915) Did You know Series (44): Decoding the Aztec Calendar Stone (or the Sun Stone of Axyacatl):
The Aztec Calendar system was used by the Aztecs as well as pre-Columbian civilisations of Central Mexico. It is one of the Meso-American calendars sharing the basic structure of calendars throughout ancient Meso-america.
The ancient civilisations of Mesoamerica developed complex calendar systems based on over-lapping cycles of time. The Aztec calendar is a symbolic portrayal of the four disasters that led to the demise of four prior Universes in Aztec cosmology. It contains an hieroglyphic and pictographic layout of how the Aztecs measured time.
This circular calendar stone measuring about 12 feet (or 3.7 metres) in diameter and weighing about 25 metric tons and 4 feet in thickness, was uncovered in Mexico City in 1790 and is presently on display in the National Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City's Chapultepec Park. It was during the reign of the 6th Aztec monarch in 1479, that this stone was carved and dedicated to the principal Aztec deity - The Sun.
Historically, the Aztec name for this monolithic time-keeper is "Cuauhxicalli" (or "Eagle Bowl"), but it is universally known as the Aztec calendar or the Sun Stone.
The face of the Aztec Sun God "Toniatiuh" appears in the centre of the stone, surrounded by four square panels honouring the deity that represent the four previous ages of the world.
The Calendar of the Aztecs was derived from earlier calendars in the Valley of Mexico and was basically similar to that of the Mayan civilisation.
The Aztec Calendar is a circular Sun-Stone or the Stone of Axayacatl with pictures representing how the Aztecs measured, days, weeks, months and cosmic cycles.
The ancient civilisations of Mesoamerica developed complex calendar systems based on over-lapping cycles of time. The Aztec calendar is a symbolic portrayal of the four disasters that led to the demise of four prior Universes in Aztec cosmology. It contains an hieroglyphic and pictographic layout of how the Aztecs measured time.
Historically, the Aztec name for this monolithic time-keeper is "Cuauhxicalli" (or "Eagle Bowl"), but it is universally known as the Aztec calendar or the Sun Stone.
The face of the Aztec Sun God "Toniatiuh" appears in the centre of the stone, surrounded by four square panels honouring the deity that represent the four previous ages of the world.
The Calendar of the Aztecs was derived from earlier calendars in the Valley of Mexico and was basically similar to that of the Mayan civilisation.
The calendar consisted of a 365 day calendar cycle called "Xiuhpohualli" (meaning "year count") and a 260-day ritual cycle called "Tonalpohualli" (meaning "day count").
These two cycles together formed a 52 year "century", which was also referred to as the "calendar round". The "Xiuhpohualli" is considered to be the agricultural calendar, as it is based on the Sun and the "Tonalpohualli" is the "sacred calendar".
The Aztecs based the beginning of the year on the appearance of the Pleiades asterism (i.e. when it rises from the East before the Sun's morning light becomes too bright. They called this star cluster by the name of "Tianquiztli"(meaning "market place").
However, over time, due to the precession of the Earth's axis, this system fell out of favour for a more constant reference point such as a solstice or an equinox. The common practice soon saw it as being celebrated in proximity with the Spring equinox.
"Toniatiuh" (the Sun's face) in the centre:
In the centre of the disc is seen the face of the Sun (Toniatiuh's face), who is the Lord of the Heaven around which all daily and periodic phenomena occurs. The crown, nose-pendant, ear-rings and necklace are stupendous are the ornaments worn by him. The hair is blond due to the appearance of the Sun's brightness. The wrinkles on the face show age and maturity. The tongue sticks out in the form of an obsidian knife and symbolises, the Aztec belief that the Sun should be propitiated with human hearts and human blood (G, H).
The first ring from the Centre:
The first ring depicts four squares in which are seen four "Olin" (which represent the Earthquake Epoch or Sun). The four epochs represented inside the square portions of this symbol correspond to the four previous epochs also called the "Suns" (A, B, C, & D).
The second ring from the Centre:
The second ring from the Centre is composed of 20 named days contained in a month. It is also used for naming the years - each of which starts on one of four of these 20 days (1 to 20).
The third ring from the Centre:
The third ring features the Sun's (Toniahtiuh's)) rays, Chalchihuite Ornaments and Splashed blood symbols (I).
The fourth ring or Outer ring from the Centre:
The fourth ring features the Dedication plate, herbs with Buds, white scrolls, a Flame symbol and Xiucoatl's Tail (a mythological "turquoise serpent, regarded as the spirit form of Xiutecuhtli, the Aztec fire deity) - E, J, K & L.
The Aztecs based the beginning of the year on the appearance of the Pleiades asterism (i.e. when it rises from the East before the Sun's morning light becomes too bright. They called this star cluster by the name of "Tianquiztli"(meaning "market place").
