Aztec religion was based on the worship of multiple deities who were responsible for various aspects of life. One such deity was Tlazoltéotl, the goddess of purification, fertility, and sexuality. She was associated with the moon and was often depicted as a woman with large breasts and genitals. In her temples, statues of her were placed next to water sources and gardens, which symbolized fertility and reproduction.
The Aztecs believed that sexual intercourse was a sacred act that could bring both pleasure and procreation. They celebrated it as part of their religious ceremonies and rituals.
During the feast of Tláloc, the rain god, people would engage in sexual activity to honor him. The same thing happened during the festival of Xochiquétzal, the goddess of flowers and fertility. The Aztecs also had special temples where couples could have sex without fear of judgment or punishment. These temples were called 'Caballitos'.
Another way that the Aztecs normalized erotic expression was through their artwork. The codices, or illustrated books, depicting various gods and deities often featured explicit scenes of sexual intimacy. This helped to reinforce the belief that sex was an important part of life.
The Aztec society was divided into different social classes, including priests, warriors, merchants, and peasants. Erotic expression was not restricted to any particular class but was openly accepted by all.
There were some restrictions on who could participate in certain rituals or ceremonies. Only married couples were allowed to attend the ceremony of the goddess Tlazoltéotl. Unmarried men and women were forbidden from attending, as they were seen as unclean and impure.
Aztec religious symbolism normalized erotic expression by associating it with fertility, reproduction, and spirituality. It played a significant role in communal rituals and social hierarchies. While the Aztecs did not shy away from expressing themselves sexually, there were still rules and regulations that governed how and when it was acceptable to do so.
In what ways did Aztec religious symbolism normalize erotic expression, and how did it interact with social hierarchies and communal rituals?
The Aztecs had a highly sexualized culture that saw sex as an integral part of daily life. Their religious beliefs normalized this through the worship of fertility gods such as Xochiquetzal and Tlaloc, who were associated with pleasure and passion. Erotic expression was seen as a way to honor these deities, and it was encouraged within marriage and other social relationships.