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Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, also known by his initials AMLO, caused quite a stir last week. He posted a photo on his social media accounts claiming to have captured an image of a woodland spirit. He added that the image “appears to be an Aluxe." And claimed that “everything is mystical.”

The president’s tweet was liked more than 40,000 times and drew thousands of comments from users who did not seem to take it seriously. 

Some have suggested that it was a way for AMLO to be playful and still show his appreciation for Mayan culture and beliefs. Others have criticized the post. And view it as a distraction from more pressing issues facing the country.

The picture shows a tree with a branch forming what looks like a halo of hair, and what may be stars forming the figure’s eyes. 

The “Aluxe” is a mischievous woodland spirit in Mayan folklore. According to traditional Mayan belief, these small creatures inhabit forests and fields. And they enjoy playing tricks on people. And legend has it that the Aluxe likes to hide things, including itself.  

Some people are still known to leave small offerings to appease them. 

The ancient Mayan civilization reached its height from 300 A.D. to 900 A.D. on the Yucatan Peninsula. And was also thriving in adjacent parts of Central America. 

The Mayas’ descendants continue to live on the peninsula. And many of them still speak the Mayan language and wear traditional clothing.

The peninsula is trying to maintain and conserve traditional foods, crops, religion, and medicine practices, despite the conquest by the Spanish between 1527 and 1546.

Maya train project where everything is mystical 

President López Obrador has long expressed reverence for indigenous cultures and beliefs. Engineers and workers are currently in the Yucatan peninsula, constructing a tourist train that is the president's pet project.

 The Maya Train is a railway that is expected to be nearly 1,000 miles long and has been pitched as a way to develop Mexico’s poorest region.

Regardless of the president's intent, the post has sparked discussion about the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and beliefs. 

The Maya civilization, in particular, has left a lasting impact on the world, with its architectural, astronomical, and mathematical achievements. Yet, despite their influence, many indigenous cultures around the world continue to face poverty, discrimination and marginalization.