It’s a unique blending of many different influences, ranging from the Spanish Mestizos, to the German Mennonites, and the Ancient Maya. From Characters & Caricatures in Belizean Folklore by Belize UNESCO Commission (c)1991 One of the most popular folklore characters in Belize is TATA DUENDE. [4] In the Yucatán peninsula, the word Xtabay illustrates undesirable behavior in women and men, and the legend is used by mothers and grandmothers to inculcate good behaviour in children. She lures them back to her Ceiba tree home, where they meet a grisly end. The Xtabai might look gorgeous, but don’t be charmed by her striking good looks. [9]Ipomoea corymbosa was also one of the most celebrated entheogens of the Aztecs, who knew the plant under the Nahuatl name coaxihuitl and its psychoactive seeds as ololiúqui ("round things") and, to this day, the seeds are still used to induce healing trances in curing rituals performed by the Zapotecs. [3] The myth also serves as a warning against the dangers of marital infidelity in the modern world, Xtabay's victims being generally husbands who have ventured from their homes at night to drink alcohol and seek the attention of other women. La Xtabai (ish-ta-bai). [4] Xkeban was shamed and humiliated by her community because she did not follow the traditional expectation for woman's behaviour. [7] Sometimes the women are said to be sisters. She is said to dwell in the forest to lure men to their deaths with her incomparable beauty. The Belizean culture is unlike anything else on Earth. Stories of LA LLORONA are popular in Belize, especially in the district of Orange Walk, and also in the neighbouring countries of Mexico and Guatemala. Sisimitos were known to abduct and rape women, while Sisimitas would kill and molest men. Belizean parents warn children to never oblige, lest Tata Duende rip their thumbs clean off! Nos vamos a Belize! [1] She is said to dwell in the forest to lure men to their deaths with her incomparable beauty. The Tata Duende (also referred to as El Sisimito) is a mythical goblin of Belizean folklore, a powerful spirit that protects animals and the jungle. He greets the children who walk the jungle trails politely, and asks to see their hands. La Xtabay is a Yucatec Maya myth about the female demon, Xtabay, a supernatural femme fatale who preys upon men in the Yucatán Peninsula. However women were much luckier, as a Sisimito's gaze would prolong her life, if only she could escape. The Xtabai might look gorgeous, but don't be charmed by her striking good looks. [14] Legends similar to La Llorona include La Malinche and La Xtabay. Xtabai is a mixture between Yucatec culture and ancient Maya belief. Xtabai is a well-known myth created by the Maya ancestors. She’s said to hide in the thorny trunk of Belize’s ceiba tree. Stories so terrifying, they are past down from generation to generation as folklore and legends with strong warnings. gaumeri). These stories are part of the oral tradition of village people, and men who toiled in the remote bush camps—cane farmers, loggers, and chicleros. FOLKLORE The Mestizo of Corozal and Orange Walk retain a nine-nights celebration at Christmas, called the Posada, whereby they go from house to house asking for 'posada' or shelter. Xtabai, the Ultimate Seductress. Although LA LLORONA and XTABAI have traditionally become merged into one legend and, as enchantresses, are said to be variation of the same lore, each possesses distinct characteristics and behaviors. [11], "Notes upon the ethnography of southern Mexico: expedition of 1901", "The influences of some Mexican folklore and beliefs on Mexican life", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Xtabay&oldid=1006591428, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from August 2020, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License, This page was last edited on 13 February 2021, at 18:39. [7] Xtabay lures men with seduction, which is against the traditional Mayan culture. She begins by infecting the inhabitants of a nearby village with a terrible and deadly fever. [4] Mayan culture places great importance on keeping hair long and healthy, however, humid weather and long work days make this difficult, so the hair of working women is usually kept drawn back from the face. The Belize Travel Blog. Legends of Belize Creature Book by GrissyG and Dismas. [7], Xtabay is said to wear a white dress and to have large black eyes and long black hair down to her ankles which she uses to attract men who are out late at night. She lures them back to her Ceiba tree home, where they meet a grisly end. Jonny and Aileen watch the first major feature length movie to be entirely produced in Belize. A sealed ancient Mayan cave would be blown open unleashing Xtabai to wreak havoc on the world and destroy civilization. Encounters with murderous monsters: presentation on Belizean folklore. Often used as a scare tactic for misbehaving children or husbands, the legend goes