when the conquistadors arrived and introduced catholicism there was resistance by the mayans. the spanish built over the existing religious sites and did other crappy things which are pretty standard 'art of war' practices. and the mayan did adopt catholicism. they also kept their old mayan practices as well and often you see the practices side by side. these colored candles have a lot of significance for the mayan and there are separate altars just outside the entrance of the catholic churches where it is acceptable for the mayan catholics to light their candles. they just can't go inside the church where only traditionally white candles are used.
red - love, clarification and represents the east. black - cuts negative energy and represents the west. white - purification of the mind and represents the north. yellow - the energy of life and represents the south. green - hope. light blue - fortune. purple - removes illness. pink - fixes love
there are multiple combinations that enhance specific intentions, like mixing the white and blues will give you spiritual powers like intuition and vision. more here.
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