Aztec mythology; Indian mythology -- Mexico; Mexico -- Religion
Another myth, given by Boturini, recounts her temptation of the holy
ascetic Yappan, who dwelt in a desert place in order to lead a
continent and solitary life, so that he might win the favour of the
gods. He took up his abode on a rock called Tehuehuetl, but the gods
conceived a doubt of his piety, and sent an enemy of his, Yaotl
(enemy), to watch his movements. Even this bitter foe found nothing to
cavil at in his conduct, and women sent by the gods to lead him from
the paths of rectitude were sternly repulsed. The divine beings were
about to consider his apotheosis, when Xochiquetzal, feeling that her
reputation as a tempter of men was at stake, angrily assured them that
she was able to effect his seduction. Descending to earth, she sought
out the hermit, whom she assured of her admiration and esteem, and
asked by what path she might ascend to his rocky seat. All unsuspicious
of her intent, Yappan descended from his place on the rock and assisted
her to climb the rugged eminence. Yappan forgot his vow of chastity,
and when the goddess had departed, found himself deserted by the angry
gods to the mercies of his enemy, Yaotl, who slew him out of hand. The
gods transformed the slain man into a scorpion, and Yaotl having also
slain Yappan’s wife, Tlahuitzin, whom he had abandoned for the life
ascetic, she was transformed into an animal of the same species, and
crawling under a stone, found her husband there. But the gods, wrathful
at Yaotl’s excessive cruelty, changed him into a locust. [207]
FESTIVALS
Chicomexochitl (“Seven Flower”).—In the sign ce ocelotl, on the day
chicomexochitl, the artists united to hold festival to the goddess, and
the laundresses, says Sahagun, [208] fasted forty days. “They joined
together, twenty or more, to obtain a better quality of pictures and
weaves and to this end offered up quails and incense.” This was one of
the movable feasts.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account