El Pib

Key Concepts

• Pib: Traditional Mayan food prepared for deceased loved ones during Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead).
• Siis K'ab: A Mayan belief that some people have a negative energy that can ruin the cooking process, particularly for Pib.
• K'ool: A thick atole (drink) made from the broth of the cooked chicken and dough.
• Jaltun: The dough base or "shell" of the Pib, which is filled with meat and other ingredients.
• Air of Those Who've Passed: The cold air associated with the arrival of the souls of the deceased.
• Recado Rojo: A spice paste used to give flavor and color to the chicken.

The Preparation of Pib

1. Initial Preparations: The video begins with the changing weather, signaling the arrival of "The Air of Those Who've Passed," indicating the time for Día de Muertos. Mercedes, the narrator's mother, will be making the Pib this year, with guidance from Grandma Carmen.
2. Chicken Preparation: A chicken, referred to as "Lorenza" by the narrator, is selected. The chicken is cut into pieces and placed in a pot to cook. A warning is given not to touch the chicken while it's cooking, as it will result in a watery Pib due to "Siis K'ab."
3. Dough Preparation: Pork fat is added to the dough. Aunt Rosario is not allowed to touch the food due to the belief that she has "Siis K'ab."
4. Seasoning the Chicken: The chicken is seasoned with oregano, salt, pepper, two cloves of garlic, and "recado rojo" for taste and color. The seasonings are added to the broth, and cooking resumes.
5. Banana Leaf Preparation: Banana leaves are softened over a fire.
6. Dough Enrichment: Pork fat and salt are added to the dough, creating a wet, fat-soaked consistency.
7. K'ool Preparation: The cooked chicken is removed from the broth, and the dough is added to the broth, stirring until it thickens into "K'ool."
8. Meat Preparation: The chicken meat is cut into small pieces.
9. Pib Assembly:
   • Banana leaves are cleaned with a wet cloth.
   • Threads are pulled from the stem of the banana leaves to tie the Pib.
   • The dough is spread to form a "Jaltun."
   • The "Jaltun" is filled with meat, tomato slices, onion, and epazote leaves.
   • A wing, a spoonful of "K'ool," and a habanero chili are added, according to Grandpa Marcelo's preference.
   • The Pib is closed with a lid of dough, spread with "K'ool," and carefully wrapped and tied.
10. Cooking the Pib:
    • A hole is dug and filled with lumber, which is lit to create hot embers. A stone is placed on it so it stays hot red.
    • The embers are spread evenly, and the Pibes are placed on top.
    • The Pibes are covered with leaves and a sack and buried under earth for one hour.
11. Post-Cooking Rituals:
    • Animals are hidden to avoid scaring the visiting souls.
    • Candles are lit and placed on stone fences to guide the souls from the graveyard to their homes.
    • Everyone goes to bed early to allow the souls to find their way to the food.

Beliefs and Traditions

• Food for the Deceased: The Pib is prepared as food for deceased loved ones, who are believed to feast on the essence of the food.
• Siis K'ab: The belief that some people have "Siis K'ab" and can negatively affect the cooking process.
• Hair Swirls: Grandma Carmen checks the boys' heads to ensure none have more than two hair swirls, as it is believed to affect the Pib's cooking.
• Celebrating Life: Día de Muertos is presented not as a celebration of death, but as a celebration of life and remembrance.
• Remembrance and Love: The importance of remembering and loving the deceased is emphasized, as it keeps them a part of the living. "When we’re remembered... by those who truly love us... they’ll remind us that we’re part of them and they’re part of us. Because, otherwise… we wouldn’t be anything."
• Timing of Remembrance: Children are remembered on November 1st, and adults on November 2nd.
• One-Year Rule: A year must pass after someone's death before their family can make the Pib for them.

Ingredients for Pib

• Dough of corn
• Espelon beans
• Garlic
• Pepper
• Achiote
• Chicken
• Banana leaves
• Lard
• Tomato
• Epazote
• Onion
• Chile habanero

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video provides a detailed look into the traditional Mayan process of making Pib for Día de Muertos. It highlights not only the culinary aspects but also the deep-rooted cultural beliefs and rituals associated with honoring and remembering deceased loved ones. The emphasis on family tradition, the importance of remembrance, and the celebration of life are central themes. The specific steps in preparing the Pib, from selecting the chicken to the underground cooking method, are meticulously described, offering a comprehensive understanding of this significant cultural practice.