What do the Aztecs believe in? The Aztecs, a Mesoamerican civilization that flourished in what is now Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century, held a complex and multifaceted set of beliefs that revolved around the natural world, the supernatural, and the cosmos. Their religious practices were integral to their social, political, and cultural life, shaping their daily routines and their understanding of the universe.
The Aztecs were polytheistic, meaning they worshipped multiple gods and goddesses. At the center of their pantheon was the sun god, Huitzilopochtli, who was revered for his role in the creation of the world and his protection of the Aztec empire. Other important deities included Tlaloc, the rain god; Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god; and Tezcatlipoca, the smoking mirror god, who was associated with fate and destiny.
The Aztecs believed in a cyclical view of time, where the world had been created and destroyed multiple times before, and would continue to do so in the future. This belief was reflected in their calendar, which was divided into 20-day periods and 18-month cycles, with the year ending in a 52-year cycle known as the “Sun Stone.” They also believed in an afterlife, where the soul would be judged by the gods and either enter paradise or be subjected to eternal punishment.
Religious rituals played a significant role in Aztec society. Human sacrifice was a common practice, as the Aztecs believed that offering blood to the gods was necessary to maintain the cosmic order and ensure the continued existence of the world. Sacrifices were often performed during important festivals and ceremonies, and the victims were typically prisoners of war or slaves.
The Aztecs also had a deep reverence for nature, and they believed that the gods resided in natural elements such as mountains, rivers, and forests. This belief led to the creation of sacred sites, such as temples and pyramids, which were built to honor the gods and serve as places for religious ceremonies.
In addition to their religious beliefs, the Aztecs also held various philosophical and cosmological ideas. They believed in the existence of two parallel worlds, the Earth and the Sky World, which were connected by a bridge known as the Sky Bridge. This bridge was believed to be the path taken by the gods during their journeys between the two worlds.
The Aztecs’ belief in the supernatural and their intricate religious practices were not only a means of maintaining social order but also a way to understand and navigate the complexities of their world. While their civilization was eventually conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, the legacy of their beliefs continues to influence modern Mexican culture and religion.