La Xtabai lures drunk men to her Ceiba tree where if they try to leave, are cursed with a fever for days before eventually dying. One of the most accepted versions of the myth comes from the … [5] According to Perez' Lexicon of the Maya Language, the feminine prefix "tab", "taab", and "tabil" translate to "rope intended for some exclusive use. She looks like a human until you notice her feet: … [7] It said in the legend that the ceiba roots are where all the men the Xtabay has taken from earth go and that not a single one has ever returned from them. yucatanensis or Mammillaria heyderi ssp. This mythical, malicious creature preys on Belizean men. [11] The fear of death in the myth relies on the capability of the dead to cause harm to the living and the belief that the dead have hostile intentions. Many supernatural beings are part of the folklore. She is a demon that manifests itself in front of a cave, a place that also has connections with an evil underworld. Smart Belizeans knew they could escape an attack by walking near a river or with a canine companion. Creoles speak of a phantom pirate ship seen at night, lit by flickering lanterns. Caricatures in Belizean Folklore) Most of the legends we have about La X'tabai talk about a beautiful, enchanting woman of Indian descent with long silky black hair, and who is always luring men to follow her and make love with her. Their short, hirsute figures made them appear closer to apes than modern men. [7] Utz-colel prayed to evil spirits who fulfilled her desire to become a woman again so that she too might become a beautiful flower in death, but, incapable of love and motivated only by jealousy and rage, she became instead the demon Xtabay, outwardly a beautiful woman but inwardly cruel and predatory of heart. They embraced, and the Xtabai transformed into a thorny tree with needles that pierced every part of the boy's body. Perhaps the most frightening was the Xtabai (pronounced ish-ta-bye). "[5] Ixtab was seen as a benevolent goddess who acted as a psychopomp to whoever hung themselves, leading them to paradise, as suicide was considered an honorable way of dying. [5][6], Two equally beautiful women, Xkeban and Utz-colel, lived in a village or pueblo in the Yucatán Peninsula. Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a35fe759a14803655a4ca94d7ac3d33f" );document.getElementById("e2c1fef528").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. According to the story, La Xtabai targets children who do not obey their parents and are out late at night. Every country has fables, some have more than others. Xtabay will lie in wait under a tree to seduce her victim before throwing them over a cliff and finally ripping out their heart. She only appears to people that wonder in dark places near the bush and late at night. Tata Duende, La Llorona, Anansi, Alux; these are all characters from Belizean Folklore and are familiar to Belizeans, no matter their origin. Xtabai. Mestizo music is heavily influenced by Spanish traditions. [4] The ceiba tree is considered to be an embodiment of the Axis mundi, connecting heaven, earth and underworld. A man would usually die within a month of looking a Sisimito in the eye. It's said that their heels were at the front of their feet and the toes at their back, a clever tactic that made their footprints appear as if they were heading in the opposite direction. La Xtabai is part of our beautiful Yucatec Maya culture of Belize . In Belize, Central America, there are terrifying stories about strange creatures such as the jungle gnome called Tata Duende who has backwards feet, rips thumbs off, and has magical powers or the beautiful but deadly seductress named Xtabai who steals souls and shape-shifts into animals, people, and even someone you know. They were petrified of water and dogs. One version of the story tells of a 15-year-old boy who often disobeyed his mother and stayed out late. [4], The term "Xtab" was used to refer to an ancient Maya goddess Ixtab, the goddess of suicide by hanging or the gallows. The moral of the legend is that celibacy and outward virtue can lead the unwary into the sin of pride and count for little unless governed by a kind heart (inner beauty) capable of compassion for those less fortunate than oneself. Required fields are marked *. He’s one of the region’s best-known legends, appearing on a Belizean postage stamp as part of a series on the folklore. [4][7], Several days after Xkeban's death, the townspeople discovered her body guarded by animals and surrounded by fragrant flowers. These are just a few of the many great tales that the people of Belize have passed from generation to generation. The theme for this year’s summer camp was “Belizean Folklore Characters” and highlighted popular Belizean folklore characters such as the Tata Duende, Anansi, X’tabai and La Llorona. [4] Even in death, when Utz-colel wanted to experience life again, she was unable to overcome her envy and loveless heart. [8], The Xtabay is known for her long black hair falling past her shoulders that she combs with the spines of the tzacam cactus. She is described as having beautiful, shining black hair that falls down to her ankles and wearing a white dress. [7] The entire pueblo gathered for her funeral, and they put flowers around her grave that disappeared the next day. [7] In Mayan culture, women are encouraged to be modest and abstain from sexual intercourse until marriage. [7] This flower is used for a liqueur of the same name. For my presentation, I’ll first introduce the many different creatures in the Belizean/Hispanic folktales I was raised on, perhaps recounting one of the more famous stories of the way the creatures ‘operate.’ The main three are El Duende, La Llorona and El Xtabai. The popular folklore of the country is a unique blending of many different influences, from Kriol, to Spanish Mestizo, German Mennonite, Garifuna, and of course various Maya peoples. Xtabentún is a lax, clambering vine that sprawls through hedges, scenting the air with its festoons of delicate white trumpets, and it is said that the reason that it seeks such shelter is that it is defenseless (it has no thorns) - just as Xkeban had felt defenseless when she was human. One legend tells us of two women fighting over the same man. [13] Les Baxter's album Voice of the Xtabay by Peruvian soprano Yma Sumac depicts the lure of the xtabay in her music. [11] She waits behind a ceiba tree (a sacred tree in Maya culture) and is said to comb her hair with the spines of the Tzacam cactus. Utz-colel became the foul-smelling flower of the Tzacam cactus (Mammillaria columbiana ssp. They ate fruits and leaves just like apes too, although they preferred snacking on human flesh. The government responds by placing the village under quarantine. Our Maya tatitos from Corozal and Orange Walk use to lay in their Hammocks and tell us this stories . She is said to ensnare men with her long white dress and beautiful long straight hair. She appears at the base of a Ceiba tree, thus desecrating a sacred symbol and giving us an insight that this character has no respect for this world’s ideology and is altogether evil. [4] Xtabay subverts the traditional meaning of the ceiba tree since she hides behind it to lure her victims to their doom. [11] Once they have had sex, Xtabay transforms into a poisonous serpent and devours them. What makes her so terrifying, is that she is an enchantress, luring people to their death. [7] The people of the village planned to exile Xkeban, but they decided to allow her to remain in order to further humiliate her. In contrast to Xkeban, Utz-colel was cold-hearted and believed she was superior to those around her, especially those socially below her. [11] Variants of the La Llorona legend are told throughout Mexico and because of the La Llorona figure can be pitied and feared at the same time. There are many stories in Belize. In Belize, Central America, there are terrifying stories about strange creatures such as the jungle gnome called Tata Duende who has backwards feet, rips thumbs off, and has magical powers or the beautiful but deadly seductress named Xtabai who steals souls and shapeshifts into animals, people, and even someone you know. Belize, with its unique blend of different cultures, has a truly colorful folklore history replete with many tall tales. Despite her ill treatment, Xkeban tended to the poor, sick, and animals in need. Belize, Central America. It is believed to lure sailors to death on the dangerous coral reef. [4], The legend of Xtabay is part of contemporary Maya culture, as myths influence current beliefs. To view GrisDismations Art and Animations visit www.GrisDismation.com Characters & Caricatures in Belizean Folklore. [4], The ceiba tree is a sacred tree of the Mayan people since the belief was that a virtuous person could become a ceiba tree after death. Reproduction of this website including text, graphics and image is prohibited without the written permission of  Chaa Creek Ltd. Do not copy posts without prior written approval, contact us first. She disappeared as quickly as she arrived, and he returned home to nurse his wounds, determined to mind his mother in future. As you can see, Belize is a land rich in vivid tales and intriguing mythology. [4] Xtabay's hair contrasts the typical hairstyle of Mayan women but represents the culture's ideal of beauty. The idea of the mystical healing and Obeah is prominent in Belizean legend, and there is still talk of evil shaman practices like putting "Obeah" on certain houses. During the day, however, the Xtabai takes the form of a tree or a snake. GrisDismations Shop | Be the cool cat on the block or for that sake the coolest cat in the Universe and take home an Official GrisDismation product powered by Spreadshirt. [8] Xkeban was treated poorly by her community for her promiscuous behavior while Utz-colel was considered virtuous for remaining