Did You Know Guatemalan ‘Muñecas Quitapenas’ or Worry Dolls Carry Deep Cultural Significance in Managing Anxiety? 

Did You Know Guatemalan ‘Muñecas Quitapenas’ or Worry Dolls Carry Deep Cultural Significance in Managing Anxiety? 
Credit: Credit: Pablo Villota/ Getty Images

In Guatemala, a charming and deeply rooted tradition offers solace to those troubled by life’s worries. The “muñecas quitapenas,” or worry dolls, embody a unique form of cultural and spiritual relief. Belief holds that these small, handcrafted dolls, placed under a pillow at night, will carry away the bearer’s troubles, offering a semblance of peace by morning. 

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The Origns of Worry Dolls or ‘Muñecas Quitapenas’

According to Guatemala’s official website, the origins of the quitapenas are somewhat obscure, with no definitive historical records pinpointing their exact beginnings. However, they are an integral part of Guatemalan cultural identity. According to Maya oral tradition, the dolls are connected to the goddess of maize, Ixmucané, from the Popol Vuh. This divine figure is said to have transformed into these diminutive figures, believed to have the mystical ability to absorb and alleviate personal anxieties. 

A common belief among those who trust in the dolls’ powers is that one must keep their troubles private; revealing them to others is said to prevent the dolls from performing their intended task. This faith is so entrenched in Guatemalan culture that a specific nightly prayer is recited to the dolls: “Los muñecos quitapenas quitan las penas que tengo. Debajo de mi almohada duermen siempre mis muñecos y si tengo alguna pena yo sin ella me despierto.” This devotion reflects a deep-seated trust in the mystical role these small figures play in the lives of those who believe in their comforting magic. 

Traditionally, one should possess a set of quitapenas, with each doll representing a day of the week. Sundays are an exception; artisans maintain that even these small beings deserve a day of rest. Crafted from small pieces of wood, wire, or cardboard, the dolls are covered with vibrant fabrics, often featuring traditional Guatemalan textiles, adding an element of local artistry to their creation. 

Today, the quitapenas are not only a magical cultural artifact but also a popular item among both locals and tourists in Guatemala. The markets of Antigua Guatemala and Comalapa in Chimaltenango are prominent distribution points, where artisans display these dolls in various sizes and designs, often incorporating them into different accessories. 

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