Taino Religion and Creation Myths

Overview

• Taino religion and creation myths vary across the Caribbean.
• Puerto Rican Taino creation myth focuses on Yúcahu, the supreme deity.

Key Figures in Taino Mythology

Yúcahu

• Supreme deity residing in El Yunque, Puerto Rico.
• Benevolent, generous god providing life and abundance.
• Brother: Juracán (god of chaos), who seeks to destroy Yúcahu's creations.

Juracán

• Source of chaos, disorder, and natural disasters.
• Attempted to undermine Yúcahu's power.

Guabonito

• Powerful healer who saves Yúcahu.
• Uses trickery to retrieve Yúcahu's magic duho from Juracán’s cayman.

Yaya

• Believed to be the original powerful creator god, later identified as Yúcahu.
• Represents the life-giving spirit and causal force of creation.

Atabey

• Mother of Yúcahu; goddess of fresh water, fertility, and the moon.
• Taught men about spirits of the invisible world.

Guabanex

• Goddess of hurricanes, storms, and winds.
• Represents consequences for disobedience to the gods.

Other Deities

• Maketaori Guayaba: god of the dead and underworld.
• Boinayel: god of rain, clouds, and drought.
• Marohu: god of sunshine and clear skies.

Creation Myth of Borikén

• Yúcahu creates Borikén (Puerto Rico) after recovering his power.
• Land was blessed with fertility and watch over his people.
• Provides explanation of existence for the Taino.

Polytheism in Taino Religion

• Taino believed in major and lesser gods influencing all aspects of life.
• Yúcahu is often seen as the supreme god but many recognize Yaya as the origin.

Religious Practices

• Creation of zemi idols: wooden, stone, or bone representations of gods.
• Idols placed in temples, shrines, and homes for offerings (food, tobacco, blood).
• Ceremonies involving dancing, singing, drumming, and purification (vomiting).
• Sacred bread (cassava/Yucca) shared with zemis and community for divine power.

Social Structure

• Hierarchy of chiefs believed to be descendants of the zemis.
• Respect for elders and ancestors; burial practices included zemi idols.

Impact of Spanish Conquest

• Taino religion largely destroyed by Spanish conquest (late 15th – early 16th centuries).
• Enslavement, killing, conversion of Taino population; temples and idols burned.
• Surviving Taino mixed with other groups, preserving aspects of culture and religion.

Conclusion

• Taino religion reflects their worldview and connection to nature.
• An understanding of their mythology helps explain their social structure and beliefs.