The Aztec religion is one the most ancient in Mesoamerica. The sunrise is seen in different directions by the Aztec gods. Quetzalcoatl is facing east. The Sun rises to the east, and it sways from one side to the other. Ecatl, the wind god, receives a huge sacrifice in the morning. After this huge sacrifice, Ecatl the wind god sets the sun to motion.
Mesoamerican religion from the past
In Ancient Mesoamerican religion, the gods played a central role in everyday life. Rituals often included sacrifices and other offerings. These societies established a complex priestly structure. The construction of temples followed the same architectural pattern with truncated pyramids containing sanctuaries on top. The religion included a shared view of the world and the use symetric symbols.
Gods
Aztec gods are often depicted in a variety of creatures, each with a specific function. Many were feared and revered for being violent, but some had more benign and uplifting attributes. Mictlantecuhtli for instance, was an Aztec god of death. According to the Aztecs, she was believed to have fallen into hell after being made a sacrifice as a child. After her death, she married Miclantecuhtl (another Aztec god of the dead). Mictlantecuhtli had a graphic appearance, with a wide mouth and a necklace of eyeballs.
Sacrifices
Sacrifices were an important part of Aztec religion. Sacrifices were used to attain social status and a source income. Human sacrifices were an essential part of the Aztec religion, which relied on tributes from conquered regions. People who proved their worth by being the best warriors earned a higher rank and a better place in society. They were also granted special weapons and clothing by their emperors. The entire Aztec society was aware of these rewards.
Sacred fire
Aztec religion valued sacred fire. They believed that the world was composed of three levels, which included the underworld and the earth as well as the heavens. The Templo Mayor (Temple of the Mayor), the centre of this system, connected the three realms. The heavenly domain was the realm where the gods reside, while underworld is the realm of human beings.
Tlaloc
Tlaloc is often depicted in Aztec religion. These representations of the rain god may not be consistent. Tlaloc is often depicted in many different forms and at different locations, such as caves or mountaintops. Tlaloc can be seen with many items that signify the fertility and health of the earth. Tlaloc is sometimes shown with land animals such as the jaguar in some depictions.
Quetzalcoatl
Many myths surround the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl. One myth depicts the serpent-headed god as being the ruler of Tollan, a myth most people are familiar with. The historical accuracy of these myths is disputed. In fact, historians have questioned the historical accuracy many myths and legends that surround Quetzalcoatl.