#Xocotlalli

[luxshine]

As I keep writing on my next #Morechainsawsneeded video, I thought I'd remember the very first image I made for that series of videos, which was used for TWO videos :D One about #Old, the horrible movie, and the other one about #alive, a very good #koreanzombie movie. You can watch both videos here! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWucIJYop7l7UaTCMmB5xik9ppmgt_95B

[talonabraxas]

Huehueteotl-Xiuhtecuhtli, Aztec God of Fire Talon Abraxas

Among the Aztec/Mexica, the fire god was associated with another ancient deity, the old god. For this reason, these figures are often considered different aspects of the same deity: Huehuetéotl-Xiuhtecuhtli (Pronounced: Way-ue-TEE-ottle, and Shee-u-teh-COO-tleh). As with many polytheist cultures, ancient Mesoamerican people worshiped many gods who represented the different forces and manifestations of nature. Among these elements, fire was one of the first to be deified.

The names under which we know these gods are Nahuatl terms, which is the language spoken by the Aztec/Mexica, so we don’t know how earlier cultures knew these deities. Huehuetéotl is the “Old God”, from huehue, old, and teotl, god, whereas Xiuhtecuhtli means “The lord of Turquoise,” from the suffix xiuh, turquoise, or precious, and tecuhtli, lord, and he was considered the progenitor of all gods, as well as the patron of fire and the year.

Origins

Huehueteotl-Xiuhtecuhtli was an extremely important god beginning in very early times in Central Mexico. In the Formative (Preclassic) site of Cuicuilco, south of Mexico City, statues portraying an old man sitting and holding a brazier on his head or his back, have been interpreted as images of the old god and the fire god.

At Teotihuacan, the most important metropolis of the Classic period, Huehuetéotl-Xiuhtecuhtli is one of the most often represented deities. Again, his images portray an old man, with wrinkles on his face and no teeth, sitting with his legs crossed, holding a brazier on his head. The brazier is often decorated with rhomboid figures and cross-like signs symbolizing the four world directions with the god sitting in the middle.

The period for which we have more information about this god is the Postclassic period, thanks to the importance that this god had among the Aztec/Mexica.

Attributes

According to the Aztec religion, Huehuetéotl-Xiuhtecuhtli was associated with ideas of purification, transformation, and regeneration of the world through fire. As the god of the year, he was associated with the cycle of the seasons and nature which regenerate the earth. He was also considered one of the founding deities of the world since he was responsible for the creation of the sun.

According to colonial sources, the fire god had his temple in the sacred precinct of Tenochtitlan, in a place called Tzonmolco.

Huehuetéotl-Xiuhtecuhtli is also related to the ceremony of the New Fire, one of the most important Aztec ceremonies, which took place at the end of each cycle of 52 years and represented the regeneration of the cosmos through the lighting of a new fire.

Festivities

Two major festivities were dedicated to Huehuetéotl-Xiuhtecuhtli: the Xocotl Huetzi ceremony, in August, associated to the underworld, the night, and the dead, and a second one which took place in the month of Izcalli, at the beginning of February, related to light, warmness and the dry season.

Xocotl Huetzi: This ceremony was related to the collection of the fruits of the earth and the ritual death of plants. It involved cutting a tree and placing an image of the god on the top. Copal and food were then offered to the tree. Young men were encouraged to climb the tree to get the image and gain a reward. Four captured people were sacrificed by being thrown into a fire and by having their hearts extracted.

Izcalli: This second festival was dedicated to regrowth and regeneration, and the beginning of the new year. All lights were shut down at night, except for one light placed in front of the god's image, including a turquoise mask. People brought game such as birds, lizards, and snakes to cook and eat. Every four years, the ceremony included the sacrifice of four enslaved people, who were dressed like the god and whose bodies were painted in white, yellow, red, and green, the colors associated with the world's directions.

Since early times, Huehuetéotl-Hiuhtecuhtli was portrayed, mainly in statues, as an old man, with his legs crossed, his arms resting on his legs, and holding a lit brazier on his head or back. His face shows the signs of age, quite wrinkled and without teeth. This type of sculpture is the most widespread and recognizable image of the god and has been found in many offerings in sites such as Cuicuilco, ​Capilco, Teotihuacan, Cerro de las Mesas, and the Templo Mayor of Mexico City.

However, as Xiuhtecuhtli, the god is often represented in pre-Hispanic as well as Colonial codices without these characteristics. In these cases, his body is yellow, and his face has black stripes, a red circle surrounds his mouth, and he has blue earplugs hanging from his ears. He often has arrows emerging from his headdress and holds sticks used to light fire.

[oficinadecorresponsales]

Destacan neolaredenses impulso de tradiciones con “Festival Internacional de La Catrina 2023”

Destacan neolaredenses impulso de tradiciones con “Festival Internacional de La Catrina 2023” Carlos Figueroa NUEVO LAREDO, Tam., 02 de noviembre .— Un espectáculo de primer nivel vivieron los neolaredenses que asistieron al “Festival Internacional de la Catrina 2023”, por el “Día de Muertos” realizado en la Explanada Independencia. Como parte de este evento se llevó a cabo el ritual “Xocotl”…

[maquilanews]

Destacan neolaredenses impulso de tradiciones con 'Festival Internacional de la Catrina 2023'

Como parte de este evento se llevó a cabo el ritual “Xocotl” que fusionó la danza aérea, el arte circense, la danza contemporánea y mojigangas por parte del grupo Circo Eléktrico.