However, over time, due to the precession of the Earth's axis, this system fell out of favour for a more constant reference point such as a solstice or an equinox. The common practice soon saw it as being celebrated in proximity with the Spring equinox.
"Toniatiuh" (the Sun's face) in the centre:
The first ring from the Centre:
The first ring depicts four squares in which are seen four "Olin" (which represent the Earthquake Epoch or Sun). The four epochs represented inside the square portions of this symbol correspond to the four previous epochs also called the "Suns" (A, B, C, & D).
The second ring from the Centre:
The second ring from the Centre is composed of 20 named days contained in a month. It is also used for naming the years - each of which starts on one of four of these 20 days (1 to 20).
The third ring from the Centre:
The third ring features the Sun's (Toniahtiuh's)) rays, Chalchihuite Ornaments and Splashed blood symbols (I).
The fourth ring or Outer ring from the Centre:
The fourth ring features the Dedication plate, herbs with Buds, white scrolls, a Flame symbol and Xiucoatl's Tail (a mythological "turquoise serpent, regarded as the spirit form of Xiutecuhtli, the Aztec fire deity) - E, J, K & L.
The Day count - "Tonalpohualli":
The "Tonalpohualli" (or the "day count") consists of 260 days and was the sacred almanac of the Aztecs/Mexicans. This ritual calendar was registered in the "Tonalamatl" (Book of days), a green-fold bark paper or deer-skin codex from which a priest (clled "Tonalpouque" cast horoscopes and predicted favourable and unfavourable days. It was called the sacred calendar because its main purpose is that of a divinatory tool. It divides the days and rituals between gods. For the Aztec belief this was an important aspect, for they believed that without it, the world would soon come to an end.
According to Aztec cosmology, the universe is in a delicate state of equilibrium, with opposing divine forces competing for power. This equilibrium is in constant danger of being disrupted by shifting powers of the Gods, and the elemental forces which influence our lives with no God emerging as a victor.
The notion that everything ultimately consists of two opposing forces is essential to the Aztec world/Universe view. The world is always on the brink o going into a spiritual "war" - a "War of the Gods" competing for supreme power. To prevent this from happening, the gods have been given their own space, their own time, their own social groups, et al. The Tonalpohualli tells us how time is divided among the gods.
The system of the "Tonalpohualli":
Each day is signified by a combination of a number from 1 to 13 and one of the 20 day signs. Each day is dedicated to a god or elemental force - the provider of "Tonalli" ("Shadow Soul") life energy for the 20 day signs. The nature of the day is also influenced by a force related to its number. This provides the "Teyollia" ("Spirit Soul") for the given day.
With each new day, both the number and day sign would be incremented - 1 (Crocodile) is followed by 2 (Wind), 3 (House) and so on upto 13 (Reed) after which the cycle of numbers would restart (though the 20 day cycle has not yet been exhausted),then Jaguar becomes day 1, Eagle becomes day 2 and so on. It takes a full 260 days (13 x 20 =260) for the two cycles of twenty day signs and 13 numbers) to realign and repeat the sequence back from 1 (Crocodile).
The day signs:
The set of day signs used in Central Mexico is identical to that used by Mixtecs (an indigenous Mesoamerican people of Mexico who inhabited the region knows as "La Mixteca" of Oaxaca and Pueblo and the state of Guerrero's Region Montanas and Region Chica, which covers parts of the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Puebla) and to a lesser degree similar to those of other Mesoamerican calendars.
Each day sign also bears an association with one of the four principal directions. The directions follow an E, North, West and South sequence. The most popular day sign illustrations are taken from the "Codex Magliabechiano" (an Aztec pictorial codex created during the mid-16th Century, in the early Spanish colonial period. It is representative of a set of codices known collectively as the "Magliabechiano Group", the other two included in the Group being "Codex Tudela" and "Codex Ixtlilxochitl".
Basically the 20 signs and directions are as under:
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Cipactli" (it signifies a Crocodile, Alligator, Caiman, Crocodilian Monster & Dragon and its direction is East
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Ehecatl" ( Wind) and its direction is North
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Calli" (House) and its direction is West
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Cuetzpalin" (Lizard) and its direction is South
The "Tonalpohualli" (or the "day count") consists of 260 days and was the sacred almanac of the Aztecs/Mexicans. This ritual calendar was registered in the "Tonalamatl" (Book of days), a green-fold bark paper or deer-skin codex from which a priest (clled "Tonalpouque" cast horoscopes and predicted favourable and unfavourable days. It was called the sacred calendar because its main purpose is that of a divinatory tool. It divides the days and rituals between gods. For the Aztec belief this was an important aspect, for they believed that without it, the world would soon come to an end.
According to Aztec cosmology, the universe is in a delicate state of equilibrium, with opposing divine forces competing for power. This equilibrium is in constant danger of being disrupted by shifting powers of the Gods, and the elemental forces which influence our lives with no God emerging as a victor.