celibate. Book your travel arriving May 1st through July 31st, 2021 & get a FREE NIGHT at one of the world's leading Eco Lodges, The Lodge at Chaa Creek. Perhaps the most ubiquitous of characters/creatures spoken about around campfire, table, and excavation unit are Tata Duende and Ixtabai. TATA is the mayan word for “old man” or “grandfather” and DUENDE, spanish for “dwarf.” Meg Craig. She lures them back to her Ceiba tree home, where they meet a grisly end. Do you know of any other great pieces of Belizean folklore? [11] People who look at La Malinche have their necks stuck in the position in which they looked at her and must be cured by a curandero (healer). [11][14] La Malinche was said to have three sons by three different men, and she drowned her three lovers, but now is cursed to look for them along the rivers and called to them endlessly. [7], The theme of death is continuous with all of the different versions of the myth of the Xtabay. According to legend, the Xtabai (pronouced Shta-bye) is an evil spirit who appears as a beautiful woman. [3] One of the most accepted versions of the myth comes from the book, Diez Leyendas Mayas (1998), written by Jesus Azcorra Alejos. Parents would warn their children to be home before dark lest she capture them and take them into the jungle. A curse has fallen on the town of San Antonio after some Gringos blow open a cave and release the mythical demon woman, Xtabai. Unsuspecting humans might feel the creatures were traveling away from them, only to discover they were dangerously close by. A team of students along with their teacher escape into the jungle to find a cure, guided only by a dream. She also preys on drunk men, luring them to her embrace. La Xtabai Many of us Maya from northern Belize grew up hearing the stories of the Xtabai . [2] She is described as having beautiful, shining black hair that falls down to her ankles and wearing a white dress. Providing readers with the best Belize Travel Guide Tips, Things To Do, Where To Stay, Recipes, News, Travel Deals, Pictures and Wildlife in Belize for over 15 years. There are many versions of the tale. One version of the story tells of a 15-year-old boy who often disobeyed his mother and stayed out late. La Xtabay is a Yucatec Maya myth about the female demon, Xtabay, a supernatural femme fatale who preys upon men in the Yucatán Peninsula. The problem is, you can never be quite sure you're in Tata Duende's presence. [10], Utz-colel haughtily believed that her dead body would smell better than Xkeban's because of her purity, however, her dead body had an unbearable smell. Your email address will not be published. And Belize’s diverse and vibrant cultures have contributed to one of the most unique and interesting mix of folklore.. As a child, I recall spending Sunday evenings at my grandparents’ house listening to countless tales of old Belize. The Nukuch Tat (singular) Nukuch Taato’ob (plural) are Maya guardian spirits of the forest, animals, and humans. [13], There are many similarities to the legend of La Llorona, a ghost who is said to wander Mexico searching for her children and luring away any living children she comes across. The Altun Ha archaeological site in Belize, a remnant of Mayan culture. [11], In La Xtabay, the symbolism of the human heart is often repeated throughout the myth, as both Xkeban's and Utz-colel's personalities are described based on the type of "heart" they possessed. Folklore characters associated with the Mestizo are: La Llorona, Xtabai, Alux, and El Cadejo. She is said to be a beautiful young girl who has long straight black hair. Folklore of the evil spirit Xtabai goes back generations in Belize. The Sisimito and Sisimita weren't without weakness though. Tata Duende_03(Belize Folklore Finados) Sisimito_01(unknown) Sisimito_02(unknown) Xtabai_01(Curse of the Xtabai, Make-Belize Films) Xtabai_02(Curse of the Xtabai… This mythical, malicious creature preys on Belizean men. Belizean Folklore and Tales. The camp was held between the hours of 9am and 12pm, through the weeks July 16th – 20th and July 30th through August 3rd. LegendsofBelize.com Art and Animation by GrissyG and Dismas. Your email address will not be published. From inside the book . MUSIC Other customs include: Fajina, Novenas, Mascarado or Carnival. [4] She lures men deep into the forest, making them lost and disoriented before having sex with them. 0 Reviews. 