NUEVO LAREDO, TAM.- Un espectáculo de primer nivel vivieron los neolaredenses que asistieron al “Festival Internacional de la Catrina 2023”, por el “Día de Muertos” realizado en la Explanada Independencia. Como parte de este evento se llevó a cabo el ritual “Xocotl” que fusionó la danza aérea, el arte circense, la danza contemporánea y mojigangas por parte del grupo Circo Eléktrico. “Yo creo que…

[noxspost]

trying to outrun five monstrous Jaguars will also try to make sure we don't get our legs bitten off by a Jacobs ladder gator monster

Mictecacihuatl was pacing as she saw her husband Mictlantecuhtli and then she saw the rest of the Aztec underworld council all whispering and murmuring to each other there was even some Mayan deities here they are also panicked as well.

she and Mictlantecuhtli were the rulers since the other gods were In need of a rule in order to manage the souls from both Maya and Aztecs they kept flooding in after the foreigners came and ruined everything so they thought that they were two good choices. 

"well, where is Xolotl?" asked Xocotl who was sitting next to the Mayan god Acolmiztli who was siting next to Techlotl who was half owl which was a elf owl. they all look to the king who sighs "Thanks to my wife's efforts three demigod people are coming over and he's guiding them here just stand the Fortress till they get here."

well then a I started moving in and they had the optic nerve still attached to them and then soon a lower jaw full of teeth arrived and then slowly as they waited human person arrived it was Remus the kid of Mars who died due to their brother being an absolute weirdo he was half wolf considering his affiliation with them and he could shape shift between human and wolf most the time he was like a satyr instead of a goat and a human it was a wolf and a human.

Remus always looked like and was a 28-year man. who had brown hair with streaks of gray hair his eyes were wild, and his grin even wilder he had a gold tooth on one of his canine teeth he also had a couple tattoos specifically one on his shoulder that was of one of an octopus.

he was wearing a tank top which was cropped around mid-torso and short which around mid-thighs, and he had fish nets on his legs that was in the middle of his legs and around the knees going to area. he was wearing a belt around his waist, and it also had a bunch of pouches on it and also two sheaths for two daggers.

he had wolf features similar their lower half often have goat features.

his wolf tail was grey, he had wolf ears on his human ears. he had some fur on his shoulders and neck, he had some scars on his nose and jaw. he also had a couple rings on his finger and a choker which had a silver squid. 

"hello everyone Alright it got a little bit more longer than i thought so I found out what's the problem what's causing the lockdown it is two Titans and about three demigod people that are still followers of Kronos it has been so long since the Kronos war situation and they're still going strong but they're not exactly in the Aztec underworld yet they are still stuck the in between areas of the tunnels leading from the Roman underworld to this underworld we are still fine but still keep it on lockdown." he looked sad and scared.

this causes an uproar of whispers murmurs mutters and growls, and all of their glares were focused on him he raised up his hands in defense and says, "don't blame me don't not shoot the Messenger it took me forever just to get past those people sorry." Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl nodded, and she was sitting on her throne, and she spoke "well it is alright Remus."

Mictecacihuatl had a body a skeleton incased in skin of inky black that allowed the bones to seen. she had the Regal aura of Queen that you would expect but her husband did a very powerful dominating or around him even though he was relatively chill he was a very particular on how it's underworld and the souls inside of it was run.

she was wearing cloth which was in two parts one was the coat which was a cloak and shawl. on the top where the neck and head hole was blue, white skulls and she had a skull face, but it stopped around her top lip and there was white swirls and stripe on her jaw and chin. Jason was looking at her with the sun high in the sky which allowed them to see her better.

Her ears had dish which hung off of her ears and there was leave or feather shape hanging off the blueish grey dish there was a messy red dot in the middle of the disks. on her skirts was fringe same with the edges of shawl. The colors of the outfit were green, purple, blue and greyish.

The dress was close fitting but still hung on her form. Her hair was dark brown and down up with strips of blue fabric and on her head was crown with grey silver stones and small rat skulls. The crown was holding the first bubble in her hair and that had feathers on the back in the colors of purple, grey blue and blue.

Her eyes were warm burning amber, on the eyelids was an orange color and there something fluffy on the where the eyebrows would be. she just looked at her husband who finally stopped Pacing around like a warrior war and sat in town finally letting his worried nerves and muscles finally rest and he said Remus "go find some people to stop those people trying to break through." 

Remus nodded and then pulled his weird Cheshire cat disappearing act.

==

Jason was standing on the threshold between the actual space in them to do the challenge and the hallway behind them he thankfully had an unidentified amount of hours of sleep he felt way better even though his head still was kind of sore from getting clawed at and having bandages on it but thankfully it had collaborated enough so the blood wouldn't drain out of him but he still kept the bandages on his head but they had in fact used duct tape in order to keep them on.

his legs are still a lot we're a little bit shakier than usual, but Leo was watching the blood but both of them saw debris that looked an awful lot like the best friends their partners and their very close allies as body parts and heads and then they saw certain logs that reminded them too much of an alligator or a crocodile's snout.

Nico then spoke "so we're gonna have small bags of rocks tied to our ankles and we're supposed to run through that also not trying to die to the Jacob's ladder crocodile Gator Monster underneath the surface of blood ew that is disgusting."

Xolotl busted out laughing " So all of the years that the Jacob's Laboratory has been invented never have I heard them being used in such a manner." then Jason said, "where's our weapons?"

then Xolotl looks around and the down "look in front of you and look down at that step before you there should be some weapons there. Leo will get two considering he was given the obsidian and iron knife earlier."

then Leo asked, "what else?" he asked snarkier and more forceful he looked a little bit mad "OH about five multi-headed multi-limbed multi-tail jaguars, courtesy of smoking mirror."

well Nico looks at the blood where water should be and the smell of Warrington dying flush, I was also swarmed by the metallic and iron-like scent of blood it reminded him too much of Tartarus and asphodel. he looks at the other two and they didn't see the bruises and small scrapes on Leo, but the big head wound that Jason had plus more of his bruises and small lacerations and scrapes all over his body were concerning he was scared that both Leon Jason would die he wouldn't let that happen.

well, Xolotl was now Tying these small little bags of stones to each of their ankles, and he looked to Jason and said, "some of your wind powers will be useful but you still can't access most of your godly powers sorry." Jason nodded and accepted his possible fate of death. 

