One of the oldest religions in Mesoamerica is the Aztec. For sunrise, the Aztec gods face opposite directions. Quetzalcoatl faces East. The Sun rises eastward and sways to one side. Ecatl, the wind god is honored with a large sacrifice each morning. The wind god then sets the sun in motion after the huge sacrifice.
Ancient Mesoamerican religion
Ancient Mesoamerican religion held the gods as a central part of daily life. Human sacrifices and various offerings were a regular part of the rituals. These societies had a complex priestly hierarchy. The same architectural pattern was used for the construction of temples, with truncated pyramids that contained sanctuaries at the top. The religion included a shared view of the world and the use symetric symbols.
Gods
Aztec gods have been described as a variety different creatures, depending upon their respective functions. Many were revered and feared for their violent ways, but there were some that had more positive and uplifting qualities. Mictlantecuhtli for instance, was an Aztec god of death. After being sacrificed as an infant, the Aztecs believed she had fallen into the underworld. After her death, she married Miclantecuhtl (another Aztec god of the dead). Mictlantecuhtli displayed a graphic appearance. She had a large mouth, and a necklace with eyeballs.
Sacrifices
Sacrifices are an important part the 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. Those who were considered to be the greatest warriors and able to prove their worth earned higher status and a higher place in society. They were also given special clothes and weapons by the Emperor. The entire Aztec society was aware of these rewards.
Sacred fire
Aztec religion believed sacred fire played an integral role. 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), was the central point of this system that connected the three realms. The heavenly realm was the realm of the gods, and the underworld was the world of humans.
Tlaloc
Many representations of Tlaloc are found in the Aztec religion. These representations of Tlaloc the rain god do not always match. 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 can also be shown alongside land animals, like the jaguar.
Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl the Aztec God is associated with many myths. One myth depicts the serpent-headed god as being the ruler of Tollan, a myth most people are familiar with. There is much debate about the historical accuracy and reliability of these myths. Some historians actually question the historical accuracy a lot of Quetzalcoatl myths.