Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador posted an image on social media of what he described as a mythical forest spirit similar to a troll. The Mexican president’s social media post, which he claims is reminiscent of the ancient Mayan civilization, became a social media moment this weekend in Mexico.
The chief posted an image of “Alux,” which is basically the spirit of the jungle in Mayan folklore.
The photo was “taken by an engineer three days ago, and it looks luxurious,” said López Obrador, adding that “everything is ambiguous.”
The photo, which appears to have been taken at night, shows a tree with a branch forming what looks like a halo of hair. On social media this has been interpreted as what looks like stars forming a person’s eyes.
Les comparto dos fotos de nuestra supervisión a las obras del Tren Maya: una, tomada por un ingeniero hace tres días, al parecer de un aluxe; otra, de Diego Prieto de una espléndida escultura prehispánica en Ek Balam. Todo es mystico. pic.twitter.com/Tr5OP2EqmU
– Andres Manuel (@lopezobrador_) February 25, 2023
Mexican President Lopez Obrador has repeatedly expressed his respect for indigenous cultures and beliefs. The photo released by the president was attributed to being taken on the Yucatan Peninsula where engineers and workers are building a tourist train, the president’s favorite project.
So what are Aluxes?
According to traditional Mexican beliefs that have their roots in the Mayan civilization, “Aluxes” are mischievous little creatures that live in forests and fields. They are believed to be prone to playing tricks on people, such as hiding things in plain sight. Some people leave small offerings as a sign of respect.
Also watch | Archaeologists discover the ruins of an ancient Mayan city in Mexico
The ancient Maya civilization reached its peak from 300 to 900 AD in the Yucatan Peninsula and in neighboring parts of Central America. To this date, descendants of the Maya people still live on the peninsula.
Despite the colonial conquest of the Spanish in the 16th century that changed the demography of the region forever, many still speak the Mayan language. They wear traditional clothing, while preserving traditional foods, crops, religion, and medicinal practices.
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