The Mayan civilization, thriving in Central America between 250-900 AD, held cacao in the highest esteem, deeming it the "Food of the Gods," as reflected in its botanical name, Theobroma, derived from the Greek words for exactly that.

To the Mayans, the cacao tree was a divine gift from the Gods, bestowing upon them fertility, abundance, and vitality. They incorporated cacao beans into various rituals, spanning religious ceremonies, wedding festivities, and even funerals.
During these profound ceremonies, participants would gather within hallowed spaces, often guided by a shaman or spiritual leader who orchestrated the rituals and invoked the presence of the divine.

Cacao was consumed as a sacred sacrament, believed to unfurl the heart, elevate the spirit, and facilitate a deeper connection with one's inner self, fellow participants, and the ethereal realm.