Quetzalcoatl

Quetzalcóatl como la serpiente emplumada y el dios del viento Ehécatl, en el folio 19

Feathered Serpent Ornament MET VS197920611523

Quetzalcoatl telleriano2

Teotihuacan Feathered Serpent (Jami Dwyer)

Quetzalcoatl

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Quetzalcóatl 5

Quetzalcoatl is a Mesoamerican deity whose name comes from the Nahuatl language and means "Feathered Serpent". The worship of Quetzalcoatl dates back to at least the Late Preclassic period of Mesoamerican chronology (ca. 1st century BCE to 3rd century CE), and it continued to be venerated in various forms by many cultures throughout the region, including the Toltecs and the Aztecs.

Origins and Mythology

Quetzalcoatl is one of the major deities of the ancient Mesoamerican pantheon. Associated with the wind, the dawn, merchants, arts, crafts, and knowledge, Quetzalcoatl was also considered the god of the morning star and was often depicted as a mix of bird and rattlesnake or more commonly, a feathered serpent. He was a creator deity having contributed significantly to the creation of Mankind and was regarded as the patron of priests and the inventor of calendars and books.

In Toltec mythology, Quetzalcoatl is often conflated with Topiltzin Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl, a legendary Toltec priest-king. The Aztecs adopted and adapted many aspects of the Toltec culture, including the Quetzalcoatl mythos, integrating him into their own pantheon and associating him with the planet Venus.

Cultural Significance

Quetzalcoatl played a significant role in the religious, cultural, and political life of the Mesoamerican peoples. He was seen as a symbol of death and resurrection, as well as the patron of priests. His influence extended beyond the spiritual realm into the daily lives of the Mesoamerican people, influencing trade, the calendar system, and ceremonial practices.

Iconography and Worship

Quetzalcoatl's iconography varied throughout Mesoamerica. In his serpent form, he was often depicted as a snake with feathers along its body, representing the blending of earth (the snake) and sky (the feathers). This imagery symbolized the unity of the material and spiritual worlds. Temples and other structures dedicated to Quetzalcoatl were built throughout Mesoamerica, and his image appears in various forms of art, including pottery, sculpture, and mural paintings.

Legacy

The legacy of Quetzalcoatl is evident in the continued interest and reverence for this deity in modern times. He remains a significant figure in contemporary Mexican culture and identity, symbolizing the blending of indigenous and European traditions that characterizes the country's history. Quetzalcoatl also features prominently in New Age beliefs, where he is sometimes interpreted as a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening.

See Also

• Mesoamerican religions
• Toltec civilization
• Aztec mythology