Quetzalcóatl was revered as an important deity among the Aztecs because of his role as the creator of humanity, his association with wisdom, knowledge, and the arts, as well as his mythology related to the cycle of life, death, and renewal.
Among the Aztecs, Quetzalcóatl is considered one of the primordial gods involved in the creation of the world and humanity. According to their myths, it is he who descends to the Underworld to seek the bones of the ancient dead peoples, to shape new human beings from them using his own blood. Another legend tells that he also participates in the birth of the fifth sun, the current world for the Aztecs, bringing stability and life to the universe. This central role gives him a major place in Aztec cosmogony and explains why he is so respected and admired.
Quetzalcoatl is often represented as the famous feathered serpent, a major symbol combining two sacred elements: the earthly serpent and the celestial bird. This highlights the relationship between heaven and earth, reminding us that he bridges these worlds. He is also often associated with wind, as he is thought to be linked to Ehecatl, the Aztec god of wind. Among his attributes were also wisdom and knowledge, making him the ideal patron of the priests and scholars of the time. Visually, he is easily recognized by unique attributes such as his characteristic beaked mask or shell jewelry. His representations typically use bright colors, particularly green for his feathers, evoking fertility, growth, and agricultural abundance that he was supposed to promote.
Among the Aztecs, Quetzalcóatl was seen as the protector of priests, warriors, and especially artisans. Thanks to him, craftsmanship held a privileged place in Aztec society, as it symbolized the know-how and creativity transmitted by this peaceful god. His teachings encouraged the Aztecs to value wisdom, the study of sciences, astronomy, and the calendar. He inspired a significant part of the moral codes of the time, particularly the idea of a balanced and harmonious life. The worship of Quetzalcóatl also influenced customs, popular myths, and even some aspects of agriculture, as he was linked to the cycle of seasons and fertility.
The temples dedicated to Quetzalcóatl were numerous, and the most remarkable was that of Cholula, renowned for being the largest pyramid in the world by volume, even surpassing the Egyptian pyramids. Regular ceremonies were held there, with offerings and precious gifts to honor this deity. The worship of Quetzalcóatl was appreciated because it promoted fertility, prosperity, and knowledge. Many ceremonies included songs, dances, and animal sacrifices, rarely human, as he was seen as a more peaceful god compared to other Aztec deities. The priests in charge of this worship often wore outfits adorned with colorful feathers reminiscent of the feathered serpent, a direct symbol of the deity itself. Great public festivals were also celebrated during key moments of the Aztec calendar, bringing everyone together in a festive yet solemn atmosphere.
According to certain Aztec traditions, Quetzalcoatl was considered the god who brought corn to humans, thus enabling their survival and the development of their civilization.
In pre-Columbian Mexico, Venus was associated with Quetzalcóatl: its morning appearance symbolized his return, while its appearance as the evening star represented his journey to the underworld.
The great temple dedicated to Quetzalcoatl located in Teotihuacan is famous for the feathered serpent sculptures that adorn its walls, representing the power and significance of the god in Aztec culture.
Quetzalcóatl was often depicted in human form, wearing a mask or a headdress shaped like a bird's beak, thus emphasizing his celestial and earthly nature at the same time.
The feathered serpent symbolizes the union between the earthly and the celestial, the duality of nature and spirit, thereby indicating a balance between opposing forces. This representation illustrates its ability to connect the material world with the spiritual.
Among the main ceremonies is the celebration of Ce Acatl, held every 52 years, marking the renewal of the temporal cycle. Some annual ceremonies also honored Quetzalcóatl as the god of agriculture, creation, and rebirth.
Yes, several temples were specifically dedicated to him, the most famous being the Temple of Quetzalcóatl located in Teotihuacán, an influential pre-Aztec city on Aztec culture and beliefs.
In Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl participated in the creation of humanity and provided essential knowledge and resources to humans, such as corn, making him a central and benevolent figure in origin myths.
No, Quetzalcoatl was also revered by other Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Toltecs and the Mayans, under different names and forms, but with similar characteristics, such as wisdom, the wind, and the morning star.
Yes, according to several Aztec myths and stories, Quetzalcoatl brought agriculture, science, the arts, and a moral legislation to humanity, making him a civilizing hero and a respected protector.
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