The legislative framework
Belize's constitution enshrines freedom of religion. Discrimination on religious grounds is illegal, but there is no law against blasphemy. The law also stipulates that incarcerated prisoners must have their religious beliefs respected. Religious groups such as missionaries are required to register with the government in order to operate in the country, and are exempt from certain taxes. Missionaries are required to register with the government and obtain a religious worker's permit. The public elementary school curriculum includes non-denominational "spirituality" courses that introduce the various religions of the world, as well as the ethics and morals associated with religion.
Religions in figures
Belize's latest census dates back to 2010, and highlights the disparities and evolutions of the country's religions. Christianity is still the dominant religion, and the largest denomination is still the Roman Catholic Church, with around 40% of the population (129,456 registered believers). This percentage of the population has been falling steadily since 1980, although absolute values are rising (62% in 1980, 58% in 1991 and 50% in 2000). Other major groups include Pentecostals with 8.4% of the population, compared with 7.4% in 2000 and 6.3% in 1991, and Seventh-Day Adventists with 5.4% of the population, compared with 5.2% in 2000 and 4.1% in 1991. The Anglican Church, on the other hand, is steadily declining (from 7% in 1991 to less than 5% in 2010). Around 12,000 Mennonites (3.7% of the population), all evangelical Anabaptist Christians, live in Belize. Atheists accounted for 15.5% of the population in 2010, more than double the figure in the 2000 census. 11.2% of the population adhere to other religions, such as Mayan, Afro-American (Garifuna or Obeah), Mormon, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Baha'i, Rastafarian and others.
Mayan religion, from ancient traditions to the present day
The Maya have no complete written record of their traditional beliefs. Indeed, when the Spanish conquered Mayan territory, they burned almost all their writings. Mayan culture survived, however, thanks to the Mayans' ability to adapt it to the traditions of their colonial overlords. The religion practiced by the Maya today bears no resemblance to the religious rites of the Maya at their peak. They have combined what they know of Mayan folklore with Catholic traditions. Modern Mayans have come to associate Jesus with the God of Corn, and many Mayans today include the Virgin Mary and other Catholic saints in their prayers. Many Mayan traditions have unfortunately been lost to history, due to upheaval and population decline.
Mayan religion drew its gods and goddesses from the natural elements. There was a sun and moon god and a rain god. Animals and plants were also part of the pantheon. Natural formations were also held in high esteem, and it is assumed that the pyramids built by the Maya were a tribute to the surrounding mountains. Evidence of Mayan nature worship survives in some of Belize's major Mayan ruins, such as Altun-Ha, Canaa and Xunantunich. It is also known that the Maya performed ritual sacrifices to ask the gods for a good harvest. In addition to human sacrifices, known from inscriptions and carved reliefs, high-ranking Mayans took part in ritual bloodletting. Some glyphs show Mayan nobles drawing blood from their tongues or genitals. The Maya also considered caves to be sacred, and believed they served to connect the living with the underworld. Perhaps this is why the Maya chose the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave as the site of 14 human sacrifices. Actun Tunichil Muknal is a 5 km-long cave, where archaeologists have discovered the bodies of 7 adults and 7 children. Human sacrifice has not played a role in Mayan religion since the 17th century, although Mayan priests still occasionally sacrifice a chicken.
The Garifuna and the sacred drum
Belize is home to a small population of Garífuna. They are the descendants of runaway slaves from West Africa, brought to the Caribbean by the British and who mingled with Caribbean natives over the centuries. The Garifuna religion integrates African and Caribbean mysticism. Every religious celebration and ceremony involves drums, and drum makers still occupy a place of high esteem in Garifuna culture. For the Garífuna, the drum is more than a musical instrument; it also plays a central role in opening the lines of communication with the spirit world: musicians and a high priest work together during religious ceremonies. An essential moment in the Garifuna year, Dugu is a ceremony during which a high priest communes with the Garífuna ancestors. For two days, the faithful gather in a temple to dance and play drums. These are spiritual practices that enable interaction with the spirit world. Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations also involve drumming. Each occasion has its own distinct rhythm. These periods are the ideal time to visit a Garífuna town, such as Punta Gorda, Dangriga or Hopkins, all lively places to enjoy the best Garífuna music.
Creole witchcraft
Some Creole Belizeans still practice Obeah, a form of witchcraft that arrived in the Caribbean via Africa. Obeah has also absorbed elements of Roman Catholicism. Practitioners generally use Obeah spells to ensure romantic and financial success, but they are mostly from the older generation of Belizean Creoles, as the younger generation largely regard these practices as useless superstitions. Obeah differs from religions such as Voodoo and Santeria in that the practice does not appeal to any god, and is generally an individual action rather than part of a collective ceremony or offering.
