Coatlicue – Name Meaning
Coatlicue is an Aztec goddess of fertility, life, death and rebirth. Her name translates to “Serpent Skirt” or “She of the Serpent Skirt” in Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. She is often depicted as a woman wearing a skirt made of writhing snakes and a necklace of human hearts, hands and skulls. Coatlicue is associated with both creation and destruction, as she is seen as both a mother figure who gives life and a destroyer who brings death.
Origins
The origins of Coatlicue are unclear, but she appears to have been worshipped by the Aztecs since at least the 14th century. She was one of the most important deities in the Aztec pantheon, alongside Huitzilopochtli (the god of war) and Quetzalcoatl (the feathered serpent god). In Aztec mythology, Coatlicue was said to be the mother of Huitzilopochtli and thus the mother of all humanity.
Symbology
Coatlicue is often depicted wearing a skirt made of writhing snakes which symbolize her power over life and death. The necklace she wears is composed of human hearts, hands and skulls which represent her role as both creator and destroyer. Her headdress is adorned with two crossed bones which symbolize death and rebirth. The two serpents on either side of her headdress represent duality – life and death, good and evil.
Worship
Coatlicue was worshipped by the Aztecs as a powerful goddess who could bring both life and death. She was believed to be responsible for creating new life as well as destroying it when necessary. Offerings were made to her in order to ensure fertility, health and prosperity. During festivals dedicated to her worship, priests would perform rituals such as bloodletting in order to appease her.
Legacy
Today, Coatlicue remains an important figure in Mexican culture. Her image can be found in artworks throughout Mexico, from murals to sculptures. She has also become an important symbol for feminists due to her association with female power and strength.
