Nature and Culture Among the Maya in Rural Belize

This thesis is about nature and culture relationships among the Maya, with special emphasis on the Q’eqchi’ Maya of Belize. The theories of symbolism, animism, and totemism, help to explain how and why nature is so essential to the Maya way of life. Throughout this thesis, I will explore such intricacies ascribed to the Maya’s worldview on nature and culture, as represented in the culture of the Q’eqchi’ in Belize. The topics of Maya Health, Wellness, and Medicine; the Deer Dance; Religion and Totems; and Ecotourism will be developed along with the presentation of the findings of my fieldwork within the context of the ancient belief systems of the Maya.