4 • FOLKLORE Belizean folklore is a combination of European, African, and Mayan beliefs. Today, aspects of these people live on in the nation of Belize and its folktales. Although his haunts probably won't be on the tour for your typical luxury Caribbean cruise, this sneaky man will often change into a small animal, or even someone you know. [4] Xkeban had a warm heart whereas Utz-colel had a cold heart. Here are some of the land's most compelling legends: Legend has it that the hairy male Sisimitos and female Sisimitas lived deep in the caves of Belize. [2] In other versions of the myth, the Xtabay can appear in any form or sex she chooses in order to lure a person to their doom. [4] Women symbolize purity and are taught not to talk to men by themselves. The Xtabai only calls to men, usually drunk men. This was inspired by stories from elders in San Antonio Village. This mythical, malicious creature preys on Belizean men. Perhaps it's best to keep your hands hidden in your pockets if you're ever walking through the Belizean forests. Belize UNESCO Commission, 1991 - Folklore - 60 pages. One night, he came across the Xtabai, and found himself seduced by her flowing raven hair and sweet voice. She particularly likes drunk men, so take care not to drink too much Belizean rum. [4], Utz-colel was known for her purity because she abstained from sexual relations. Alux by Andy Chuc; The most popular stories are about the Alux and Nukuch Tat (Tata Duende or El Dueño del Monte).Other folklore stories of the village are of the Xtabai, La Llorona and Huay K’ek’een or a brujo/bruja (witch) who transforms into a huge pig. The Xtabai is part of the Yucatec Maya folk tradition, described as a beautiful woman with long black hair and wears a flowing white frock (1). Home » Belize Photos » Belizean Folklore: The Legends of Belize. The Xtabai then lures the man into the jungle, sometimes just to taunt them, but sometimes to hurt or even kill them. The story of La Xtabai varies slightly among the different cultures of Belize. For more information about Belize mythology and folklore visit. [4], The legend of the Xtabay has influenced music. [4] If a Mayan woman does not follow these cultural expectations, she can be condemned for her actions. [2], An alternative version of the legend, particularly in Quintana Roo, states that Xtabay is the punisher of drunks, thieves, and violent criminals. In Belizean folklore, we find the legends of La Llorona, Cadejo, the Tata Duende, and X'tabai. In contrast, Utz-colel believed she was virtuous because of her sexual purity and her community’s resulting kind treatment, but was also haughty and unkind to the downtrodden. The Xtabai, according to the ancestors, has her feet like that of a bird. ... Spanish spellings stories TATA DUENDE tell Tiger told took tree turned usually victims village wait walk WARRIE MASSA wears wife woman XTABAI … [4] The townspeople adored Utz-colel because of her celibacy and overlooked her cruelty. Some informants refused to even acknowledge the Xtabai when prompted and would not speak until the topic was changed. Deep in the Belizean jungle lives Tata Duende, there lives an ugly little man with backwards feet, a big red hat, and no thumbs. [4] The myth is used by both parents and grandparents to impress early upon the young the need to resist the temptations they will face in adulthood to go out drinking at night and cheat on their partners. This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our websiteGot it! All Rights Reserved. One version of the story tells of a 15-year-old boy who … Get ready for wanderlust for Belize, folklore … [12], Despite her promiscuous nature and the resulting ill-treatment by her community, Xkeban helped those around her, which ultimately made her worthy of being transformed into the xtabentún flower. For my presentation, I’ll first introduce the many different creatures in the Belizean/Hispanic folktales I was raised on, perhaps recounting one of the more famous stories of the way the creatures ‘operate.’ The main three are El Duende, La Llorona and El Xtabai. [7] It has been suggested that Christian colonialists corrupted the original legend by altering the meaning of the ceiba tree from a sacred tree into a place of danger. Belize, San Ignacio 31; Wednesday 28 April 2021 / 16:37; Belize All Inclusive Hotels & Resorts – Where To Stay in Belize 2021 . The Xtabai might look gorgeous, but don't be charmed by her striking good looks. An enchanting seductress, it is said this mythical creature is compared to a goddess with beautiful features and long, silky black hair. [14] Throughout all of the versions, the La Llorona figure is known as "the white lady" because she wears white. Part 5 of Belize Watch TV Show with host, Rene Villanueva and guests GrissyG and Dismas talking about Belizean folklore like Tata Duende, Xtabai, Llorona, Sisimito, Cadejo, Sucia, Tabai and more. Join over 3,700 readers and get the best Belize travel tips, photos, recipes and travel deals delivered to your inbox each week. In Belize, Central America, there are terrifying stories about strange mythical creatures that roam the jungles and waters. [7] The homeless and poor, whom Xkeban had helped during her life, held a funeral for her and, soon afterward, a mysterious, sweet-smelling flower grew around her grave, for Xkeban had metamorphosed into the species of morning glory called, in the Maya language, xtabentún, (Ipomoea corymbosa (Convolvulaceae)). Belize has several with Xtabai being the most well known.