The notion that everything ultimately consists of two opposing forces is essential to the Aztec world/Universe view. The world is always on the brink o going into a spiritual "war" - a "War of the Gods" competing for supreme power. To prevent this from happening, the gods have been given their own space, their own time, their own social groups, et al. The Tonalpohualli tells us how time is divided among the gods.
The system of the "Tonalpohualli":
Each day is signified by a combination of a number from 1 to 13 and one of the 20 day signs. Each day is dedicated to a god or elemental force - the provider of "Tonalli" ("Shadow Soul") life energy for the 20 day signs. The nature of the day is also influenced by a force related to its number. This provides the "Teyollia" ("Spirit Soul") for the given day.
With each new day, both the number and day sign would be incremented - 1 (Crocodile) is followed by 2 (Wind), 3 (House) and so on upto 13 (Reed) after which the cycle of numbers would restart (though the 20 day cycle has not yet been exhausted),then Jaguar becomes day 1, Eagle becomes day 2 and so on. It takes a full 260 days (13 x 20 =260) for the two cycles of twenty day signs and 13 numbers) to realign and repeat the sequence back from 1 (Crocodile).
The day signs:
The set of day signs used in Central Mexico is identical to that used by Mixtecs (an indigenous Mesoamerican people of Mexico who inhabited the region knows as "La Mixteca" of Oaxaca and Pueblo and the state of Guerrero's Region Montanas and Region Chica, which covers parts of the Mexican states of Oaxaca, Guerrero and Puebla) and to a lesser degree similar to those of other Mesoamerican calendars.
Each day sign also bears an association with one of the four principal directions. The directions follow an E, North, West and South sequence. The most popular day sign illustrations are taken from the "Codex Magliabechiano" (an Aztec pictorial codex created during the mid-16th Century, in the early Spanish colonial period. It is representative of a set of codices known collectively as the "Magliabechiano Group", the other two included in the Group being "Codex Tudela" and "Codex Ixtlilxochitl".
Basically the 20 signs and directions are as under:
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Cipactli" (it signifies a Crocodile, Alligator, Caiman, Crocodilian Monster & Dragon and its direction is East
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Ehecatl" ( Wind) and its direction is North
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Calli" (House) and its direction is West
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Cuetzpalin" (Lizard) and its direction is South
The Nahuatl name for this Aztec day sign is "Coatl" (serpent, Snake) and its direction is East
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Miquiztli" (Death) and its direction is North
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Mazatl" (Deer or animal) and its direction is West
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Tochtli" (Rabbit) and its direction is South
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Atl" (Water) and its direction is East
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Itzcuintli" (Dog) and its direction is North
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Ozomahtli" (Monkey) and its direction is West
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is Malinalli (Grass) and its direction is South
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Acatl" (Reed) and its direction is East
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Ocelotl" (Ocelot, Jaguar) and its direction is North
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Cuauhtli" (Eagle) and its direction is West
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Cozcacuauhtli" (Vulture) and its direction is South
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Olin" (Movement, Quake, Earthquake) and its direction is East
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Tecpati"(Flint, Flint knife) and its direction is North
The Nahuatl name of this Aztec day sign is "Quiyahuitl" (Rain) and its direction is West
The Nahuatl name for this Aztec day sign is "Xochitl" (flower) and its direction is South.
On the Aztec Calendar stone, the positions marking the above 20 signs, appear at the following positions:
Other marks on the Calendar stone showed the current world and also the worlds before this one. Each world was called a Sun and each Sun had its own species of inhabitants. The Aztecs were very good astronomers and kept careful track of the heavens. They believed that they were in the Fifth Sun and like all of the Suns, before them, they would also eventually perish due to their own imperfections.
Every 52 years was marked out because they believed that 52 years was a life cycle and the gods could take away all that they have and destroy the world. As such, at the end of every 52 year cycle, the Aztecs held religious ceremonies to ensure the rebirth of the Sun and continued movement of the heavens. They believed that their ceremonies would prevent demons of darkness from coming to Earth and devouring mankind. They even offered human sacrifices to please the gods.
Trecenas:
The 260 days of the sacred calendar were grouped into 20 periods of 13 days each. Each 13 day period is the equivalent of "weeks" (or "Trecenas") using a Spanish term derived from "trece" or "thirteen". The original Nahuatl term is lost in the obscurity of time.
Each "trecena" is in turn named according to the calendar date of the first day of the 13 days in that "trecena". Each of the 20 "trecenas" in the 260 is presided over by its own tutelary deity/lord:
Trecena - Deity
1 Crocodile Ometeotl ("Om" translates as
"two" or "dual" in
Nahuatl and "Teotl"
as "God". The term
refers to the Aztec
deities "Ometecuhtli"
(or "Tonacatecuhtli")
and "Omecihuatl" (or
"Tonacacihuatl").
