Aztec Symbols: Tattoos

Tattoos from ancient times were considered a special work of art. Unlike drawings on paper or wood, they remained forever on the human body, becoming part of it. Among the tribes, famous for their skilful mastery of tattooing, the Aztecs stood out. The symbolism and ornament of the Aztecs adorned the bodies of priests, spiritual, political leaders and all who participated in their special rituals. Aztec Tattoos are popular today, but many do not even know what significance they have.

Masters of the business

In the Aztec tribe, the most honorable and respected people knew how to apply tattoos. Everyone treated this case with particular scrupulousness, revealing a good knowledge of the matter. The symbolism of the Aztecs is known for its complexity. Drawings always contained many small details, colors, and also differed from all previous ones, becoming, thus, unique for their carriers.

The Divine Cult

The meaning of the Aztec tattoos was closely related to the divine cult. They had a spiritual and ritual significance. For the Aztecs, who lived six hundred years ago, the main task of their entire life was to venerate the gods. Tattoos were applied as a sign of obedience to higher beings.

The most important god of the Aztec pantheon was Huitzilopochtli, the sun god, guardian of heaven, giving life. He was portrayed rather unusually, in the form of a blue face. The sun rose and set, and so every day in a circle. The Aztecs saw in this the proof that death follows again life. The symbolism of the Aztecs on an image of the deity did not end there. In the same tattoo, inscriptions were used in the picturesque Aztec language. As a rule, it was the name of the deity, as well as words praising it. Today, such a tattoo, inflicted on the human body, expresses faith in the afterlife.

Aztec Tattoos: the meaning

Another popular image in Aztec tattoos is the deity of Tezcatlipoca. The God of Warriors was once depicted on the skin of soldiers. Today, his body is applied to show his courageous character, because such a tattoo indicates loyalty, courage and fearlessness.

The symbolism of the Aztecs contained the image of the god of creativity, weather, fertility and wisdom of Quetzalcoatl. He was portrayed in the form of a winged serpent. This god touched all spheres of human life and therefore occupied a special place in the pantheon. The meaning of such a tattoo is easy to understand. It symbolizes the desire to enjoy every part of life, to gain success in matters of absolutely any orientation, not to limit oneself.

Selecting the location of application

The Aztec symbols alone, on the body, are not particularly important. Symbolism must necessarily go side by side with the right choice of the skin area. The Aztecs mostly chose hands, belly and chest for tattoos. Being an energy center, these parts of the body helped to channel the energy of the image in the right direction and bring good.

Tattooed not only adults but also children. Tattooed for a few more purposes - as intimidation of enemies, special insignia, to indicate a certain position in society. For example, soldiers put on their hands swords and daggers, priests - magic signs.

The Stone of the Sun

Also, you can often see a tattoo with a picture of the Sun Stone. Many people mistakenly consider it as the Aztec calendar. Originally it was a carved circle on the stone with the symbols of the 20-day calendar. When people only discovered this image, they considered it to be a regular calendar, and only years later began to discover the true meaning of the Sun Stone. In particular, it contained information that for a long time there were four universes, they all died, and the fifth appeared, with life, the one in which we all live.

According to the inscriptions on the stone, the Aztec, Inca, Maya tribes believed that in the Fourth Era the mountains had gone under water, and the sky had completely come down to earth. It lasted all 52 springs. After there was a worldwide flood and all people turned into fish. Before that, death was over in the Third Age. The end of it was a great fire that came to Earth from heaven. Many even believe that in this way these tribes tried to capture in myths the fall of the meteorite on the ground. The second era ended with the transformation of people into monkeys, while all life on the planet was destroyed by the most terrible hurricanes. The very first era was exterminated by huge giants. It was also probably the question was about the Atlanteans. Our Fifth Era was created by the gods in the distant year 986. According to the predictions of the Aztecs, the end of this era will be the strongest earthquake in history.

Unfortunately, many people, when putting on Aztec tattoos, do not even think about their meaning. By applying to the body of inscriptions in unfamiliar languages and unknown images, they change their destiny, introduce something new into it. That's why special attention should be paid to the value of the tattoo before applying it.