THIS POST: THINGS
SUBJECT: MERIDA’S STREET SIGNS FROM A BYGONE ERA
Scattered throughout the Central Historic District of Merida, you will find many old street signs on the corners of buildings. These signs were reportedly strategically placed by the invading Spaniards to enlighten the local population which spoke only their native tongue, Mayan. The Spaniards were intent upon teaching the local Mayans not only their language but their religion and culture and the placement of these street signs was just one way to do so. While they were quite successful, it must be pointed out that the Mayan language and culture, still flourishes here in the Yucatan.
Some of the street signs are reported to be hundreds of years old, but, having been esxposed to the elements for just too many decades, most of them have been repaired or replaced with duplicates. They are still an interesting part of Merida’s heritage and the local Government is quite adamant about guarding and protecting these unique treasures.
Here are some of the old street signs I have photographed for your viewing pleasure. Personally, I delight in seeing them and hope you enjoy them as much as I always have and will continue to do so.
SUBJECT: MERIDA’S STREET SIGNS FROM A BYGONE ERA
Scattered throughout the Central Historic District of Merida, you will find many old street signs on the corners of buildings. These signs were reportedly strategically placed by the invading Spaniards to enlighten the local population which spoke only their native tongue, Mayan. The Spaniards were intent upon teaching the local Mayans not only their language but their religion and culture and the placement of these street signs was just one way to do so. While they were quite successful, it must be pointed out that the Mayan language and culture, still flourishes here in the Yucatan.
Some of the street signs are reported to be hundreds of years old, but, having been esxposed to the elements for just too many decades, most of them have been repaired or replaced with duplicates. They are still an interesting part of Merida’s heritage and the local Government is quite adamant about guarding and protecting these unique treasures.
Here are some of the old street signs I have photographed for your viewing pleasure. Personally, I delight in seeing them and hope you enjoy them as much as I always have and will continue to do so.
THE TWO SOLDIERS:
THE SPARROW HAWK:
THE COLISEUM:
A TYPE OF VULTURE:
THE RABBIT:
THE GUYABA (A LOCAL FRUIT):
THE "MAY FLOWER":
THE ALAMO:
(MATADERO) THE OLD SLAUGHTER HOUSE; OR, (MATADOR) THE OLD BULLFIGHTER:
There are many more old signs throughout the central part of Merida. Here are just a few more. See if you can figure out what they mean!
I hope you can visit Merida and see these unique little treasures (tesoros) for yourself!
Posts
Great collection of old street signs. Fun post, thanks, Mike. Worth saving. If you ever organize a treasure hunt you could use those as markers...would confuse everyone.
ReplyDeleteahh, I live between El Conejo and El Violin, but around the corner from La Cruz Roja. BTW, Flor de Mayo is a Plumeria, one of the sweetest and prettiest trees around town. El Tulipan is also known in English as an Hibiscus. Now I'm outed as a gardener.
ReplyDeleteJonna,
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU! Obviously, I'm not politically correct when it comes to flora! Because I wasn't sure about the plumeria, I opted for the literal translation. And, I didn't know that the tulipan is an hibiscus! You are a wealth of knowledge and if I ever need to identify a flora, I will probably call upon you!
THANKS AGAIN!