1 Jaguar Quetzalcoatl (A deity in
Mesoamerican culture whose name in Nahuatl
means "feathered serpent"
or "Quetzal feathered serpent").
1 Deer Tepeyollotl (The god of earth-
quakes, echoes and
jaguars)
1 Flower Huehuecoyotl (He is the auspicious god of music, dance,
mischief and song of
Pre-Columbian Mexico)
1 Reed Chalchiuhtlicue (An Aztec deity of water, rivers, seas,
streams, storms and
baptism and patroness
of child-birth.
1 Death Tonatiuh (He is the Sun God and the leader of
Tollan - heaven. Also
known as the fifth
sun, because the Aztecs
believed that he was
the sun that took
over when the fourth
sun was expelled from the sky).
1 Rain Tlaloc (A member of the pantheon of gods in
Aztec religion. As sup-
reme God of rain, he is
also a god of earthly
fertility and of water. He is worshipped as a beneficent giver of life and sustenance, but feared for his ability to send thunder, hail and lightning.
1 Grass Mayahuel (A female deity associated
with the Maguey plant)
1 Snake Xiuhtecuhtli ("Lord of the Fire", day and heat. Also lord of the volcanoes, personification of life after death, warmth, and food during famine. Also alled "Cuezaltzin" and "Ixcozauhqui").
1 Flint Mictlantecutli ( A god of the dead and the King of Mictlan (Chicunauhmictlan) , the lowest and Northern- most section of the Underworld).
1 Monkey Patecatl (God of healing and fertility and discoverer of peyote and the "Lord of the root of pulque").
1 Lizard Itztlacoliuhqui (God of Frost and represents matter in its lifeless state).
1 Quake Tlazolteotl (A deity of vice, purification, steam baths, lust, midwives, filth and a patroness of adulterers. She is also known by other names - Tlahelcuani, Tlahelcuani and Ixcuinan).
1 Dog Xipe Toteuc (The cycle of life deity, god of agriculture, vegetation, the East, disease, spring, goldsmiths, silversmiths, liberation and the seasons. Also known by the name of Tlatlauhca).
1 House Itzpapaloti (A skeletal warrior goddess who ruled over the paradise world of Tamoanchan, victims of infant mortality and the place where humans were created).
1 Vulture Xoloti (A god with associations to both lightning and death, associated with sunset. He guards the Sun as it travels at night).
1 Water Chalchiuhtotolin (The god of disease and plague. He is the jewelled fowl and the symbol of sorcery. He can tempt humans into self-destruction, but when he takes his turkey form, he can also cleanse them).
1 Wind Chantico (the female deity reigning over fires in the family hearth).
1 Eagle Xochiquetzal (Also called "Ichpochtli" (meaning "maiden") is a goddess associated with fertility, beauty, female sexual power and is a protector of young mothers and a patroness of pregnancy, child-birth and the crafts practiced by women like weaving and embroidery.
1 Rabbit Xiuhtecuhtli (the God of Fire, day
and heat).
The "Teyollia" (Nature of the Day):
The nature of the day is also influenced by a force related to its number. This provides the "Teyollia (Spirit Soul) for the given day. The numerals with their names in Nahuatl and their related spirits are:
No. Natuatl God
1 Ce Xiuhtecuhtli
2 Ome Tlaltecuhtli
3 Yei Chalchihuitlicue
4 Nahui Tonatiuh
5 Mahcuilli Tlazolteotl
6 Chicuacen Mictlantecuhtli
7 Chicome Centeotl
8 Chicuei Tlaloc
9 Chicunahul Quetzalcoatl
10 Mahtlactli-once Tezcatlipoca
11 Mahlactli-omome Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli
12 Mahalactli-omei Citlalicue
"Xiuhpohualli" ( or the "Aztec Solar Year"):
"Xiuhpohualli is the Aztec Solar year ("Xihuitl") count ("Pohualli").
Each year consists of 360 named days and 5 nameless days ("Nemoteml").
These "extra days" are believed to be unlucky. The year was broken into 18 periods of 20 days each. The Nahuatl word for moon is "Metztli", but the names for these periods is now lost.
The Spanish term for the 20-day period of the Aztec Calendar is "Veintena".
Each 20-day period started on "Cipactli (Crocodile) for which a festival was held. The 18 "Veintena" are given in detail hereunder, based on the records/observations of Deigo Duran and Bernardino de Sahagun. Two differing calendar dates are shown here based on their observations:
Duran time: Mar 1 - Mar 20; Sahagun time: Feb 2 - Feb 21; Fiesta names: "Atlcahualo", "Cuahitlehua"; symbol above signifying ceasing of water, Rising trees.
