In this memory you are only four. Your memory is very hazy and dreamy and tinged with strong emotional impressions.
Uncle Zavi (Actually one of your mothers husbands, who raised you like a father) is taking you to have a sweat bath, or Temazcal, for the first time. The two of you enter one of the many Temazcaltin on the palace grounds. They're all very small buildings, made of baked bricks. They're elegant, though, and decorated in many holy symbols.
The two of you remove most of your clothes before entering. Zavi removes all of his jewelry and other adornments. The Temazcal is not just about hygiene. It is a form of medicine, physical and spiritual. It is a religious ceremony, too. Zavi explains all of this to you as you prepare to enter.
Inside it is cramped and dark, lit only by the central hearth. Three volcanic stones are set in the fire. Those stones represent the three souls humans have, and the three levels of the universe. It is very hot, and humid, and soon you are both sweating. The scent of incense and aromatic woods waft everywhere.
Zavi explains the significance a little more, even though it is hard to make out all the details. The house represents the inside of the earth, the fire is the sun, the darkness is the night. There are so many sacred things, and you listen intently, even though you barely remember it now. But you can remember the beautiful hymns that he sang.
It is so hot, but it feels good. You feel cleansed, and almost ecstatic to be in this holy place. And you are happy to share this happy moment with Uncle Zavi, who you love very dearly.
Afterwards, the servants give you a cold bath, and you are led off to bed, sleeping peacefully.
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In this memory you are only four. Your memory is very hazy and dreamy and tinged with strong emotional impressions.
Uncle Zavi (Actually one of your mothers husbands, who raised you like a father) is taking you to have a sweat bath, or Temazcal, for the first time. The two of you enter one of the many Temazcaltin on the palace grounds. They're all very small buildings, made of baked bricks. They're elegant, though, and decorated in many holy symbols.
The two of you remove most of your clothes before entering. Zavi removes all of his jewelry and other adornments. The Temazcal is not just about hygiene. It is a form of medicine, physical and spiritual. It is a religious ceremony, too. Zavi explains all of this to you as you prepare to enter.
Inside it is cramped and dark, lit only by the central hearth. Three volcanic stones are set in the fire. Those stones represent the three souls humans have, and the three levels of the universe. It is very hot, and humid, and soon you are both sweating. The scent of incense and aromatic woods waft everywhere.
Zavi explains the significance a little more, even though it is hard to make out all the details. The house represents the inside of the earth, the fire is the sun, the darkness is the night. There are so many sacred things, and you listen intently, even though you barely remember it now. But you can remember the beautiful hymns that he sang.
It is so hot, but it feels good. You feel cleansed, and almost ecstatic to be in this holy place. And you are happy to share this happy moment with Uncle Zavi, who you love very dearly.
Afterwards, the servants give you a cold bath, and you are led off to bed, sleeping peacefully.