Nico felt the weight of the rocks on his ankles. he sighed and spoke "okay... i am ready." then Leo Readjust his tool belt said "well if I die do not forget me!" both Jason and Nico turned her in and said "no one is dying." 

then Xolotl spoke "okay you need to follow me by the fire light of the torture I'm holding and when I stop at a certain point you need to get there before you get before you die because this is not like if you were already dead." his voice was low and serious is this like growls of as they just noticed the same Jaguars that he had described earlier those were stone and there's like cracking as if something was waking up.

then Nico took the first few steps into the river of blood Leo followed in suit while Jason grabbed the weapons and gave them to Nico and Leo. Jason got a sword Nico got a club which had spikes of obsidian on them and looked as if he could do some heavy damage and Leo got more knives.

they were running and they were using the rocks as a way to guide them past these semi-strong currents of the blood water and the rocks thankfully were the safest to breed to use on as they saw body parts from all their friends and allies and even lovers they all knows though they all knew most of those were fake delusions but Nico was mostly frozen as he saw bit of will floating in the blood so Jason usually would pick up Nico as they walked slashed waddled through the blood.

"come on where is the--" and there was the squash of blood and when they all looked behind them with anticipation and fear they saw the monstrous Jaguars about 5 of them with teeth so sharp that they could probably cut through the hide of the lion which Hercules wore as clothing. then Nico curses in Italian as they picked up their speed for Jason it was a lot harder and slow for him thanks to the pounding of his heart now as they quickened their pace which did not help his head injury which he still was dealing with.

leo was screaming and starting to cry as he held up the knives and when he threw one at one of the jaguars it actually set their leg on fire which shocked everyone but no more time for that they had to escape they saw the flame of the torch of Xolotl running ahead and then Jason picks of both Nico and Leo thanks to his strength and his stature he was able to hold them underneath his arms as if he was holding a loaf of bread or a cat and he just booked it out of there even though the weight on his ankles thanks to the small rocks did not help anything.

he did not want Nico or Leo to be harmed so then when they got onto a rock which was flatter than the others he then threw them to the next patch of land which immediately as they were being thrown a snout of a Gator mouth joint thing snapped up almost catching Leo thankfully only 1 of the teeth grazed the skies leg where his pants did not cover right above his ankles.

Nico screamed as his ass hit the ground as he caught Leo as well they both turned around as they saw Leo as they saw Jason pull out one of his other swords that he had gotten from the steps and he just started slashing and hitting at 1 of the Monster Jaguars while the one that got hit with a fire knife that was and the knife was somehow back in Leo's hands the monster screaming and tried to put out the fire while the other three were starting to surround Jason.

then Nico screamed "fucking hell no!" then he got his club and then ran over and sprung it on one of the massive paws of the Jaguar which made it lose its balance which got him which gave him the ability to smack the club so hard on the cat's head with these spikes of the obsidian on the club to him squaring the skull and the cracking of bone could be heard from that then Jason finally able to save both him and Nico.

so he grabbed Nico had done the same way he did before the room back on that patch of land and just jump from that stone all the way over he was also nearly killed by that crocodile snout joint thing.

Leo was desperately trying to help them as he collected the other two knifes he got plus the new iron and obsidian one he had gotten from the first challenge and as Jason said panting almost really exhausted he said "all right that's enough let's go let's go just keep running do not look back I will defend your business can Nico and Leo do not look back whatever you don't... do not look back and try to help me OK I will do this myself." the Jason was cut off "but no you--" Leo was cut off by Jason as they were running "You have to listen to me Leo this is a do or die situation!"

and that should up both of them as all three we're now running in the water not caring if they actually snapped on a snout of a crocodile or gator joint mouth thing.

then Leo Had the Superb genius plan made in pure desperation and fear and adrenaline high was to smoke bomb the blood he grabbed him to the smoke bombs lit the dang thing threw it so hard into the water and it actually caused the majority of the joints that had the mouths on them just snap up and annoyance as these stinging smoke probably hit their eyes.

Jason yelled "fucking hell!" the grabs Leo as he is almost killed by one of the mouths as it almost shut down around his leg like a bear trap jason then uses a bit of his wind power to give himself a little bit of a boost as he throws them to the next nearest safe rock as he literally stabs the crocodiles mouth the top of its entire skull and then books it.

they both saw his fear In the set of Jupiter's eyes they both wanted to help but they had one goal surviving they did get bruises and scrapes from being touched and being thrown and running and bumping into debris like wood seaweed which made them trip a little bit but the smell of rotting flesh and iron and metallic like this metallic scent from the blood and the bodies overwhelmed their sense of smell.

"come on Jason!" yelled Leo. Leo was regretting a ever lighting that bomb on fire it was going to doom his best friend to die.

leo was panicking his breath soon picked up but then Leo was smacked by Nico "this is not a time to panic we can panic when we get out of here!" he yelled desperation tears welled up in his eyes as they ran through the blood through the bodies and debris making sure they didn't die to the bear trap mouths of this monster deep underneath the blood Leo then turned him and yelled "but then Jason's gonna die!?" fire was gathering on his palms and neck.