Trecenas:
The 260 days of the sacred calendar were grouped into 20 periods of 13 days each. Each 13 day period is the equivalent of "weeks" (or "Trecenas") using a Spanish term derived from "trece" or "thirteen". The original Nahuatl term is lost in the obscurity of time.
Each "trecena" is in turn named according to the calendar date of the first day of the 13 days in that "trecena". Each of the 20 "trecenas" in the 260 is presided over by its own tutelary deity/lord:
Trecena - Deity
1 Crocodile Ometeotl ("Om" translates as
"two" or "dual" in
Nahuatl and "Teotl"
as "God". The term
refers to the Aztec
deities "Ometecuhtli"
(or "Tonacatecuhtli")
and "Omecihuatl" (or
"Tonacacihuatl").
1 Jaguar Quetzalcoatl (A deity in
Mesoamerican culture whose name in Nahuatl
means "feathered serpent"
or "Quetzal feathered serpent").
1 Deer Tepeyollotl (The god of earth-
quakes, echoes and
jaguars)
1 Flower Huehuecoyotl (He is the auspicious god of music, dance,
mischief and song of
Pre-Columbian Mexico)
1 Reed Chalchiuhtlicue (An Aztec deity of water, rivers, seas,
streams, storms and
baptism and patroness
of child-birth.
1 Death Tonatiuh (He is the Sun God and the leader of
Tollan - heaven. Also
known as the fifth
sun, because the Aztecs
believed that he was
the sun that took
over when the fourth
sun was expelled from the sky).
1 Rain Tlaloc (A member of the pantheon of gods in
Aztec religion. As sup-
reme God of rain, he is
also a god of earthly
fertility and of water. He is worshipped as a beneficent giver of life and sustenance, but feared for his ability to send thunder, hail and lightning.
1 Grass Mayahuel (A female deity associated
with the Maguey plant)
1 Snake Xiuhtecuhtli ("Lord of the Fire", day and heat. Also lord of the volcanoes, personification of life after death, warmth, and food during famine. Also alled "Cuezaltzin" and "Ixcozauhqui").
1 Flint Mictlantecutli ( A god of the dead and the King of Mictlan (Chicunauhmictlan) , the lowest and Northern- most section of the Underworld).
1 Monkey Patecatl (God of healing and fertility and discoverer of peyote and the "Lord of the root of pulque").
1 Lizard Itztlacoliuhqui (God of Frost and represents matter in its lifeless state).
1 Quake Tlazolteotl (A deity of vice, purification, steam baths, lust, midwives, filth and a patroness of adulterers. She is also known by other names - Tlahelcuani, Tlahelcuani and Ixcuinan).
1 Dog Xipe Toteuc (The cycle of life deity, god of agriculture, vegetation, the East, disease, spring, goldsmiths, silversmiths, liberation and the seasons. Also known by the name of Tlatlauhca).
1 House Itzpapaloti (A skeletal warrior goddess who ruled over the paradise world of Tamoanchan, victims of infant mortality and the place where humans were created).
1 Vulture Xoloti (A god with associations to both lightning and death, associated with sunset. He guards the Sun as it travels at night).
1 Water Chalchiuhtotolin (The god of disease and plague. He is the jewelled fowl and the symbol of sorcery. He can tempt humans into self-destruction, but when he takes his turkey form, he can also cleanse them).
1 Wind Chantico (the female deity reigning over fires in the family hearth).
1 Eagle Xochiquetzal (Also called "Ichpochtli" (meaning "maiden") is a goddess associated with fertility, beauty, female sexual power and is a protector of young mothers and a patroness of pregnancy, child-birth and the crafts practiced by women like weaving and embroidery.
1 Rabbit Xiuhtecuhtli (the God of Fire, day
and heat).
The "Teyollia" (Nature of the Day):
The nature of the day is also influenced by a force related to its number. This provides the "Teyollia (Spirit Soul) for the given day. The numerals with their names in Nahuatl and their related spirits are:
No. Natuatl God
1 Ce Xiuhtecuhtli
2 Ome Tlaltecuhtli
3 Yei Chalchihuitlicue
4 Nahui Tonatiuh
5 Mahcuilli Tlazolteotl
6 Chicuacen Mictlantecuhtli
7 Chicome Centeotl
8 Chicuei Tlaloc
9 Chicunahul Quetzalcoatl
10 Mahtlactli-once Tezcatlipoca
11 Mahlactli-omome Tlahuizcalpantecuhtli
12 Mahalactli-omei Citlalicue
"Xiuhpohualli" ( or the "Aztec Solar Year"):
"Xiuhpohualli is the Aztec Solar year ("Xihuitl") count ("Pohualli").
Each year consists of 360 named days and 5 nameless days ("Nemoteml").
These "extra days" are believed to be unlucky. The year was broken into 18 periods of 20 days each. The Nahuatl word for moon is "Metztli", but the names for these periods is now lost.
