Component 2A
Here it is told – A woman from Heaven
Don Antonio Valeriano wrote the story of Nican Mopohua, or ‘Here it is told’, in the 16th century. It is the first written word manuscript (Nahuatl) known. A simple but beautiful story of a man and a fateful meeting of a heavenly woman. The people of 16th century Mexico developed an encompassing trust, and to this day, a deep faith in this woman – Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the Lady from Heaven.
The man in this story is Juan Diego. In the mid-1500’s, as Juan was walking to the town of Tlateloco, he suddenly smelled a pleasant smell in the air and heard music playing. A voice was calling to him ‘Juanito, Juan Dieguito…’ At the top of a hill, he saw a woman who suggested he come closer. This heavenly creature was a sight for sore eyes – Her being glowed, her voice sweet like honey. She announces to Juan that She is the Virgin Mary – Mother of God. She tells Juan to continue on to Mexico and request a temple be built for Her upon the hill of Tepeyac where they currently stood.
Juan does as She asks and meets with Bishop Fray Juan de Zumarrago. Juan tells the story of the beautiful presence on the hill. The Bishop does not believe Juan, or his story. Juan returns to Tepeyac hill to tell Her of his bad news. She convinces Juan that he is the chosen one to complete Her request and he is to return to the Bishop and ask again. After some convincing, the Bishop finally agrees to Juan’s request, the Bishop asks some sort of sign from Her – something to truly believe in her earthly presence.
After an explanation, She tells Juan to return the following morning to retrieve this sign. Juan does not return the following day. His uncle, Juan Bernardino, becomes very ill and Juan cannot receive this tangible sign from Her. As Juan is seeking a priest for his dying uncle, out of nowhere, She approaches him, as She is all knowing. Juan explains his dilemma and She assures him that his uncle would be fine. She tells Juan to climb the hill in Tlateloco and gather flowers, as the flowers would be his sign. He does so, returns to Her with the flowers, which She places in an Indian cloak. Juan is to give these flowers to the Bishop as the sign of the Virgin Mary’s existence amongst the sinners on Earth.
As Juan presents the Bishop with the cloaked flowers, they fall to the floor. But, on the white cloak was the image of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe – the Lady from Heaven. To this day, that cloak hangs inside a temple, which stands, over the Tepeyac.
Even today, on the wall of the temple read the words She said to Juan: “Don’t be afraid. Am I not here, Me, your mother? Do you need anything else?” The Mexican people are a deeply religious and believing people. The story of Juan Diego and Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe is a fine example of how timeless and strong this faith is.
I am Ixchel – the Mayan Goddess of fertililty, reason, medicine and the moon. Someday an island in the Caribbean will be named after me. Stories will be told of the beauty of this island, which will includes tales of childbirth, rainbows and too many fruitful women to count. A stone temple at the southern tip of my island will guide ships in the dark like a siren’s song.
Throughout time, more women will be brought to my island for sake keeping. As I do now, the women who inhabit my island will make many female clay dolls and used as idols. People will speak of the dolls many years from now. Why are the dolls on the island? Who made them? Only I know, as it is my legend, my story, my creation.
My island will be named Isla Mujeres (Island of Women). It will become a refuge for pirates and fisherman. Hundreds of years from now, those exploring nearby mainland cities like Cancun, and Playa del Carmen will seek my island out for continued refuse, peace and quiet from the modern world.
My legends will live on as men and women come to enjoy my beautiful island. For it is an island chosen by me, civilized by many beautiful, soulful and gifted women throughout its history. Like a true woman, once my island is perfected, I will share it with all to enjoy its simplistic beauty.
http://www.mexicotravel.net/demo2/index.cfm?fuseaction=MyCity&cityid=20
http://www.isla-mujeres.net/history.htm