"well you'll die out soon and you are caught panicking!" yelled Nico with fear and anger they both were breathing heavily as they ran they saw the flickering fire of the torch their safety they were halfway there he turned around once and they saw Jason running and stabbing the Jaguars that followed them.

Leo set the blade part of his knives on fire and threw it back onto the Jaguars they hit with relatively accurate mostly sticking to the haunches the back legs and the front legs of these monsters the one that had been set on fire first came back with more ferocity more anger they could hear the snarls the growls and the hissing of these Jaguars.

which was powered their fear and adrenaline more the lakes were getting numb, but they could not stop running as more of these bear trap mouthed joint things continued to go off the more, they had to zip around if they were panic rabbits.

then Nico went back to one of the rocks as grab the hand of Leo as they see other one of these bear trap mouth Snap up almost catching Leo's back parts of his legs it was Achilles tendon. the blood Made small waves which crashed up against this bigger rock and the eyes of that part of the creature blinked with anger so tried to go up more, but Leo said his palm on fire and burnt a handbrake onto the monster which causes it to crash back down into the blood they were both on the rock.

Leo then starts to laugh and cry as he yells "Jason is going to die! and it's all my fault you cope if I hadn't made the smoke bomb we wouldn't have this." he gestures out openly to the monster Cipactli which was trying to kill Jason and the Jaguars are time teaming the monster then Jason yelled stabbing one of the mouths taking out the sword and then running using his wind powers he was still able to use.

he moved himself to the rock with the other two kids were even though they were well adults they were still children crying on a rock because of the monster is trying to kill them.

Jason then grabbed both of them in his arms and started to run and he said we're going to live and then as he jumped onto another flat piece of land which was a safe area for them to catch the rough bed before he collapsed.

they were 2/3 of the way there but then one of the mouths grabbed at Jason's arm the back part thankfully Leo grabbed one of his knives the obsidian and iron one and stabbed it into the snout of this creature.

They got a better look at it looks like a part date or part alligator part fish and there were millions of jaws on every single joint of its body it was huge it was truly a Jacob's ladder crocodile fish gator it made them all sick as they all ran again not caring if they're beating lung if their lungs burned with a lack of oxygen they needed to run.

Nico almost stumbled into the blood but Jason grabbed him by his shirt hoisted him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes as he had Leo underneath his arm and he just ran did not care for his own legs screamed for rest screamed for a break he kept pushing forward and forward he would not let his two best friends who he see who he saw as brothers die he could prevent it even if it costed his own life.

then he spoke "oh please lady Salus please protect us!" he says as they ran and got bruises from the rocks and other debris and Nico continued to panic more finally letting this panic attack settle in as he saw more and more body parts as lover at will he couldn't let that happen and Jason was panting his lungs screamed for air his throat screamed for water and his heart screamed for him to stop his head ached as he felt his heart even beating up there like a war drum.

they finally got to the last leg only a couple more feet of running and they saw one of the Jaguars swipes at the bleeding wound on Jason's arm but instead it got his back on his left side of his ribs on his back.

this causes him to throw the other two and Leo screams as he hits the safe and end of the challenge.

He had several bleeding scrape scrapes and cuts from the rocks debris from his own knives and from the claws and teeth that got him Jason was still out there fighting with 2 bleeding wounds but finally was able to grab him and grab him thankfully they were able to get to safety and when they finally got to the safety where their guide was Jason just collapsed and Leo just sat down his and swaying a little bit as he let his lungs get air Nico just went to a full on panic attack.

"Hey Nico, we did it." spoke Leo who had Several minor averages and a little bit severe wounds and injuries he had a black eye for he landed on one of the rocks he had a bleeding nose several scrapes, cuts and open wounds like that.

Jason looked worse his shirt now staying with blood also parts of his shirt was missing from the Jaguar the clawed atom he looked dazed as he put his head on the ground and rest, he closed his eyes and took a deep breath in and out. Nico was breathing Unevenly and dangerously so Leo held both of his hands and squeezed both of them as Leo was breathing steadily which helped Nico calm down.

Nico was still shaking and panicked he was Still worrying about will think I could die in his body to literally be in that river of blood for all they know but Leo's warm dark slightly broken and scarred hands still squeezed his own as Leo still breathed deeply in and out as an anchor to Nico who was slowly started to feel better but he just let the tears fall he was so tired and this was only challenged too this was challenge two that was concerning this was only challenge number two. Leo looked to Jason who was now passed out which made him panic a little bit then Xolotl check his Heartbeat on his wrist and nap nodded and said Don't worry he isn't dead he's just unconscious. 

Leo turned to Nico and said "Will is still at camp half-blood we are safe and sound Xolotl is holding the fire and we have met him with that fire."

Xolotl sighed "oh my chaos... this was the worst way this challenge goes..." he looked so sad and Nico sighs and then he asked Now looking at their blood stained and partially ripped up clothing that's what the clothing situation cause I don't think the rulers of this underworld are going to like us bare without clothing."

"well when we get through the next few hallways we will met Chantico who often leaves clothing and Bandages and stuff like that in the hallways but considering us deities of our pantheon we were always injured in some fashion our clothes were always torn she just never broke the habit and we don't have the heart to tell her to stop thankfully it's good today we still do need the extra bandages and clothing," then he sat down near them and spoke "we usually don't give it out to the mortals cause they're usually dead at this point yeah come on no correction we're gonna wait a little bit for you guys to calm down your breeding hearts cause I can hear them from all the way over here he spoke with his kind but slightly still snarky tone of voice.