The Spanish term for the 20-day period of the Aztec Calendar is "Veintena".
Each 20-day period started on "Cipactli (Crocodile) for which a festival was held. The 18 "Veintena" are given in detail hereunder, based on the records/observations of Deigo Duran and Bernardino de Sahagun. Two differing calendar dates are shown here based on their observations:
Duran time: Mar 21 - Apr 9; Sahagun time: Feb 22 - Mar 13; Fiesta name: "Tiacaxipehualiztli"; symbol signifies Rites of Fertility, "Xipe-Totec" ("The flayed one").
Duran Time: Apr 10 - Apr 29; Sahagun time: Mar 14-Apr 2; Fiesta name: Tozoztontli; Symbol signifies Lesser perforation.
Tozoztontli: is the name of the third month of the Aztec calendar. It is a festival in Aztec religion with the deities being "Centeotl", "Tlaloque", "Chicomecoatl" and "Coatlicue". It marks the end of dry season and is a season for bird sacrifices and is called the "Little Vigil".
Duran time: Apr 30 - May 19; Sahagun time: Apr 3 - Apr 22; Fiesta name: Huey Tozoztli; Symbol signifies Greater perforation.
Huey Tozoztli: is the name of the fourth month of the Aztec calendar. It is also a festival in Aztec religion dedicated to Tlaloc and other deities. It is called the great or long vigil.
Duran time: May 20 - Jun 8; Sahagun time: 23 Apr - May 12; Fiesta name: Toxcatl; Symbol associated with dryness.
Toxcatl: This is the name of the fifth month of the Aztec calendar and of the festival which was held every year in this month. The festival is dedicated to the god Tezcatlipoca.
Duran time: Jun 9 - Jun 28; Sahagun time: May 13 - Jun 1; Fiesta name: Etzalcualiztli; Symbol signifies eating maize and beans.
Etzalcualiztli: is the sixth month of the Aztec calendar. It is the festival dedicated to Tlaloc and Chalchihuitlicue.
Duran time: Jun 29 - Jul 18; Sahagun time: Jun 2 - Jun 21; Fiesta name: Tecuilhuitontli; Symbol signifies Lesser feast for the Revered Ones.
Tecuilhuitontli: This is the seventh month of the Aztec calendar. The principal deity of this festival is "Xochipilli" and feasts are held for the goddess "Huixtocihuatl". It is known as the Small Festival for the Gods.
Duran time: July 19 - Aug 7; Sahagun time: Jun 22 - Jul 11; Fiesta name: Heuy Tecuilhuitl; Symbol signifies Greater Feast for the Revered Ones.
Huey Tecuilhuitl: is the eighth month of the Aztec calendar and the festival dedicated to Xilonen and Chihuacoatl. It is called the Great Festival of the Lord.
Duran time: Aug 8 - Aug 27; Sahagun time: Jul 12 - Jul 31; Fiesta name: Tlaxochimaco, Miccailhuitontli; Symbol signifies Bestowal or Birth of Flowers, Feast to the Revered Deceased.
Duran time: Aug 28 - Sep 16; Sahagun time: Aug 1 - Aug 20; Fiesta name: Xocotl huetzi, Huey Miccailhuitl; Symbol signifies Feast to the Greatly Revered Deceased.
Huey Miccailhuitl: is the tenth month of the Aztec calendar. The principal deity is Xocotl. It is the Great Feast of the Deceased.
Duran time: Aug 28 - Sep 16; Sahagun time: Aug 21 - Sep 9; Fiesta name: Ochpaniztli; Symbol signifies Sweeping and Cleaning.
Ochpaniztli: the eleventh month of the Aztec calendar. It is also a festival in the Aztec religion dedicated to Toci and Tlazolteotl and is also the month of cleaning or sweeping.
Duran time: Oct 7 - Oct 26; Sahagun time: Sep 10 - Sep 29; Fiesta name: Teotleco; Symbol signifies Return of the Gods.
Teotleco: The twelfth month of the Aztec calendar. Also the festival in Aztec Religion called theFestival of all Gods where all Gods are worshipped.
Teotleco: The twelfth month of the Aztec calendar. Also the festival in Aztec Religion called theFestival of all Gods where all Gods are worshipped.
Duran time: Oct 27 - Nov 15; Sahagun time: Sep 10 - Sep 30 - Oct 19; Fiesta name: Tepeilhuitl; Symbol signifies Feast of the Mountains.
Tepeilhuitl: The name of the thirteenth month of the Aztec calendar; Also a festival in the Aztec religion dedicated to Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl and Tlaloc.
Duran time: Nov 16 - Dec 5; Sahagun time: Oct 20 - Nov 8; Fiesta name: Quecholli; Symbol signifies Precious feathers and hunting is done in this season.
