In the dense jungles and mountains of Chiapas, the jaguar (Panthera onca) is much more than just a forest dweller. This majestic feline has been, and continues to be, a symbol of power, mysticism, and reverence for the indigenous cultures of the region. However, something that surprises many visitors and scholars is that, in several indigenous communities, the jaguar is commonly referred to as a "tiger" or a "lion." Where does this linguistic and cultural peculiarity come from?
Colonial Origin: Borrowed Names
The use of the terms "tiger" , "puma" or "lion" to refer to the jaguar has its roots in the colonial era. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in the Americas, they encountered unfamiliar fauna. However, the lack of an equivalent in their own languages to describe this large feline led them to use the names of the big cats they already knew: the African lion and the Asian tiger. These names were then adapted and passed on to the indigenous communities, who began using these terms to describe the jaguar, the largest predator in the Americas.
The jaguar was known by the Mayans as "Balam." This term not only referred to the animal itself but also held deep significance in Mayan mythology and worldview.
Symbolism and Power: Natural Parallels
For indigenous cultures, the jaguar has always been a symbol of power and dominance over nature. In many Mesoamerican mythologies, the jaguar is seen as a deity or as the guardian of the underworld. This image of strength and royalty is comparable to that of the lion in European cultures or the tiger in Asia. Thus, the adaptation of these terms reflects not only a linguistic exchange but also a recognition of the magnitude and respect that this animal commands across different cultures.
Linguistic Adaptations
In addition to colonial influence, the indigenous languages of Chiapas did not always have a specific term for the jaguar, or it may have fallen out of use over time. This allowed the Spanish words "tigre" and "león" to be integrated into the local vocabulary. This adaptation is not unique, as several indigenous languages in Latin America feature examples of European terms that have been adjusted to the linguistic needs of local communities.
A Sacred Bond: The Jaguar in Indigenous Cosmovision
To fully understand why these terms are used, it is important to recognize the role of the jaguar in indigenous cosmovision. In many cultures, this animal is seen as a sacred being, a link between the earthly world and the spiritual. With the arrival of Christianity, many of these beliefs blended with European religious concepts, such as the Christian symbolism of the lion as a representative of strength and nobility. This cultural syncretism may have reinforced the use of "lion" and "tiger" to refer to the jaguar, preserving its sacred essence while adapting to new influences.
A Living Cultural Heritage
Today, the use of the terms "tiger" and "lion" to describe the jaguar in Chiapas serves as a reminder of the rich history of cultural and linguistic exchanges that have shaped the identity of this region. For visitors, understanding this peculiarity is a way to connect more deeply with the local culture and with the way its inhabitants view and relate to the nature that surrounds them.
Whether called "tiger," "lion," or simply by its original name, the jaguar remains a symbol of the majesty and power of nature in Chiapas, an animal that inspires respect and embodies the indomitable spirit of the Chiapanecan jungle.
Research: Llénate de Chiapas / Photography: Llénate de Chiapas / All rights reserved.
Comments