Aztec Mythology Archives

Jose Clemente Orozco, Quetzalcoatl, mural

Mythological Journey to the Aztec Underworld

October 10, 2018 by The Outpost 4 comments

In Aztec cosmology, the soul’s journey to the Underworld after death leaves them with four destinations: the Sacred Orchard of the Gods, the Place of Darkness, the Kingdom of the Sun, and a paradise called the Mansion of the Moon. The most common deaths end up on their way to Mictlán with its nine levels, crashing mountains and rushing rivers, and four years of struggle. This pantheon of gods and goddesses and the expanse of the 13 Heavens provides the cultural basis for the Day of the Dead customs and celebrations.

day of the dead, Mission District San Francisco, Jack Eidt

Culture

Is Day of the Dead Culture in SF’s Mission Endangered?

October 30, 2016 by Jack Eidt 1 comment

In San Francisco, the Mission District has celebrated Day of the Dead every year in since the early 70’s with altars in Garfield Park, serving as a community graveyard for the night and through art, music, other live performances and a walking procession. With the neighborhood in transition from rapid gentrification, will this vibrant culture rite continue? Yes, for now… Photos by Jack Eidt from 2015.

Lord of Mictlan, Plumed Serpent, Aztec Stories

Myth

Aztec Myth: Quetzalcoatl Rescues Humanity in the Land of the Dead

December 11, 2014 by Jack Eidt 4 comments

Part of the Mesoamerican myth of the origin of people, where Quetzalcoatl, the Plumed Serpent, descends into the Land of the Dead, Mictlán, to rescue the bones of humanity and bring them back to life.

Rituals and Traditions

Day of the Dead: Mexica Dance Honoring the Soul’s Rest

October 29, 2012 by Jack Eidt 26 comments

In the pre-Hispanic era, skulls were kept as trophies and displayed during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth. These ancestors passed down the knowledge that souls exist after death, resting in Mictlan, the land of the dead, not for judgment or resurrection, but for the day each year when they could return home to visit their loved ones.

Myth, Performance

Tonantzin Transforms into Our Lady of Guadalupe

December 17, 2011 by Jack Eidt 1 comment

Part II of the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, part of the Spanish colonial appropriation of the Aztec Earth Mother Tonantzin: The future St. Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin explained to the Bishop of Mexico City how the Virgin appeared to request a temple be built at Tepeyac in her honor.

Myth, Performance

Virgin of Guadalupe: The Apparitions of An Aztec Goddess

December 14, 2011 by Jack Eidt 2 comments

A Mexican Indian Catholic convert experiences visions of an obscure Aztec goddess, Tonantzin, challenging his faith. Thereafter the goddess becomes associated with the Virgin Mary in post-Spanish-conquest church.

Performance, Rituals and Traditions

Drums and Dance of Día de los Muertos

November 1, 2011 by Jack Eidt 4 comments

In pre-Hispanic Nahua culture (Aztec and the many other peoples of Central Mexico), life was seen as a dream, and only in dying could a human truly awaken. Death would set free the soul.

Tag: Aztec Mythology