Religion Oaxaca

ritualistitic , shamanic religious practices prevalent in oaxaca valley, until spanish invaded valley in 1521. proselytism started in 1521, christianity ushered valley , took firm roots.

the ancient religious practices have been dated archaeological findings (over 15 years period of excavations 2 archaeologists of michigan university) more 7000 years old. initially, 7000 years ago, people hunters , gatherers no fixed abode. development of agricultural practices, maize main crop , settled villages getting established on several centuries, warrior type of societal culture evolved 500 bc, zapotec state getting shape. concurrently, ceremonious religious practices ritualistic , shamanistic dancing around stone marked floors came observed (a pre-zapotec dance floor dated 6650 bc testifies this). cannibalistic practices noted. ritualistic practices formalized, permanent settlements established, , temples built perform rituals per set of calendar annual events. there 2 interconnected calendars prevalent @ time- 1 of 260 days , of 365 days, synchronized every 52 years. in subsequent years, upper strata of society (an elite class ) came existence, religious practices , temple got more formalized priests controlling community s religion. religion started evolve around ritualistic practices more defined role of religion under monarchic rule came effect along religious systems previous source of social authority . monte alban founded around 500 bce. inferred 1500 bc, zapotec society evolved organized autonomous ascribed-status peasant societies . ritual buildings in valley dated period testify observation. dr. richard sosis, anthropologist @ university of connecticut has summarised archaeological findings observation:

the michigan archaeologists study delineated process of religion adapting different environments oaxacan society changed. among foragers, ritual serves cement solidarity, said, , powerful moralistic gods associate contemporary religions later development, introduced @ stage when priests have acquired control of religion , controlling masses through ritual activities instill fear of supernatural punishment.

when christianity made inroads valley in 1521, valley part of aztec tribute empire tenochtitlan capital (present day mexico city) , spanish settlements came existence exploit rich land , mineral resources of valley. first record of baptism in valley of king of teozapotlan, important valley ruler, in 1521. baptized don juan cortes. nobles, converted christianity, permitted keep traditional rights under 1557 order phillip ii of spain. spaniards pursued proselytisation activity dedicated single minded devotion throughout 18th century goal of saving souls of subjects. took several years of dogged persuasion christian practices discourage zapotec people give pantheon of idolatry, shamanistic , cannibalistic practices of mesoamerican religion, denigrated church.

now, in mexico, roman catholics 89% of total population, 47% of whom attend church services weekly, 1 of lowest of developing world. in absolute terms, mexico has world s second largest number of catholics after brazil. while indigenous mexicans @ least nominally catholic, combine or syncretize catholic practices native traditions.

the national presbyterian church in mexico has high percentage of followers in oaxaca, 1 of stronghold states.