"thanks Xolotl." spoke Leo he looked to a tried Nico, and he spoke "rest we don't have to run to the next one yet." he was Smiling calm and warm smile but internally he was panicking he didn't want to die either he just feared that he would fail if he wasn't moral support he was the jokester the one who laughed and cracked jokes and was goofy the moral support not the one who cried and was insecure he was Leo Valdez the very strong child of Hephaestus he wasn't some wimp but a strong tinkerer so he sucked all his negative emotions and bottle them up.

Nico nodded and said "i am fine but you are more wounded than me he said making a wry smile which was pained and forced Leo said "pffft you're wrong I'm the least injured."

[tlaquetzqui]

Lot of stuff going around about how Halloween isn’t pagan, but nobody’s brought up that neither is Día de los Muertos. It’s literally just Mexican Halloween; the only thing particularly Nahuatl about it is all the skulls (we can tell the last phase of Chichen Itzá’ was built by Nahuatl artisans because suddenly a skull motif predominates).

The pre-Hispanic Mexican festivals—plural—of the dead, ended on the first of September. The first, lesser one was Tlaxochimaco “Giving of Flowers”, from 24 July to 12 August. Then the greater one, Xocotl Huetzi “Fruits Fall”, was from 13 August to 1 September. And aside from how the much longer native festivals ended two whole months earlier, none of the festivities in Día de los Muertos resemble those of the Nahuatl death festivals. Nobody climbs the xocotl pole (which is a different climbed-at-festivals pole from the one associated with the “Danza de los Voladores”, but is probably related), and nobody sticks obsidian needles or cactus spines or stingray stingers in their tongues, lips, or foreskins for ritual bloodletting.

The festivities of Día de los Muertos resemble the “dress in masks and have a parade” customs also found in many places on Mardi Gras, because that’s the custom throughout the Catholic world on the eves of holidays (British Christmas “mummers” also have the same origin, as of course does trick-or-treating). Because Día de los Muertos is not a Christianized Nahuatl holiday, it’s a Nahuatlized Christian holiday.

[faladlain-farstrider]

Hylek

If you have ever set foot out of your door, chances are, you’ve seen a Hylek once or twice. They are one of the more common species found on Tyria. While some may be deterred by their zealous behaviour or unfamiliar smell.

But there is far more to learn about them than just how far away you should stand to avoid their breath. The Hylek, although it is already quite wrong to treat them as one people, are of a colouful culture rich with tradition.

The Hylek tribes found on the coast of the Sea of Sorrows, from the Tarnished Coast all the way over to the Steamspurs and down to Elona, worship Zintl, the Sun god. The most important Holysite is found a little south of old Fort Cadence.

Other places of worship are scattered all throughout Tyria, curated by local tribes like the Tzanopl who house pilgrims that visit the rock formation known as Judgement Rock.

Yet Zintl is by far not the only one worshipped by the Hylek. Further west deeper into Maguuma tribes like the Coztic, Capitzel and Xocotl worship Ameyalli, the Supernatural essence of the jungle.

The smaller Itzel are Hunters and gatherers, and quite the musicians. When I visited the Jaka Tribe, I couldn’t resist to stay a few days longer than planned, just to listen to some more of their wonderful luteplay.

Due to their smaller, more fragile stature the Itzel build there Villages into the treetops, high above the giant saurians roaming the jungle floor.

Farther south, where weather is warmer and the wind brings in more moist air from the sea the Nuhoch settle the hollowed out husks of giant trees, herding beetles and grubs.

As it is hard to find good spawning grounds, Hylek are very territorial and protective of their homes. Leaving an established village can mean the end for a tribe that does not find a place suitable for a new settlement soon.

Their reluctance to resettle makes for interesting landscapes, as cities slowly creep up on them and engulf the villages.

This leaves them vulnerable for the slavehunting Krait that often settle in close proximity, or the risen hordes that come from the sea.

Hylek guards fight desperate, as they know many Tribes have perished in the past. Only few leave their villages, but those that do are set to become repsectable opponents to whoever might face them.

To ensure a tribes survival Hylek lay many eggs, only a few of which will survive up until adulthood.

Those that are lucky enough to not live on the verge of extinction every day live a more peaceful life, fishing in the shallow waters or hunting for insects in the swamps.

Those that live where water is sparse herd local insects and often live as nomads, travelling the deserts. Desertborn Hylek are known to be the most zealous and agressive of their kind.

Apart from Hunters and Fishers Hylek are great artisans, creating beautiful mosaiks as well as ornate weapons and tools.

Locations in order:

Desider Atum

Eztlitz Grounds, Hunting Banks

Zintl Holy Grounds, Astrozintli Forelands

Tzanopl Grounds, The Stychs

Temple of Ameyalli, Jaka Itzel

Jaka Itzel (twice)

Teku Nuhoch

Lapatl Grounds, Jelako Cliffrise

Durotl Grounds, Loch Jezt

Zopatl Grounds, Glencarn Sperrin (twice)

Hazupl Grounds, Titan’s Staircase

Charnel Grounds, Far Silverwastes

Zintl Holy Grounds (again)

[feriaproductores]

COCUIXTLE Bromelia plumieri Conoce más sobre esta especie regional

Curiosamente sucede que muchos frutos de cierta región dejan de ser conocidos por generaciones de jóvenes que sólo conocen alimentos que pueden encontrar en supermercados. Así, cientos de especies vegetales locales han dejado de ser consumidas en los últimos años pasando desapercibidas para muchos y tal es el caso del cocuixtle, que ha pesar de ser una especie cultiva en las cercanías de Guadalajara, es desconocida para más de un tapatío.  

Cada planta produce un promedio de 4 a 7 kilogramos de fruto, sin embargo es común encontrar pencas de hasta 20 kilogramos dependiendo de la calidad del suelo, disposición de humedad, horas de sol y altura sobre el nivel del mar.

