The celebration of HanalPixán in southeastern Mexico. Spatial and symbolic transformations in a daily life environment: Mayan vernacular housing

Abstract

The aim of this document is to understand the spatial transformation of the everyday sphere, based on certain socio-cultural preconceptions and conditions. The physical changes and symbolic transmutations in the interior space of the Mayan vernacular house is analysed as well as the constant gradual changes occurring on his land and in the wider rural environment. This work was developed in the state of Yucatan, Mexico, during the days set apart to celebrated the dead, a time when, according to local tradition, the souls of the deceased return to visit the earth.

The transformations in the spaces, dynamics of use and processes of appropriation and assignment of meaning, as well as people’s behavior and social roles observed over those days, are presented as inversely proportional to their corresponding physical dimensions, frequency of use and social representation in the community.