If Aztec mythology were to be summed up in a single word, fertility would be central to all beliefs. Life, procreation, food and nature all depended on fertility. The gods and goddesses of fertility were therefore essential to Aztec mythology. In this article, we take a look at these deities, their rituals and artistic representations, as well as the darker practices surrounding human sacrifice.

The principal deity of fertility: Xochiquetzal

When we speak of fertility in Aztec mythology, we inevitably speak of Xochiquetzal. Daughter of Tlazolteotl, goddess of voluptuousness and purification, and of Piltzintecuhtli, god of the Sun, Xochiquetzal is often represented as a beautiful, graceful young woman. She was the goddess of beauty, love, fertility, art, music and agriculture. She was also the guardian of sexuality.

Xochiquetzal's role was to watch over reproduction and fertility, as well as life and death. She influenced the life cycle, from birth to death. The rituals associated with Xochiquetzal were numerous and varied. Offerings of flowers, perfumes, jewelry and food were made to honor her beauty and generosity.

To represent Xochiquetzal, Aztec artists often used the poppy, peacock tail, hummingbird, butterfly, shell and snake.

Other fertility deities

In addition to Xochiquetzal, the Aztecs also honored other fertility gods and goddesses. - Cinteotl was the god of corn, one of the Aztecs' main food sources. He was therefore essential to the survival of the people. - Tlaloc was the god of rain. Without rain, crops could not grow, life became difficult and offerings to Tlaloc were indispensable. - Chalchiuhtlicue, goddess of water, had an influence on the fertility of the earth, but also on births and the purification of water. - Centeotl, god of agriculture, was also important to the Aztec people. Harvests and the distribution of land depended on him.

Each of these gods had a crucial role in daily life, and the rituals to honor them were numerous.

Human sacrifices in fertility cults

Unfortunately, Aztec mythology was not limited to honors and offerings. Human sacrifices were common in the fertility cults. The Aztecs believed that these sacrifices were necessary to secure the gods' benevolence and thus ensure a good harvest or the fertility of women.

The victims were often prisoners of war or slaves. They were tortured before being sacrificed. The rituals were horrific and were described by the Spanish conquistadors as barbaric and bloodthirsty. This practice led many Aztecs to turn to Christianity when the Spaniards arrived.

Representations of fertility in Aztec art

Aztec art was often linked to the mythology and beliefs of the people. Representations of fertility were therefore frequent in artworks. There are three main themes associated with fertility in Aztec art.

The first theme is that of the fertility gods and goddesses. They are represented in all forms, from sculpture to painting.

The second theme is human fertility. Pregnant women, sexual acts and births were often depicted in rather crude ways.

The third theme is the fertility of nature. Plants, animals and natural elements were staged to celebrate the forces of nature.

Conclusion

For the Aztecs, fertility was a central concern. Fertility gods and goddesses were honored with complex rituals and lavish offerings. Unfortunately, this mythology also had a darker side, with bloodthirsty practices and human sacrifices. Understanding this mythology is therefore essential to a better understanding of Aztec history and culture.