The double symbolism used by the Feathered Serpent is considered allegoric to the dual nature of the deity, where being feathered represents its divine nature or ability to fly to reach the skies and being a serpent represents its human nature or ability to creep on the ground among other animals of the Earth, a
What kind of god is Quetzalcoatl?
In Aztec culture
To the Aztecs, Quetzalcoatl was, as his name indicates, a feathered serpent. He was a creator deity having contributed essentially to the creation of mankind. He also had anthropomorphic forms, for example in his aspects as Ehecatl the wind god.
What kind of snake is Quetzalcoatl?
Antecedents and origins. A prototypical Mesoamerican serpent deity. The name Quetzalcoatl literally means “feathered snake”. The Nahuatl word quetzalli means “long green feather” (Molina: ), but later came to be applied also to the bird who give these feathers: the Resplendent Quetzal.
What does the feathered serpent symbolize?
The feathered serpent began as a symbol of Teotihuacan, became a symbol of alliance, turned into a deity of war, and then reemerged as a god of a united humanity.
Does the feathered serpent have wings?
Quetzalcoatl is one of the most famous Mesoamerican deities today and he was indeed the main deity in most Mesoamerican cultures. With his name literally translating as the “Feathered Serpent” or the “Plumed Serpent”, Quetzalcoatl was portrayed as an amphiptere dragon, i.e. a serpent with two wings and no other limbs.
Is Quetzalcoatl real?
Quetzalcoatl, or “Feathered Serpent,” was an important god to the ancient people of Mesoamerica. The worship of Quetzalcoatl became widespread with the rise of the Toltec civilization around 900 A.D. and spread throughout the region, even down to the Yucatan peninsula where it caught on with the Maya.
What does the Mayan serpent mean?
The serpent was a very important social and religious symbol, revered by the Maya. Maya mythology describes serpents as being the vehicles by which celestial bodies, such as the sun and stars, cross the heavens. The shedding of their skin made them a symbol of rebirth and renewal.
Is Quetzalcoatl Aztec or Mayan?
Quetzalcoatl was the Aztec feathered-serpent god. He was a creator god who brought wind and rains. To the Maya, he was known as Kukulcan or Gucumatz.
Who is the Mexican god?
Huitzilopochtli, also spelled Uitzilopochtli, also called Xiuhpilli (“Turquoise Prince”) and Totec (“Our Lord”), Aztec sun and war god, one of the two principal deities of Aztec religion, often represented in art as either a hummingbird or an eagle.
What does the snake represent in Aztec culture?
Snakes were sacred to the Aztecs as they were the symbol of the feathered serpent god, Quetzalcoatl. The Aztec Empire consisted of many subject territories, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the Pacific. Frequently they had to provide gifts as tribute to demonstrate their allegiance to the Aztec emperor.
