, the symbolism still remains; the hill called Paclom in the center of Momostenango is often called “the center of the world,” but it is also known as “the place of the number 6.” The day-sign Ben(Aj in K’iche’) is related to a story from the Mayan Creation Epic or Pop Wuj; it is a story of the resurrection of the corn, the victory of the Hero Twins in the Underworld, and hence symbolic of the triumph of life over death. On this day it is appropriate to give thanks for the home in which we live, for this day is connected with the nourishment and flourishing of all things related to the home, whether human, animal or plant. It symbolizes the energy and vitality of life itself.