Quecholli: The name of the fourteenth month of the Aztec calendar. It is also a festival in the Aztec religion and the Principal deity is Mixcoatl.
Duran time: Dec 6 - Dec 25; Sahagun time: Nov 9 - Nov 28; Fiesta name: Panquetzaliztli: Symbol signifies "Raising the Banner".
Panquetzaliztli: This is the name of the fifteenth month of the Aztec calendar. It is also a festival in the Aztec religion dedicated to Huitzilopochtli. The co-relation of Rafael Tena places the 20-day month last from November 30- Dec 19.
Duran time: Dec 26 - Jan 14; Sahagun time: Nov 29 - Dec 18; Fiesta name: Atemoztli; Symbol signifies: Descent of water.
Atemoztli: Name of the sixteenth month of the Aztec calendar and the festival in the Aztec religion dedicated to Tlaloc and Tlaloque.
Duran time: Jan 15 - Feb 3; Sahagun time: Dec 19 - Jan 7; Fiesta name: Tititl; Symbol signifies: Stretching for Growth.
Duran time: Feb 4 - Feb 23; Sahagun time: Jan 8 - Jan 27; Fiesta name: Izcalli; Symbol signifies: Encouragement for the Land and People.
Izcalli: This is the name of the eighteenth and last month of the Aztec calendar. It is also a festival in the Aztec religion of the principal deity Xiuhtecuhtli - the "Fire God" and old people, who are honoured in this month which is also called the "Rebirth month".
Duran time: Feb 24 - Feb 28; Sahagun time: Jan 28 - Feb 1; Fiesta name: nemontemi (5 day period); Symbol signifies "Empty days, with no specific activities".
Nemontemi: This name refers to a period of five intercalary days inserted between years of the Aztec calendar. The word "Nemontemi means "useless days" or "unlucky days". These days were considered to bring ill fortune and most activities (including even cooking) were avoided , if possible, during this period.
Xiuhmolpilli:
The ancient Mexicans/Aztecs counted their years by means of four signs combined with thirteen numbers, obtaining periods of 52 years, which are referred to as "Xiuhmolpilli or "Xiuhnelpilli.
Xiuhmolpilli sculpture bearing the symbolic markings which show the completion of the 52 year cycle
Every 52 years, the Tonalpohualli and the Xiuhpohualli calendars align themselves. This marks what is known as a "Mesoamerican century". Every one of these centuries is marked by Xiuhmolpilli or the "Binding up of the years" or the "New Fire Ceremony".
This was a festival that lasted 12 days and included fasting as a symbol of penitence.
At the beginning of this festival all the lights in the city were extinguished - people let their hearth fires go out. Then on midnight of the 12th day of the festival, a prisoner was taken to the priest.
The priest would watch in the night sky for the "Star of Fire" to reach its zenith, which is when, the priest would remove the heart of the man and replace it with a piece of wood, that was laid out on a piece of turquoise. Then, the priest would start the new fire that would once again light the city.
An example of how the Aztec Calendar operates:
Every 52 years, the Tonalpohualli and the Xiuhpohualli calendars align themselves. This marks what is known as a "Mesoamerican century". Every one of these centuries is marked by Xiuhmolpilli or the "Binding up of the years" or the "New Fire Ceremony".
This was a festival that lasted 12 days and included fasting as a symbol of penitence.
At the beginning of this festival all the lights in the city were extinguished - people let their hearth fires go out. Then on midnight of the 12th day of the festival, a prisoner was taken to the priest.
The priest would watch in the night sky for the "Star of Fire" to reach its zenith, which is when, the priest would remove the heart of the man and replace it with a piece of wood, that was laid out on a piece of turquoise. Then, the priest would start the new fire that would once again light the city.
An example of how the Aztec Calendar operates:
Yesterday was 09 February 2019:
So the Tonalli (day) is 9- Cipatli (crocodile), Trecana (week or 13 day period) is 1- Acatl (reed), the Xihuitl (Solar year is 7 - Acatl (reed), Yoaltecuhtli (Lord of the night) is Tlazolteotl, Xiuhpohualli (365 day calendar) is 8 - Etzcualiztli (VI)
The significance of the day:
Day Cipactli (Crocodile) is governed by Tonacatecuhtli, Lord of Nurturance, as its provider of "tonally (Shadow Soul) life energy. Cipactli is an auspicious day, signifying advancement and honour. It depicts energy and work, rewards and recognition. A good day for beginnings.
The 13-day period (trecena) that starts with day 1 - Acatl (reed) is ruled by Chalchihuitlicue, goddess of lakes, rivers and seas, goddess of horizontal waters. This trecena signifies the transitory nature of all that we may gain in life: it is a reminder to view success and failure, gain or loss, as matters of fate and not as matters of personal worth. The elementals do not reward or punish our efforts, but construct the maze within which we might perfect ourselves. These are good days to travel to new places.
