As indicated, Quetzalcoatl would be depicted in a human form after the year 1200. The first documented worship of Quetzalcoatl is found in Theotihuacan during the first century BC or first century AD. Amazed by the grace and beauty of the birds, the snake decided his destiny was to fly like them. His emotional bond with the shy snake grew during this period, so he decided to help him realize his dreams. While not usually feathered, classic Maya serpent iconography seems[original research?] While Quetzacoatl is one of the most well-known gods of ancient Mexico, he is often misunderstood. Profile [] Identity []. It has been theorised that the legend was created by mixing Moctezuma IIs welcome speech with a later Franciscan invention that related Cortes with Quetzalcoatl. The Aztec confederacy was opposed by other Nahua groups to the east. Ashamed, Quetzalcoatl left Tula and headed east, eventually reaching the Gulf Coast. The meaning of his name is "Winged Serpent" or "Feathered Serpent". Carrasco's work was revised in 2000, and the new edition provides a valuable overview of the controversy about Cortes and Quetzalcoatl. It was also the patron god of the Aztec priesthood. [11] That period lies within the Late Preclassic to Early Classic period (400 BC 600 AD) of Mesoamerican chronology; veneration of the figure appears to have spread throughout Mesoamerica by the Late Classic period (600900AD). Instead, these stories were probably the invention of Franciscan monks who followed the initial conquest of Mexico. It is believed by the Aztec religion expert that the deity arose from the combination of the historical leader, Ce Acatl Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl, and a Mesoamerican god. On the basis of the different symbolic systems used in portrayals of the feathered-serpent deity in different cultures and periods, scholars have interpreted the religious and symbolic meaning of the feathered-serpent deity in Mesoamerican cultures. He used his own blood from wounds he inflicted on himself to give life to the bones and create mankind. [23], The exact significance and attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied somewhat between civilizations and through history. Represented as the plumed serpent, Quetzalcoatl was also seen as manifest in the wind, one of the most powerful forces of nature; a text in the Nahuatl language captures this relationship: Quetzalcoatl; yn ehecatl ynteiacancauh yntlachpancauh in tlaloque, yn aoaque, yn qujqujiauhti. Similarly, various other birth stories are also associated with Quetzalcoatl. Over more than a thousand years, a similar god was worshipped by virtually every one of Mesoamericas related cultures. Known as the Ehecailacozcatl, its swirling design represents the wind. Quetzalcoatlhe was the wind, the guide and road sweeper of the rain gods, of the masters of the water, of those who brought rain. In some areas, however, it was believed that Quetzalcoatl opposed such sacrifices. Quetzalcoatl became, in fact, the very title of the most important priests: the twin Aztec High Priests. Much of the idea of Corts being seen as a deity can be traced back to the Florentine Codex written down some 50 years after the conquest. Quetzalcoatl stole the bones from the Underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps to bring them to the surface. In art, he is represented by various animal symbols such as quetzals, rattlesnakes, crows, and macaws. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in other traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. [10], The earliest known documentation of the worship of a Feathered Serpent occurs in Teotihuacan in the first century BC or first century AD. Auh yn jquac molhuja eheca, mjtoa: teuhtli quaqualaca, ycoioca, tetecujca, tlatlaiooa, tlatlapitza, tlatlatzinj, motlatlaueltia. These, then, are the people that still inhabit the world. https://www.thoughtco.com/facts-about-quetzalcoatl-2136322 (accessed March 2, 2023). This confederacy engaged in almost seventy-five years of nearly continuous conflict with the Aztec Empire of the Triple Alliance until the arrival of Corts. Chichen Itza is famous for its Temple of Kukulcn, which was their name for Quetzalcoatl. The Toltecs and Nahuas worshiped the god before he was eventually adopted by the Aztecs. [43] In a 1986 paper for Sunstone, he noted that during the Spanish Conquest, the Native Americans and the Catholic priests who sympathized with them felt pressure to link Native American beliefs with Christianity, thus making the Native Americans seem more human and less savage. He drove the winds that brought rain and allowed plants to grow. [30], He is also attributed with having brought the cacao plant from a sacred mountain to the Toltec people, teaching the women how to make traditional drinking chocolate.[31]. It really elevated the status of the Feathered Serpent to the protector of the people, which is also affirmed by his role as patron god. Mictlanteuctli and Mictlancihuatl, the two gods that ruled that realm, gave him a puzzle he was expected to complete before he could take the bones. Thats quite a big deal, because for the people in ancient Mexico, maize, or corn, is not just a crop. The eclipse that was caused by the birth of Quetzalcoatl is believed to be the fifth eclipse to ever happen. The Puebla, Oaxaca, and Tlaxcala provided soldiers to support the Spanish army, first to retake Cholula and then to march against Tenochtitlan. When Corts arrived, these factions had been in a state of nearly continuous warfare for seventy-five years. In another, they worked together to tear apart a monster called Tlaltcuhtli and create the land and its features from her body. Where once feathered snakes were worshiped all over, after the Spanish conquest the locals were forced into worshiping Jesus Christ. All good eclipses must come to an end, and this happened when the snake evolved into a Feathered