The Aztec religion, one of the oldest in Mesoamerica, is among the most important. The Aztec gods are facing in different directions to see the sunrise. Quetzalcoatl faces east. The Sun rises eastward and sways to one side. Ecatl, the wind god, receives a huge sacrifice in the morning. After this huge sacrifice, Ecatl the wind god sets the sun to motion.
Religion of Ancient Mesoamericans
Ancient Mesoamerican religion held the gods as a central part of daily life. Regular rituals included offering sacrifices of human beings as well as various offerings. In these societies was established a complicated priestly hierarchy. The architectural pattern for building temples was the same, with pyramids on top that were truncated and containing sanctuaries. Religion also included a shared worldview, and the use spatial symbols.
Gods
Aztec gods are often depicted in a variety of creatures, each with a specific function. Many were feared and revered for being violent, but some had more benign and uplifting attributes. For example, Mictlantecuhtli was the Aztec god of death. After being sacrificed as an infant, the Aztecs believed she had fallen into the underworld. Afterward, she married Miclantecuhtl, another Aztec god of death. Mictlantecuhtli stood out with her wide mouth and necklace of eyeballs.
Sacrifices
Sacrifices were an important part in Aztec religion. They were used to obtain social status, and also to generate income. Human sacrifices were an essential part of the Aztec religion, which relied on tributes from conquered regions. People who proved their worth by being the best warriors earned a higher rank and a better place in society. The emperor also gave them special clothing and weapons. These rewards were appreciated by the entire Aztec community.
Sacred fire
Aztec religion believed sacred fire played an integral role. They believed the world was made of three different levels, including the underworld, the earth, and the heavens. The Templo Mayor (Temple of the Mayor), the centre of this system, connected the three realms. The heavenly realm was the realm for the gods, while the underworld was for humans.
Tlaloc
Tlaloc is a god in Aztec religion. These depictions of the rain god are not always consistent. Tlaloc often appears in multiple forms and in various places, including caves or on mountaintops. Tlaloc is sometimes shown with various items which represent the fertility on the earth. Tlaloc is sometimes shown with land animals such as the jaguar in some depictions.
Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl the Aztec God is associated with many myths. One of the most common myths portrays the serpent-headed god, who is the ruler of Tollan's mythic city. The historical accuracy of these myths is disputed. Many historians are skeptical about the historical accuracy and truth of Quetzalcoatl's myths.