Diosa Coatlicue

Definition

Diosa Coatlicue, known as the 'Serpent Skirt' goddess, is a significant figure in Aztec mythology, revered as the mother of the gods and associated with fertility, life, and death. She embodies duality, representing both creation and destruction, reflecting the cycles of nature and the importance of family in Aztec culture. Her image often features a skirt made of snakes and a necklace of human hearts, symbolizing her connection to life, death, and the nurturing aspect of motherhood.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Coatlicue is often depicted with a necklace made of human hearts and hands, showcasing her fierce nature and connection to sacrifice in Aztec religion.
2. She gave birth to the moon goddess Coyolxauhqui and the sun god Huitzilopochtli after becoming pregnant from a ball of feathers that fell from the sky.
3. Coatlicue's temple in Tenochtitlán was an important religious site where rituals honoring her were performed, emphasizing her role in community and family life.
4. Her stories highlight the importance of familial relationships among the Aztecs, particularly the conflicts between her children and their implications for cosmic balance.
5. In modern times, Coatlicue has been embraced as a symbol of feminist strength and resilience, representing the nurturing yet powerful aspects of motherhood.

Review Questions

• How does Diosa Coatlicue embody the concept of duality in Aztec mythology?
  • Diosa Coatlicue represents duality through her role as both a nurturing mother and a fierce deity associated with death. This complexity is evident in her imagery—her serpent skirt symbolizes life’s cycles while her necklace of human hearts reflects themes of sacrifice. The balance between creation and destruction found in her character underscores the essential role families play in maintaining harmony within Aztec culture.
• Discuss the significance of familial relationships in the myths surrounding Diosa Coatlicue and how they reflect broader societal values.
  • The myths surrounding Diosa Coatlicue highlight crucial familial relationships, particularly her connection with her children like Coyolxauhqui and Huitzilopochtli. These stories showcase not only the dynamics within families but also how conflicts can lead to cosmic consequences. The emphasis on family mirrors broader Aztec societal values that prioritize kinship ties, community cohesion, and mutual support within families.
• Evaluate the impact of Diosa Coatlicue's symbolism on modern interpretations of motherhood and female strength within cultural contexts.
  • Diosa Coatlicue's symbolism has evolved to represent modern interpretations of motherhood and female strength across various cultural contexts. As a figure embodying both nurturing and fierce qualities, she serves as an inspiration for discussions around women's roles in society today. Her image encourages empowerment by highlighting resilience in facing challenges while maintaining connections within families. This dual representation has resonated with contemporary movements advocating for women's rights and recognition of feminine power.

Related terms

Tonantzin: Another name for Coatlicue, meaning 'our revered mother', emphasizing her role as a maternal figure in the Aztec pantheon.

Quetzalcoatl: A major god in Aztec mythology associated with wind, air, and learning, who represents the balance between life and death, similar to Coatlicue's dual nature.

Tlaloc: The rain god in Aztec mythology, representing the life-giving aspects of nature, and closely linked to Coatlicue's associations with fertility and agriculture.