Many indigenous groups are living in Mexico, all of them recognized for their unique traditions, history, languages, activities, among other things.
One of the most iconic ones is the Nahuas, we have all heard about them, even if we do not recognize them by that name.
Who are the Nahuas? What makes them important?
Who are they?
Nahuas are the indigenous groups that speak the language "Nahuatl", by definition it means "clear sound" or "order", is one of the ethnic groups with the largest population of speakers at a national and state level. They are distributed in various areas of the State, such as the Angelópolis, Sierra Norte, Negra and Nororiental, Valle de Serdán and Atlixco, Matamoros, and the Mixteca.
The language has eight linguistic variants focused on the different regions of the State.
Their past
To understand, we have to go back in time to Pre-Columbian Mexico. Mexicas, also known as Aztecas, who are directly related to nowadays Nahuas, are said to come from the deserts located in the north of Mexico, later on, they migrated to the central area of the country, which is said to have happened on the XII and XIII centuries. The official Mexica myth states that its mythical origin was in Aztlan, but there is no evidence of where was Aztlan located.
The Boturini Codex is an ancient document made by the Aztecs that shows their journey to Tenochtitlan, the capital of their city. The official myth implies that there was a prophecy that said that the Mexicas would establish where they found an eagle devouring a snake on a prickly pear cactus, therefor they ended up establishing on an islet to the west of Lake Texcoco.
Through its integration into Mesoamerica the Mesoamerican cultural area the Nahuas adopted many cultural features including corn agriculture and urban planning, religious practices including a 260-day ritual calendar and the practice of human sacrifice and the construction of monumental architecture and the use of logos writing.
In the year 1519, the Spanish arrived in Mexico, due to an expedition under the leadership of Hernan Cortes, and this was when the conquest of Mexico began.
Briefly, they are mostly recognized as the warrior civilization that dominated the center of Mexico when the Spanish arrived.
Traditions
Nahuas have many traditions, all of them recognized by their uniqueness.
Ceremonies
The religious specialist is the shaman, who is "the person of knowledge", the shaman can be male or female. Usually, Catholic liturgical calendar ceremonies are held.
A winter solstice ritual is done, ceremonies to sow the harvest, carnival in the early spring, and on the Day of the Dead in autumn.
Other rituals are meant to cure diseases, to invoke or stop the rain, pilgrimages to sacred places, purifications of newborn children, performing the blessings of the houses, and do what is called "divinations and funerals".
Painting
The Nahuatl painting style is popular and recognized all over Mexico. Some of the paintings represent their religious beliefs, some of their ceremonies and celebrations, and their everyday life.
These paintings are usually made on amate paper, or wood and ceramic figures. All of the art pieces are full of bright colors, fantastic and unrealistic animals, humans, flowers, and geometric figures.
They also make beautiful hand-embroidered fabric and domestic utensils.
Celebrations
The Mitohtli party is a celebration that lasts a few days to join the community, rest, and celebrates the happiness of life. However, this celebration is not only to enjoy.
Joining their community makes this society stronger, avoiding envy and competition between brothers.
Rituals
They believe in the existence of the soul, and that their fate after the die is defined according to the circumstances of the soul.
Those who die prematurely or early, transform into a wind spirit that causes sickness.
A person who dies for a water-related cause, are believed to go to a kind of aquatic paradise.
They don't believe that a soul destiny is defined by its behavior, they don't believe in reward or punishment.
Importance
Nowadays Mexicans still have that special essence of their ancestors that made them unique, unlike any other. Everyday Mexican people still use some of the Nahuatl vocabularies, even though they don't recognize that. Unfortunately, this beautiful society is disappearing over time and it is our responsibility to maintain their legacy, that is why it is of great importance to educate ourselves, therefore we can understand our roots and keep them alive; after all, Mexicans wouldn't be the same without everything they were provided with by this great indigenous group.
References
Comments