Centeōtl

Controversy

According to sources, Cinteotl is the god of maize and subsistence and Centeōtl corresponds to Chicomecōātl, the goddess of agriculture.

Worship

In the Tōnalpōhualli, a 260-day sacred calendar used by many ancient Mesoamerican cultures, Centeōtl is the Lord of the Day for days numbered seven and the fourth Lord of the Night. In Aztec religion, maize (which was called Cintli in Nahuatl) was brought to this world by Quetzalcōātl and it is associated with the group of stars known commonly today as the Pleiades.

At the beginning of the year (most likely around February), Aztec workers would plant the young maize. These young maize plants potentially were used as symbolism for a pretty goddess, most likely Chicomecōātl, Princess of the Unripe Maize. Chicomecōātl is usually depicted carrying fresh maize in her hands, bare-breasted, and sitting down modestly. Some historians believe Chicomecōātl, otherwise known as "the hairy one", and Centeōtl are the same deity. When the seeds were planted, a ritual dance was performed to thank Mother Earth and, more specifically, Centeōtl. These dances became increasingly more prominent as the warmth of the sun brought about great prosperity for the Aztecs in the form of sprouting maize canes. A major custom during this festival period was for Nahua women, regardless of marital status, to loosen their ponchos and let down their hair. They would proceed to dance bare-breasted in the maize fields to thank Centeōtl for his work. Then each woman would pick five ears of corn from the field and bring them back in a grand procession while singing and dancing. Women in these processions were the promises of food and life. Traditionally, massive fights would then break out as people tried to soak one another in flower pollen or scented maize flour. Flower petals were also ceremonially thrown over people carrying ears of corn.

Maize was essential to Aztec life. The importance of Centeōtl cannot be overlooked. Countless historical sources show that much of the maize cultivated by the Aztecs was used in sacrifices to the gods. Usually, at least five newly ripened maize cobs were picked by the older Aztec women. These were then carried on their backs, carefully wrapped like newborns. Once the cobs reached their destination, usually outside a house, they were placed in a special corn basket and would stay there until the following year. This was meant to represent the maize spirits resting until the next harvesting period.

These five cobs were also symbols for a seemingly separate goddess. This highly worshipped goddess was known as Lady Chicomecōātl, Seven Serpents. She was the earth spirit and the lady of fertility and life, seen as a kind of mother figure in the Aztec world and was the partner of Centeōtl.

Gallery

File:Centeotl.jpg|Centeōtl as depicted in a Codex File:The myths of Mexico and Peru (1913) (14803957783).jpg|Photo from The myths of Mexico and Peru published 1902 File:Cinteotl Codex Fejérváry-Mayer 11.jpg|Cinteotl, dieu du maïs, devant le royaume des morts (Codex Fejérváry-Mayer, page 11) File:Cinteotl Codex Fejérváry-Mayer 34-4.jpg|Cinteotl, dieu du maïs (Codex Fejérváry-Mayer, page 34) File:TlazolteotlBorbonicus.jpg|Page 13 of the Codex Borbonicus with Tlazōlteōtl, who is portrayed wearing a flayed skin, giving birth to Cinteotl

References

References

1. Otilia Meza. (1981). "El Mundo Mágico de los Dioses del Anáhuac". Editorial Universo.
2. Cecilio A. Robelo. (1905). "Diccionario de Mitología Nahoa". Editorial Porrúa.
3. Cecilio A. Robelo. (1905). "Diccionario de Mitología Nahoa". Editorial Porrúa.
4. ''Nahuatl Dictionary.'' (1997). Wired Humanities Project. University of Oregon. Retrieved September 1, 2012, from [http://whp.uoregon.edu/dictionaries/nahuatl/index.lasso link] {{Webarchive. link. (2016-12-03)
5. Miller, ''The Gods and Symbols of Ancient Mexico and the Maya'' (London: Thames and Hudson, 1993) p62
6. Hombres de Maíz. Miguel Angel Asturias p 398
7. Codex Vaticanus No. 3773 (Codex Vaticanus B) Eduard Seler p 101
8. Markman, Roberta H., Peter T.. (1994). "The Flayed God: The Mesoamerican Mythological Tradition". Harpercollins.
9. Cecilio Agustín Robelo. (1905). "Diccionario de Mitología Nahua".
10. Cecilio Agustín Robelo. (1905). "Diccionario de Mitología Nahua".
11. Cecilio Agustín Robelo. (1905). "Diccionario de Mitología Nahua".
12. [http://www.azteccalendar.com/god/Centeōtl.html Centeōtl, the Lord of Maize]
13. C. Burland, ''The Aztecs: Gods and Fate in Ancient Mexico'' (London: Orbis, 1980) p39.