Today is 10.02.2019:
In the Tonalpohualli , the sacred Aztec Calendar, 10.02.2019 is detailed as follows:
The Tonali (day) is 10-Ehecatl (wind), Trecena (13-day period) is 1- Acatl (reed), thXihuitl (Solar Year is 7-Acatl (reed), Yoaltecuhtli (Lord of the Night) , Xiuhpohulli (365 day calendar) is 9- Etzcualiztli (VI).
The significance of this day:
Day Ehecatl (wind) is governed by Quetzalcoatl as its provider of Tonalli (Shadow Soul) life energy. Ehecatl is a bad day for working with others. Its influences are inconsistent and vain. A good day to root out bad habits.
The 13 day period (trecena) that starts with day 1- Acetl (Reed) is ruled by Chalchihuitlicue, goddess of lakes, rivers and seas, goddess of horizontal waters. This trecena signifies the transitory nature of all that we may gain in life: It is a reminder to view success and failure, gain and loss, as matters of fate and not as matters of personal worth. The elementals do not reward or punish our efforts, but rather, construct the maze within which we might perfect our hearts. The 13 days of this trecena reveal our hearts to us, based on whether we have decided to live within the house of shadows or to seek the secret of happiness elsewhere. These are good days to travel to new places, bad days to hide in fear.
This is an image of a round/coin titled "CALENDARIO AZTECO", "MEXICO". It shows the Aztec Calendar Stone in its entirety. This round has been brought for me by Ajit George, during his recent trip to Mexico.
This is an image of a 10 Peso Coin ("Deiz Peso") which shows the centre of the Calendar Stone together , the "Tonatiuh" in the centre, along with the first ring showing four previous Suns. This coin has also been brought for my collection by Ajit George.
Today is 10.02.2019:
In the Tonalpohualli , the sacred Aztec Calendar, 10.02.2019 is detailed as follows:
The Tonali (day) is 10-Ehecatl (wind), Trecena (13-day period) is 1- Acatl (reed), thXihuitl (Solar Year is 7-Acatl (reed), Yoaltecuhtli (Lord of the Night) , Xiuhpohulli (365 day calendar) is 9- Etzcualiztli (VI).
The significance of this day:
Day Ehecatl (wind) is governed by Quetzalcoatl as its provider of Tonalli (Shadow Soul) life energy. Ehecatl is a bad day for working with others. Its influences are inconsistent and vain. A good day to root out bad habits.
The 13 day period (trecena) that starts with day 1- Acetl (Reed) is ruled by Chalchihuitlicue, goddess of lakes, rivers and seas, goddess of horizontal waters. This trecena signifies the transitory nature of all that we may gain in life: It is a reminder to view success and failure, gain and loss, as matters of fate and not as matters of personal worth. The elementals do not reward or punish our efforts, but rather, construct the maze within which we might perfect our hearts. The 13 days of this trecena reveal our hearts to us, based on whether we have decided to live within the house of shadows or to seek the secret of happiness elsewhere. These are good days to travel to new places, bad days to hide in fear.
Links to some other interesting posts from South American countries & Mexico:
1) The Evolution of Mexican Coinage
1) The Evolution of Mexican Coinage
25) 50 Boliviano Banknote, Bolivia: The third Banknote circulated by the "Banco Central de Bolivia" (Central Bank of Bolivia) in the new 2018 Banknote Series: This Banknote introduced into circulation on 15.10.2018
26) A new 100 Boliviano Banknote from Bolivia: issued by the "Banco Centrale de Bolivia" (Central Bank of Bolivia) on 15.01.2019 under its new 2018 Banknote Series
27) Central Bank of Uruguay ("Banco Centrale del Uruguay"): 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) - 1967-2017 - celebrated with the issue of a 50 Peso Commemorative Banknote on 14.09.2018
26) A new 100 Boliviano Banknote from Bolivia: issued by the "Banco Centrale de Bolivia" (Central Bank of Bolivia) on 15.01.2019 under its new 2018 Banknote Series
27) Central Bank of Uruguay ("Banco Centrale del Uruguay"): 50th Anniversary (Golden Jubilee) - 1967-2017 - celebrated with the issue of a 50 Peso Commemorative Banknote on 14.09.2018
28) "Aconcagua", Argentina: 25 Dollars High Relief Silver Coin: - The third coin in the "7 Summits Coin Series" issued by the Cook Islands in co-ordination with Coin Invest Trust (CIT) and minted by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprageanstalt GmbH issued in November 2018
29) Did You Know Series (44): Decoding the Aztec Calendar Sone (or the Sun Stone of Axyacatl)
29) Did You Know Series (44): Decoding the Aztec Calendar Sone (or the Sun Stone of Axyacatl)
No comments:
Post a Comment