Serpent and flew out of the sun again. Later, Xavier and the Aztecs summon Quetzalcoatl in his mortal form and wind up angering him after cutting him open. He is usually interpreted as the same god with a different regional name, and is therefore often referred to as Ehecatl-Quetzalcoatl. The attributes of Quetzalcoatl varied in different cultures of Mesoamerica during different eras. Alternatively, he left willingly on a raft of snakes, promising to return. Quetzalcoatl was a jack of many trades, a truth also reflected in the stories surrounding his birth. Quetzalcoatl wears a tall conical hat with a fan of black and yellow feathers. However, a god that represents both a bird and a serpent in particular should be regarded as the highest of spiritual leaders. The ancient Olmec civilization lasted roughly from 1200 to 400 B.C. Some said that before this he had helped to create the world itself. What is often called the Aztec Empire was a confederation of three city-states, established in the 14th and 15th centuries. Evidence of such worship comes from the iconography of different Mesoamerican cultures, in which serpent motifs occur frequently. He sometimes carries flowers or sacrificial tools. The connection between Quetzalcoatl and the fall of the Aztec Empire may also have its roots in political events that predated the arrival of Corts and his army. Over time, Quetzalcoatl's appearance, clothing, malevolent nature, and status among the gods were reshaped to fit a more Christian framework. (Many academics conclude this passage implies incest.) Quetzalcoatl, or "Feathered Serpent," was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. The worship of Quetzalcoatl became widespread with the rise of the Toltec civilization around 900 A.D. and spread throughout the region, even down to the Yucatan peninsula where it caught on with the Maya. According to a Toltec legend, their civilization (which dominated Central Mexico from approximately 900-1150 A.D.) was founded by a great hero, Ce Acatl Topiltzn Quetzalcoatl. Cult worship may have involved the ingestion of hallucinogenic mushrooms (psilocybes), considered sacred. Mesoamerican deities often functioned in duality. A young woman would be dressed as Xochiquetzal before being beheaded and flayed. Along with one of his brothers, he was instructed by his parents to create the world six hundred years after his birth. Quetzalcoatl is but one of the Aztec gods and goddesses that has animal-like characteristics. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. His job was to protect the sun from the dangers of the underworld. The archaeological record shows that after the fall of Teotihuacan that marked the beginning of the epi-classic period in Mesoamerican chronology around 600 AD, the cult of the feathered serpent spread to new religious and political centers in central Mexico, centers such as Xochicalco, Cacaxtla and Cholula. [22] A third story narrates that Chimalman was hit in the womb by an arrow shot by Mixcoatl and nine months later she gave birth to a child which was called Quetzalcoatl. The south is represented by Huitzilopochtli who is the Blue Tezcatlipoca and the god of war. In the codices, he was generally more human-like. On the other hand, the snake was considered a vital instrument to help bring visions from the underworld to the Mayan kings. One of these groups centered around the city of Cholula, where the great pyramid was dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. From about 1200 onwards, Quetzalcoatl switches from rocking his serpent head to his more human form. It is also suggested that he was a son of Xochiquetzal and Mixcoatl. Ruler of the, Nicholson 2001, Carrasco 1982, Gillespie 1989, Florescano 2002, Lafaye 1987, Townsend 2003, Martnez 1980, Phelan 1970. I am the owner and chief researcher at this site. Different cultures associated him with priesthood and kingship, further complicating his mythology in later retellings. The Tlaxcalteca, along with other city-states across the Plain of Puebla, then supplied the auxiliary and logistical support for the conquests of Guatemala and West Mexico while Mixtec and Zapotec caciques (Colonial indigenous rulers) gained monopolies in the overland transport of Manila galleon trade through Mexico, and formed highly lucrative relationships with the Dominican order in the new Spanish imperial world economic system that explains so much of the enduring legacy of indigenous life-ways that characterize southern Mexico and explain the popularity of the Quetzalcoatl legends that continued through the colonial period to the present day. ; (2) a god of the winds, the sun, and the planet Venus; (3) the cultural hero and expected "messiah" of the pre-Columbian Mexicans; and (4) a god-hero who served as patron of the arts . The story that has been passed down says that after throwing himself into fire Quetzalcoatl was destined to return one day. Tlaloc blew the snake into the air, to a point where he was higher than the birds. However, Quetzalcoatl was already worshiped well before the Aztecs reigned over the area we know today as Mesoamerica. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Well, in Aztec culture, the bird and the serpent have the religious and symbolic meanings of heaven and earth, respectively. [25] Quetzalcoatl was often considered the god of the morning star, and his twin brother Xolotl was the evening star (Venus). The Nahua civilization, which included the central Mexican Aztecs, almost universally worshipped Quetzalcoatl among their gods. Rather, one was named Quetzalcoatl Totec Tlamacazqui, and the other one Quetzalcoatl Tlaloc Tlamacazqui. Table of Contents [ hide] Etymology and Archaeology The Aztecs werent a big fan of chronological order and shook up the world of the gods. (2020, August 28). Quetzalcoatl stole the bones from the Underworld, taking great risks and evading many traps to bring them to the surface. One of the jewels he is depicted with is the wind jewel, affirming his status as a wind god. Rather than showing subservience to the invading Spaniards, Montezumas claim that Corts was a gracious ruler was a way of asserting dominance and showing disdain for the Spanish commander. The name Quetzalcoatl comes from this language and is most widely-used both because it was recorded by Spanish conquerors and because Nahuatl is still spoken by roughly 1.5 million people. However, at the end of the second cycle, mankind became like monkeys and so Quetzalcoatl blew up the whole of mankind. Rise early to appreciate the magnificence of her rising, and try to spend some time soaking up her warmth whenever you can. The Coatlicue sculpture in Mexico City's National Museum of Anthropology is one of the most famous Mexica (Aztec) sculptures in existence (her name is pronounced "koh-at-lee-kway"). Aztec ceremonies often lasted several days . "9 Facts About Quetzalcoatl." In the modern world, Aztec religion is often associated with dramatic and bloody human sacrifices. Because, if they did include human sacrifice, basically a part of Quetzalcoatl himself would be killed in order to honor him. Well, look no further, because Quetzalcoatl is your guy. In the 16th century, Spaniards conquered the Aztec Empire. Among the Aztecs, it was related to wind, Venus, Sun, merchants, arts, crafts, knowledge, and learning. According to this myth, the four sons of Ometecuhtli and Omecihuatl, one of them being Quetzalcoatl, represent the four cardinal directions. [37] This speech, which has been widely referred to, has been a factor in the widespread belief that Moctezuma was addressing Corts as the returning god Quetzalcoatl. While this legend is disputed, it is clear that Quetzalcoatl was an important deity to the Aztecs and other people of Mexico and Central America. Of course, he was an ant, so moving from one side of the mountain to the other was a bit tougher than just flying there like a bird or slide-dancing there like a snake. Corts himself claimed in a letter that the gullibility of the Aztec people helped him to conquer them. The worship of Quetzalcoatl sometimes included animal sacrifices, and in other traditions Quetzalcoatl was said to oppose human sacrifice. Often he is also represented as spider monkeys, ducks, and other animals or beings of nature. [12] Feathered-serpent iconography is prominent at all of these sites. Quetzalcoatl is a Mesoamerican god whose name literally means feathered serpent. Have you ever eaten blue, white, black, or red corn? His most prominent manifestation in art, however, is literally that of a serpent with a feathered head.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-medrectangle-4-0'); There is also rich iconography, sculpture, and mythology associated with Quetzalcoatl among all the major cultures of Mesoamerica not just in history but also in the modern world.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-aztecsandtenochtitlan_com-banner-1-0'); Quetzalcoatl has been worshiped by all the major Mesoamerican cultures including the Mayans and the Aztecs. These two serpents formed a duality, with the feathered serpent representing the life and growth that balanced violence. In general, he is considered the god of wisdom, the god of the Aztec ritual calendar, the god of corn and maize, and oftentimes a symbol of death and resurrection.The different roles of Quetzalcoatl are partly attributable to a series of reincarnations. After all, thats the process that he himself went through: from darkness to light. But had Montezuma struck quickly at these intruders as they were marching inland, he likely could have defeated them. Please like and share this article if you found it useful. Or rather, arrived again. Whether Quetzalcoatl would return was out of the question. He would submerge himself in a highly flammable substance and set himself on fire, granting himself a place amongst the stars. Are you still looking for a being that caused a solar eclipse? The two priests came to their position after living an exemplary life, with pure and compassionate hearts. [45][46] The deity has been featured as a character in the manga and anime series Yu-Gi-Oh! By adding a bit of his own blood, he allowed a new civilization to emerge. This is what you have to look forward to- Initially, you will notice that you can find pleasure in new and sometimes bizarre places. However, independent historical sources do not substantiate this claim and later historians have disputed it as well. According to the Book of Mormon, the resurrected Jesus Christ descended from heaven and visited the people of the American continent, shortly after his resurrection. In the Aztec ritual calendar, different deities were associated with the cycle-of-year names: Quetzalcoatl was tied to the year Ce Acatl (One Reed), which correlates to the year 1519. The Spanish helped non-Aztec groups reclaim territory that included a massive pyramid dedicated to Quetzalcoatl. At Cholula, however, the gods cult is most evident. From ancient snake gods to Spanish legends, heres everything you need to know about the most famous god of the Aztecs! Historian Matthew Restall concludes that: The legend of the returning lords, originated during the Spanish-Mexica war in Corts' reworking of Moctezuma's welcome speech, had by the 1550s merged with the Corts-as-Quetzalcoatl legend that the Franciscans had started spreading in the 1530s. A 2012 exhibition at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Dallas Museum of Art, "The Children of the Plumed Serpent: the Legacy of Quetzalcoatl in Ancient Mexico", demonstrated the existence of a powerful confederacy of Eastern Nahuas, Mixtecs and Zapotecs, along with the peoples they dominated throughout southern Mexico between 1200 and 1600 (Pohl, Fields, and Lyall 2012, Harvey 2012, Pohl 2003).
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