Chicomecoatl

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Chicomecōātl in an illustration from Rig Veda Americanus
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In Aztec mythology, Chicomecōātl [t͡ʃikomeˈkoːaːt͡ɬ] "seven snakes", was the Aztec goddess of agriculture during the Middle Culture period.[1] She is sometimes called "goddess of nourishment", a goddess of plenty and the female aspect of corn.[2] Every September a young girl representing Chicomecōātl was sacrificed.[2] The priests decapitated the girl, collected her blood and poured it over a figurine of the goddess. The corpse was then flayed and the skin was worn by a priest.[3]

She is regarded as the female counterpart of the maize god Centeōtl, their symbol being an ear of corn. She is occasionally called Xilonen,[4] ("the hairy one", which referred to the hairs on unshucked maize), who was married also to Tezcatlipoca.[5]

She often appeared with attributes of Chalchiuhtlicue, such as her headdress and the short lines rubbing down her cheeks. She is usually distinguished by being shown carrying ears of maize.[2] She is shown in three different forms:

  • As a young girl carrying flowers
  • As a woman who brings death with her embraces
  • As a mother who uses the sun as a shield[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Aguilar-Moreno, Manuel (2006). Handbook to life in the Aztec world. New York, NY: Facts on File. pp. 197–8. ISBN 0816056730. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Gregg, Susan. The encyclopedia of angels : spirit guides & ascended masters : a guide to 200 celestial beings to help, heal, and assist you in everyday life. Beverly, Mass.: Fair Winds Press. p. 239. ISBN 9781592334667. 
  3. ↑ Walter, Roy Willis, general editor ; foreword by Robert (1993). World mythology (1st ed. ed.). New York: H. Holt. p. 224. ISBN 0805027017. 
  4. ↑ Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2000). Encyclopedia of ancient deities. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland. ISBN 0786403179. 
  5. ↑ Coulter, Charles Russell; Turner, Patricia (2000). Encyclopedia of ancient deities. Jefferson, N.C.: McFarland. p. 508. ISBN 0786403179. 


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