Existen dos variedades del fruto: el rojo y el amarillo. El rojo es más usado ya que tiñe con un color muy particular licores y ponches, sin embargo el de color amarillo pàlido es màs dulce y escalda menos la lengua. De ahí su nombre cocuixtle del nàhuatl xocotl (agridulce) e _ixtle _(fibra) aunque también de le conoce como piñuela o guámara, dependiendo de la región. Dado lo espinoso de la estructura de la planta, la obtención de la penca con los frutos es una labor sumamente difícil. 

Del fruto se puede producir néctar, ponche, agua fresca, nieves, destilado, jarabe, licor, tamales y dulces. Se estima que tan sólo en el municipio de Zapopan, existen cerca de 120 familias que se dedican a el cultivo de este fruto comercialmente y que generan una producción anual de entre 600 y 800 toneladas. 

En el municipio de Zapopan, el área dedicada al cultivo del cocuixtle se encuentra ubicada dentro de un microclima cálido seco que comprende cerca de 3000 hectáreas en las comunidades de Los Tempisquez, Ex-hacienda del Lazo, Paso de Guadalupe, La Soledad, Ixcatán, Huaxtla y San Lorenzo. 

El cocuixtle (Bromelia karatas) tiene su mayor período de producción en la barranca del río Santiago a partir del mes de noviembre y hasta mayo. Cada planta, produce por única vez una penca con una cantidad de entre 50 y 100 frutos. Una vez cosechado el fruto, la planta sigue siendo útil como barrera viva, y para conformar terrazas ya que retiene la erosión del suelo.

El cocuixtle es una planta que crece en climas cálidos secos del occidente de México en los estados de Nayarit, Jalisco, Michoacán, Guerrero y Oaxaca a una altura que fluctúa entre los 1000 y los 1300 msnm. En áreas cercanas a la Zona Metropolitana de Guadalajara, se le encuentra de manera silvestre y en pequeñas plantaciones comerciales en distintas comunidades del municipio de Zapopan, Autlán y el Grullo. 

[yukimurakalashnikov]

Nahuatlismos

Itacate – Itacatl, los hombres salían de la casa con su itacatl (colación o alimentos) para la comida del medio d��a.

Totopo – Tlaxcaltotopochtli (tortillas fritas comidas en las campañas militares).

Petaca – Petlacalli, lugares para guardar que se trataban de cajas de cañas y cuero.

Petate – esta palabra viene de Petatl que ricos y pobres lo usaban para dormir. De hecho la palabra petateo viene de la tradición prehispánica y colonial de envolver al difunto con un petate.

Guajolote – Uexolotl, macho de esta especie de ave que era fuente básica de proteínas para los mexicas).

Mole – del náhuatl Molli, una salsa de chile y especias espesada con masa de maiz, aunque también se dice que originalmente hacia referencia a cualquier salsa.

Achichintle – viene de Aachtli que significa: criado, paje o servidor de alguien.

Jacal – del nahautl Xacalli, choza con techumbre redonda, pajiza.

Tamal – Tamalli quiere decir envuelto. Este platillo que existe desde el 100 aC se preparaba con carne de guajolote.

Aguacate – de Ahuacatl en náhuatl, quiere decir testículo por la forma y textura de la fruta.

Chocolate – Xocoatl, bebida de tiempos prehispánicos, viene de Xococ, amargo y Atl, agua. Se obtiene de la mezcla del azúcar con la masa y la manteca del cacao.

Tejocote – del nahuatl Xocotl fruta y Tetl piedra «Fruta dura como piedra».

Chicle – Tzictli es el origen náhuatl de la palabra y proviene de la goma del árbol de zapote.

Chamagoso – viene de Chamactic que deriva de chiamahuilia que significa ungido con aceite de chía.

Huitlacoche – Cuitalcoche significa en náhuatl excrecencia. Cuitlatl que dormita Cochi dormir.

Pozole – Tlapozonalli que significa espumoso o hervido.

Tlapalería – viene del náhuatl Tlapalli que significa color. Dicha palabra viene del verbo Tlapaloa que significa colorear. Esto porque en dichos lugares se vendían las pinturas de colores entre muchas otras cosas como clavos, herramientas etc.

Cacahuate – su nombre original era Tlalcacahuatl y significa «cacao de la tierra». Tlalli, tierra y Cacahuatl, cacao que deriva del verbo cohua (comprar). Recordemos que el cacao se usaba como moneda.

Escamoles – Azcamolli, la palabra viene del nahuatl Azcatl hormiga y Molli, guiso, salsa, mole. Era el caviar prehispánico, un platillo hecho a base de las larvas de la hormiga guijera.

Chapulín – significa «el que rebota como pelota de hule». Chapania, rebotar y Olli que significa hule.

Epazote – Epazotl, se deriva de Epatl, hedor o zorrillo y zotl que significa sudor. Era llamada la planta zorrillo en el pasado por el fuerte olor que despide.

Chamaco – Chamahuac signfica rollizo, grueso. Ahora se les dice así a los niños traviesos. Escuincle viene de la palabra perro, itzcuintli.

Chichi – del nahuatl Chichihuali era el paraíso al cual iban los niños muertos para alimentarse de un árbol de senos se llamaba Chichihuacuauhco.

Chipi chipi para decir que esta está lloviendo ligeramente, Xipini quiere decir gotear y de Xixipini, llovizna.

Apapacho – tiene su origen en el náhuatl Papatzoa que significa apretar o abrazar.

Chilaquil – viene del nahuatl Chilli, chile y Aquili, del verbo aquia que significa “estar metido”. Por lo tanto significaría “metidos en chile”.

