Who is Tecciztecatl?
Tecciztecatl is an important deity in Aztec mythology. He is known as the god of the moon and his name means “something shining in darkness” in the Nahuatl language.
Tecciztecatl is one of the most important gods in the Aztec pantheon alongside the sun and other deities; usually associated with eclipses. Tecciztecatl appears in numerous stories in Aztec mythology. According to one story, he was responsible for creating humans along with other gods. However, after the creation of humans and due to his vanity, he refused to rise to the sky.
Due to this, the other gods devised a plan to bring him down from the sky during an eclipse.
Tecciztecatl is considered to be a reflection of the Aztecs’ knowledge of astronomy and mathematics. The Aztec calendar used both a solar and lunar calendar.
Tecciztecatl represents the phases of the moon and is associated with eclipses. He is often depicted as a moon god, holding a spear or hammer adorned with symbols representing the phases of the moon. Some depictions show the face of the moon resembling that of Tecciztecatl’s.
Tecciztecatl was of great importance in Aztec culture and is still revered by people in Mexico today. To learn more about Aztec mythology and culture, you can look into the stories and depictions of Tecciztecatl.
