The Aztec Calendar

This is the Aztec Calendar, perhaps the most famous symbol of Mexico. The original object is a 12' Pre- Columbian stone slab. Many renditions of it exist throughout Mexico.

Cuauhxicalli Historically, the Aztec name for the huge basaltic monolith is Cuauhxicalli (Eagle Bowl), but it is universally known as the Aztec Calendar or Sun Stone.

When Was It Created? It was during the reign of the 6th Aztec monarch in 1479 that this stone was carved and dedicated to the principal Aztec deity: the sun. The stone has both mythological and astronomical significance.

What Is It’s Size? It weighs almost 25 tons, has a diameter of just under 12 feet, and a thickness of 3 feet. On December 17th, 1760 the stone was discovered in the "Zocalo" (the main square) of Mexico City.

Where Is It Located? After it was discovered in 1760, it was embedded in the wall of the Western tower of the Metropolitan Cathedral, where it remained until In 1885 it was transferred to the National Museum of Archaeology and History in Mexico City.

Tonatiuh The face portrayed at the center of the stone is generally interpreted as the Mexican sun god,

Tonatiuh Symbolizes the Fifth Sun, the sun of Motion. Tonatiuh is also called the Earth-Quake Sun

Tonatiu, The Earth-Quake Sun The Aztecs believed that the world was destroyed and re- created four times prior to the current era or sun. They believe the current era will also be destroyed.

The four quadrants spaced around the central figure represent the preceding eras, or suns Each contains a representation of the name of the particular era derived from the sign of its last day, a name that also indicates the way of its destruction.

The first, on the upper right, designates the first Sun, 4-Jaguar, followed in counterclockwise order by the second Sun, 4-Wind; the third sun, 4-Rain; and the fourth sun, 4- Water.

The Second Ring The second ring from the center is composed of the 20 named days contained in one month. Each year starts on one of four of these 20 days.

1st Day: Crocodile Cipactli Protector of the day Cipactli (Crocodile) is Tonacatecuhtli, Lord of Nurturance, the primordial god of creation and fertility. Cipactli is an auspicious day, signifying advancement and honor. It depicts energy and work, rewards and recognition. A good day for beginnings.

2nd Day: Wind Ehecatl

3rd Day: Underworld or House Calli

4th Day: Lizard Cuetzpallin

5th Day: Snake Coatl

6th Day: Death Miquiztli

7th Day: Deer Mazatl

8th Day: Rabbit Tochtli The bearer of this year is Tochtli (Rabbit). As a year-bearer Tochtli is associated with the south.

9th Day: Water Atl

10th Day: Dog Izcuintli

11th Day: Monkey Ozomatli

12th Day: Grass or Dry Herb Malinalli 13-day period Malinalli (Grass) is ruled by Mayahuel, Goddess of the Maguey and Pulque. These are 13 days of intoxication, infatuation, excitement and passion: it is a time of excesses, when moderation is impossible, and so is often a time of disastrous consequences. These are good days to bind the community together; bad days to sow discord and discontent.

13th Day: Reed or Cane Acatl

14th Day: Jaguar Ocelotl

15th Day: Eagle Cuahtli

16th Day: Owl or Vulture Cozcacuauhtli

17th Day: Movement or Earthquake Ollin

18th Day: Obsidian Knife or Stone Tecpatl

19th Day: Rain Quiahuitl

20th Day: Lord or Flower Xochitl