Mayan smoke refers to the practice of burning copal, a type of tree resin, as a sacred ritual among the Maya people. This tradition dates back to ancient times and is still widely practiced today in Maya communities in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and other regions of Central America.

o prepare for a ritual, the Maya would gather together and build an altar adorned with offerings of food, flowers, and copal resin. A trained spiritual leader, known as a shaman or ajq’ij, would then light the copal incense and begin to pray and chant.

The smoke from the burning resin was believed to open a portal to the spiritual world, allowing the shaman to communicate with the gods and spirits. The scent of copal smoke was highly valued by the Maya and was also used for medicinal purposes. In addition, the smoke was considered to have a calming effect and was often used in meditation and other spiritual practices.

The significance of copal in Maya culture goes beyond its use in rituals and ceremonies. It is also an important part of traditional medicine and is used in various forms such as ointments, teas, and tinctures to treat a wide range of health issues. Many Maya people continue to incorporate copal in their daily lives, using it as an offering or burning it for its medicinal and spiritual properties. However, the practice of Mayan smoke is not limited to just copal. The Maya also burn other herbs and plants, such as tobacco, sage, and palo santo, for their spiritual and medicinal properties.

Each plant has its own unique aroma and is believed to bring specific benefits, such as protection, healing, or purification. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Mayan smoke rituals as a form of spiritual practice and for its healing benefits. This has led to a rise in the popularity of copal and other traditional herbs among people outside of the Maya community.