40 Facts About Aztec Calendar

The Aztec Calendar: An Overview

The Aztec calendar is a fascinating system that combines astronomy, mythology, and mathematics. It was used by the Aztecs and other pre-Columbian peoples of central Mexico. This calendar is not just a way to track days but a complex system that reflects the Aztec worldview.

1. The Aztec calendar consists of two cycles: the Tonalpohualli and the Xiuhpohualli.
2. The Tonalpohualli is a 260-day ritual calendar.
3. The Xiuhpohualli is a 365-day agricultural calendar.
4. The two cycles interlock to form a 52-year period known as a "century."

Tonalpohualli: The Sacred Calendar

The Tonalpohualli is considered the sacred calendar and is deeply tied to Aztec religion and rituals. It is divided into 20 periods of 13 days each.

5. Each of the 20 periods in the Tonalpohualli is called a trecena.
6. Every day in the Tonalpohualli has a unique combination of a number (1-13) and one of 20 day signs.
7. The day signs include animals, natural elements, and deities.
8. The Tonalpohualli was used to determine auspicious days for ceremonies and events.

Xiuhpohualli: The Solar Calendar

The Xiuhpohualli is the solar calendar, primarily used for agricultural purposes. It is divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus an additional 5 "empty" days.

9. The 18 months in the Xiuhpohualli are called veintenas.
10. Each veintena has its own festival and deity.
11. The additional 5 days are known as Nemontemi, considered unlucky.
12. The Xiuhpohualli aligns closely with the solar year.

The Calendar Stone: A Monumental Artifact

The Aztec Calendar Stone, also known as the Sun Stone, is one of the most iconic artifacts from Aztec civilization. It is a massive stone carving that represents the cosmos.

13. The Calendar Stone weighs about 24 tons.
14. It measures approximately 12 feet in diameter.
15. The stone was discovered in 1790 in Mexico City.
16. The central figure on the stone is Tonatiuh, the sun god.

Symbolism and Mythology

The Aztec calendar is rich in symbolism and mythology, reflecting the Aztec understanding of the universe and their place within it.

17. The calendar incorporates the Five Suns myth, which describes the creation and destruction of four previous worlds.
18. Each of the 20 day signs in the Tonalpohualli has a specific meaning and associated deity.
19. The Xiuhpohualli months are named after natural phenomena and agricultural activities.
20. The calendar also includes symbols for the cardinal directions.

Mathematical Precision

The Aztec calendar is a testament to the mathematical and astronomical knowledge of the Aztecs.

21. The Tonalpohualli and Xiuhpohualli cycles align every 52 years.
22. The calendar accurately tracks the solar year.
23. The Aztecs used a base-20 (vigesimal) number system.
24. The calendar includes intercalary days to keep it in sync with the solar year.

Cultural Significance

The Aztec calendar played a crucial role in the daily life and culture of the Aztecs.

25. It was used to schedule agricultural activities.
26. The calendar determined the timing of religious ceremonies.
27. It influenced Aztec art and architecture.
28. The calendar was a tool for divination and prophecy.

Legacy and Influence

The Aztec calendar has left a lasting legacy and continues to fascinate people today.

29. The Calendar Stone is a symbol of Mexican heritage.
30. Modern Mexico uses the Aztec Sun Stone as a national emblem.
31. The calendar has influenced contemporary art and literature.
32. Scholars continue to study the calendar to understand Aztec civilization better.

Fun Facts

Here are some intriguing tidbits about the Aztec calendar that might surprise you.

33. The Aztecs believed the world would end at the end of a 52-year cycle.
34. The Tonalpohualli was used to name children based on their birth date.
35. The calendar includes a leap year system similar to the Gregorian calendar.
36. The Calendar Stone was originally painted in bright colors.
37. The Aztecs had a sophisticated understanding of astronomy.
38. The calendar influenced the Maya and other Mesoamerican cultures.
39. The Calendar Stone was buried for centuries before its rediscovery.
40. The Aztec calendar is still used in some indigenous communities in Mexico today.

The Legacy of the Aztec Calendar

The Aztec Calendar isn't just a relic of the past; it's a testament to the ingenuity and complexity of Aztec civilization. This ancient system, with its intricate design and profound astronomical knowledge, continues to fascinate historians and enthusiasts alike. Understanding the Aztec Calendar offers a glimpse into how the Aztecs viewed time, the cosmos, and their place in the universe. It also highlights their advanced skills in mathematics and astronomy. By studying this calendar, we gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and scientific achievements of the Aztecs. So next time you see that iconic stone, remember it's more than just a calendar; it's a window into a world that thrived centuries ago. The Aztec Calendar remains a symbol of a rich heritage that still resonates today.