The Aztec religion, one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, is among the most important. The sunrise is seen in different directions by the Aztec gods. Quetzalcoatl faces the east. The Sun rises from east and sways side to side. Ecatl the wind god receives a tremendous sacrifice in the morning. The wind god then sets the sun in motion after the huge sacrifice.
Religion of Ancient Mesoamericans
In Ancient Mesoamerican religion, the gods played a central role in everyday life. A regular part of rituals was the offering and sacrifice of humans. These societies established a complex priestly structure. The construction of temples was based on the same architectural design, with truncated Pyramids with sanctuaries on top. The religion also encouraged a shared worldview as well as the use of spatial symbols.
Gods
Aztec gods were depicted as many different creatures depending on their function. While many were revered and fearful for their violent nature, others had more positive and encouraging attributes. Mictlantecuhtli, for example, was the Aztec god death. The Aztecs believed that she descended into the underworld after being sacrificed as a child. Miclantecuhtl, another Aztec God of Death, was her bride. Mictlantecuhtli stood out with her wide mouth and necklace of eyeballs.
Sacrifices
Sacrifices made up a significant part of Aztec religious belief. They were used to increase status and income. The Aztec religion relied on the payment of tributes from conquered territories, so human sacrifices were necessary. The most distinguished warriors were those who could prove their worth and earned a higher social status. They were also presented with special clothing and weapons by the emperor. These rewards were accepted by the whole Aztec society.
Sacred fire
The Aztec religion was based on sacred fire. They believed that the entire world was made up three levels. These included the earth, the underworld, and the heavens. The Templo Mayor (Temple of the Mayor), was the central point of this system that 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 a god in Aztec religion. These depictions of Tlaloc, the rain god, are not always consistent. Tlaloc is often depicted in many different forms and at different locations, such as caves or mountaintops. Sometimes, Tlaloc is shown with various items that represent the fertility of the earth. Tlaloc is sometimes shown with land animals such as the jaguar in some depictions.
Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl is the Aztec god. There are many myths about him. One popular myth describes the serpent-headed god Quetzalcoatl as the ruler over the mythic city Tollan. There is much debate about the historical accuracy and reliability of these myths. Many historians are skeptical about the historical accuracy and truth of Quetzalcoatl's myths.