11. The Hetz Mek Summary

In The Hetz Mek, in the summer, there is hardly any rain. In June, the first green chutes of corn start to spring forth. The men cannot wait for their harvest. There is sun and heat. There are a few light showers, but nothing to sustain a harvest.

Juan Bautista, known by his nickname of Chan Tata, is four months old. On this day, the family will have the Hetz Mek ceremony for him. It is a ceremony where the baby is carried across the hip for the first time. The family prepares for the ceremony. They all wear their best clothes. Mother's father and mother come. They are the godparents.

There are nine objects on the table that Chan Tata needs during his life: "an ax, a machete, a book, a pencil, a prayer book, grains of corn...