When facing the task of comparing and contrasting two cultures as vastly different as the Mayan and Christian, it is necessary to examine and analyze several key facets of each culture. Studying the symbolism seen in the religions, the architecture of each culture and the anecdotes surrounding creation and construction can help us to gain valuable insight into both cultures and consider the possibility that western culture is viewing Mayan cosmology through a stilted and Christian cosmological lens.
There are three noteworthy categories within Mayan religion and cosmology to both the Mayans themselves and to the scholars that study them: the creation of the cosmos, the destruction of the cosmos, and the gods worshiped. These are the building blocks to the religion and the beliefs displayed in the Mayan book the Popul Vuh, which dates back to around 1550 (Weor). When comparing the Mayan culture with western cultures, these topics allow understanding of how each relates to and opposes the other. With the similarities that are present in each creation and destruction story, as well as the characteristics of the gods, it is clear that there must be a universal cosmology in every culture and religion naturally throughout the world. This paper will focus on the Quiche Maya, who inhabited the highlands and currently reside in present-day Guatemala and parts of El Salvador and Mexico (Penprase 123). The Quiche culture iscompletely reliant on the creation myth and structure depicted in the Popul Vuh, which is their sacred text. In this sacred book, there are four sections to explain the cosmos.