Religion In The Aztecs

Religion can be very powerful and can influence people to behave in certain ways. This is especially true when referring to the Aztecs. They took their religion and culture very seriously which is why is the main reason they were so focused on human sacrifice and bloodletting. It begins with Aztec creation myths as they are the foundation to the Aztecs sacrificing themselves for the gods. “They jumped into the sacrificial fire and became the sun and the moon.” (AD1, p.3) Because the gods like Nanahuatzin and Tecuciztecatl volunteered themselves for the Sun and to keep it alive and healthy, future Aztecs felt obliged to further maintain the Sun through various sacred rituals. To meet the Sun’s needs and to repay the Gods for their sacrifice, it compelled the Aztecs to continue sacrifices and bloodletting. While this was the main reason for human sacrifice and bloodletting, Aztec cosmetology also involved these same practices.

The Aztecs described cosmic life as unstable and destructive - which also compelled them to practice bloodletting and human sacrifice. They were worried that the universe could become unstable and bring destruction to their world. This is illustrated through the Myth of the Sun 's, myths that were carved into the face of the Aztecs Calendar stone. One of the myths for example, revolved around the belief of the world ending due to earthquakes and famine. With this fear, it further compelled the Aztecs to practice human sacrifice and bloodletting as an