Symbols

Every fine weaving tells a story; some of the patterns represent local mythology, religions themes, cosmography. Different villages changes the symbols to reflect variations in the mythology and each weaver signs her work with her own symbol. Some of the symbols are produced exactly they way they were in ancient times.

Calendar Symbols

Designs can symbolically mark the passage of time. Some weavers make color changes on the eighteenth, twentieth, nineteenth and fifth rows to make the eighteen months of twenty days and the nineteenth month of five days that comprise the Mayan calendar. Others illustrate the solstices by placing two bright spots in their designs.

	Universe Design In this diamond design, the four sides represent the boundaries of space and time. Small diamonds in each corner are the cardinal points: east on top where the sun rises, west at the bottom for the end of the day, north on the left and south on the right. Often the east and west sides are colored blue to represent the Caribbean Sea to the east and Pacific Ocean to the west. At times a thin yellow line connecting east to west shows the sun's path across the sky.
	Ancestor Design Maya communities have a strong relationship to their ancestors. The ancestors watch over and guide the living and speak to them in dreams. They don't represent the actual ancestors of an individual, but are rather supernatural symbolic beings who were the first people to plant corn and live as humans.
	Flowery Flag This design represents ceremonial flags used at festivals and special occasions.