Ajolote viene del náhuatl atl agua y xolotl monstruo haciendo alusión al hermano gemelo de Quetzalcoatl.

Tianguis – del náhuatl Tianquiztli, antes de la llegada europea se realizaba cada cinco días la jornada de Mercado por lo que se llamaba Macuil tianquiztli. Esto fue modificado por los frailes para evitar que el día de mercado cayera en los domingos..

Tequila – Tequitl que significa trabajo y de Tlan, lugar. Tequitlan, hace alusión a las labores agrícolas que realizaban los indígenas para pagar su tributo a través del trabajo.

Titipuchal – Tliltic que significa color negro o azabache y de Potzalli “montón de tierra “. Originalmente se diría Tliltipotzalli. Se usa como sinónimo de “muchas cosas, muchedumbre”

Paliacate – viene de una mezcla del náhuatl y el español, de para y yacatl o sea nariz.

Huauzontle – proviene del náhuatl Huauhtzontli, Huauhtli que significa bledo (amaranto) y tzontli que significa cabellera o cabello. Por lo tanto significaría “cabellera de amaranto”.

Chipotles – del náhuatl Pochtli que significa ahumado y Chilli que significa chile. En tiempos de lo mexicas se le llamaba Pochchilli.

Esquite – del náhuatl Izquitl, que significa botana de maíz.

Comal – Comalli, se refiere al objeto donde se cuecen las tortillas de maíz.

Jícara – Xicalli, significa vaso elaborado de la calabaza. Hoy en día estas jícaras se utilizan para tomar bebidas tradicionales como el pozol o el tejate.

Wey – del náhuatl Huey, que varía en significados entre ellos grande, gran, venerado, honorable, y que los españoles equipararon a “buey”. Al máximo gobernante de Tenochtitlán se le nombraba Huey Tlatoani.

Mezcal – Mexcalli, palabra compuesta por Metl (maguey) y Xcalli (cocido).

Popote – Popotli, se refiere al tallo seco y hueco de las gramíneas, que crecían con abundancia alrededor de la Gran Tenochtitlán.

Tomate – Tomatl, que significa agua gorda.

Papalote – Papalotl que significa mariposa.

Mitote – proviene del nahuatl Mitoti, que significa bailarín. Asimismo era el nombre de una danza ritual mexica.

Guacamole – Ahuacamolli formado por Ahuacatl (aguacate), y Mulli (salsa).

Elote – Elotl, que significa mazorca tierna de maíz.

[tlatollotl]

Book 2 - The Ceremonies - Chapter 10

The tenth month they named Xocotl uetzi. On the first day of this month, they observed a feast to the god of fire, named Xiuhtecutli or Ixcoçauhqui. On this feast they cast into the fire, alive, many slaves, bound hand and foot, and before they had quite died, they took them forth, dragging [them] out of the fire, in order to tear out their hearts before the image of this god.

 Chapter 10

Xocotl uetzi

 During the feast of Tlaxochimaco, they went forth into the forest [and] cut a tree of twenty-five fathoms’ height and brought it, dragging it, to the courtyard of this god. There they pruned off all its branches and raised it upright, and it remained thus standing until the eve of the feast. Then they again laid it upon the earth with much caution and [using] many devices that it might not bump [the ground]. On the day before this feast, early in the morning, many carpenters came with their tools and they trimmed it and made it very smooth. After having trimmed it and decorated it with many kinds of papers, they tied ropes and other cords to it and raised it up with much shouting and din, and they made it firm.

 As soon as the beam or tree was raised and adorned with all of its finery, then those who had slaves to cast alive into the flames adorned themselves with their plumage and rich ornaments and they stained their bodies yellow, which was the livery of fire; and taking their captives with them, they performed a dance all that day, until nightfall.

After the captives had kept a vigil all night on the pyramid, and after having performed many ceremonies with them, they cast into their faces some powder which they call yiauhtli, that they might lose their sense of feeling and not suffer so greatly [the pains of] their death. They tied them hand and foot, and thus bound, they slung them over their shoulders, and walked with them as if performing a dance about the edge of a great fire and tall mound of live coals. Thus proceeding, they went casting them upon the mound of coals-now one, and, after a little, another. And him whom they cast they let burn for a good while; and, still alive and tossing, they took him forth, dragging him out with something like a hook, and cast him upon the sacrificial stone. And, having opened his breast, they tore out his heart. In this manner suffered all those unhappy captives.

The tree was made fast by many ropes from the top, as the rigging of a ship hangeth from the topsail. On the top of this stood upright the statue of that god, made of a dough which they call tzoalli. When the aforesaid sacrifice had been offered, all the young men assailed [the statue] with great vigor. Many other ceremonies were enacted, as hath been written at length below, in this feast.

Al decimo mes llamauan Xocotl vetzi: En el primero dia deste mes, haziã fiesta al dios del fuego llamado xiuhtecutli o Jzcoçauhquj: en esta fiesta echauã en el fuego viuos muchos esclauos, atados de pies y manos, y antes que acabasen de morir, los sacauã arrastrando del fuego para sacar el coraçon delante la ymagen deste dios.

 Cap. 10

Xocotl vetzi

 Durante la fiesta de tlasochimaco: yvã al monte cortauan vn árbol de altura de veinte y cinco braças y trayanle arrastrando hasta el patio deste dios: allí le escamondauan todo, y le leuantauan enhiesto y estaua assi enhiesto hasta la vigilia vigilie de la fiesta entonce la tornauã a echar en tierra cõ mucho tiẽto y cõ muchos pertechos para que no diesse golpe: la vigilia desta fiesta, bien de mañana venjan muchos carpinteros con sus herramiẽtas y mondauãle y hazianle muy liso. Despues de mondado y de auerle compuesto cõ muchas maneras de papeles: atauanle sogas y otros mecates y leuantauanle con muchas bozes y muchos estruendos y afixauanle muy bien.

Desque la viga o árbol estaua leuãtada y adornada cõ todos sus aparejos: luego los que tenjã esclauos para echar en el fuego viuos adereçauãse con sus plumajes y ataujos ricos: y tiñjanse el cuerpo de amarillo que era la librea del fuego y lleuando sus captiuos consigo: hazian areyto todo aquel dia hasta la noche.

Despues de auer velado todo aquella noche los captiuos en el cu, y después de auer hecho muchas cerimonjas con ellos, enpoluorizauanlos las caras con vnos poluos que llamã yiauhtli: para que perdiesen el sentido, y no sintiessẽ tanto lo muerte, atauanlos los pies y las manos, y assi atados ponjãlos sobre los hombros, y andauã con ellos como haziẽdo areyto en rrededor de vn grã fuego y grã mõton de brasa, ansi andando yvãlos arrojando sobre el monton de brasas: agora vno y desde a vn poco otro: y el que avian arrojado, dexauanle quemar vn buen interualo, y avn quando biuo y barqueando sacauanle fuera arrastrando con qual que garauato, y echauãle sobre el taxõ: y abierto el pecho sacauanle el coraçon: desta manera padecían todos aquellos tristes catiuos.

Estaua el árbol atado con muchas sogas de lo alto, como la jarcia de la nao: esta pendiente de la gabia en lo alto del, estaua en pie la ymagen de aquel dios: hecha de masa que llaman tzoalli: acabado el sacrificio ya dicho, arrementian con gran ímpetu todos los mancebos. Otras muchas cerimonjas hazian según a la larga esta escripto adelante en esta fiesta.

Codex, Florentine. “General History of the Things of New Spain, Book 2: The Ceremonies.” (1981). pp. 17-18    

[luxshine]

The Seventh Major Arcana is the Chariot, which is the card of movement and advancing, always with a sight for the better things, although sometimes the road can be bumpy. This is why I choose Xocotlalli, in her Abundance aspect, to represent it. Because even when she may turn to Famine at points on the path? She always seeks to bring back the riches she represents to those who follow her. (Remember, Famine as a Horsewoman or man, means to ration the food we have, so that we all can be alive to reach a better time!)

[nativenewsonline]

Xocotl Huetz Celebrated by Dancers

Xocotl Huetz Celebrated by Dancers

Dance group Calpulli Nanahuatzin celebrates Xocotl Huetz   Published September 11, 2017 NAPA, CALIFORNIA – On September 9, 2017, dance group Calpulli Nanahuatzin held a ceremony in honor of Xocotl Huetz, which is a twenty-day period from September 8 to 28, known as the fall of the fruits. During this month many trees begin to drop their ripe fruit. This is the signal for harvesting time and the…

[capenafuerte]

Spondias purpurea is a species in flowering plant in the cashew family, Anacardiaceae, that is native to tropical regions of the Americas and can be found from Mexico to Brasil. It is also very common in most of the Caribbean Islands. It is most commonly known as jocote, which derives from the Nahuatl word xocotl, meaning any kind of sour or acidic fruit. It is a popular fruit throughout Central America, particularly in Nicaragua and in Costa Rica. Other common names include red mombin, plum, purple mombin, hog plum, ciruela huesito (Venezuela), ciruela, ciriguela, cirigüela, cirguela, cirguelo (Ecuador), and siniguelas (Philippines). Found at a local market for $15/pound. Also found aratiles at the same price. https://www.instagram.com/p/BxDxvflgz6Z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16539ouent5pk

[andresfragosojr]

Xocotl

Xocotl a lemon A Quauitl is a tree Together, in Nahuatl, lemon tree My family’s surname I honor and respect Sweet, bitter, energy, good mood, like a family

   

[nyc-uws]

Day of the Dead - Aztec-Style

by James Leffler

Día de los Muertos is a hearty stew of indigenous and European traditions, served in a skull-shaped bowl. If you really want to go old school with Day of the Dead this year, you need to go pre-conquistador. Pre-Columbian. You need to go Aztec.

The Aztecs and other Central American peoples spent the full month of August honoring the dead, and before that they focused on departed children. During this time, they believed spirits could come back to hang with the living. After the Spanish arrived, the holiday shifted to two days in November, putting it in line with All Saints’ Day and shortening visits from ghostly couch crashers.

During the first part of their holiday, Mesoamericans honored dead children with sacrifices. They hoped the infants spirits would help protect crops from hail storms in the coming months.

Indigenous celebrations kicked off with chopping and stripping a big tree. They dragged this pole, called a xocotl, into the entrance of town. They danced around it, played music around it, lit incense next to it—that tree became party central for the next 20 days.

After the pole had its fun at the town gates, the Tlaxcalans would carry it to their temple. They formed dough called tzoalli out of amaranth seeds, shaped it into a large bird figure, and placed the bird on the top of the pole. At the bottom of the pole they placed offerings of food and drink.

In a ritual game, young men raced up the pole. The top four racers got to take home pieces of the dough bird. And the very first guy to reach the top won—a free trip to the temple of the fire god, where priests gave him gifts and bled his ears as a sacrifice. For other sacrifices, captives would be burned, have their hearts cut out, and have their heads put in a skull rack. So this guy had it pretty good.

http://www.theasterisktoday.com/galleries/day-of-the-dead-aztec-style/?from=day-of-the-dead-for-gringo-idiots