These are the names of the eighteen months of the Mexican year, with a short account of the rites that were proper to each of them.
1.
Atl caualo (stopping of the water) or Quiauitl eua (the tree rises). Sacrifice of children to Tlaloc, the rain-god, and to the Tlaloque.
2.
Tlacaxipeualiztli (flaying of men). Feast of Xipe Totec. Sacrifice of prisoners, who were then flayed. The priests put on their skins.
3.
Tozoztontli (lesser vigil). Offering of flowers; worship of Coatlicue.
4.
Uey tozoztli (great vigil). Feasts in honour of Centeotl, god of maize, and of Chicomecoatl, goddess of maize. Offerings of flowers and food in local temples and private chapels. Procession of girls carrying ears of maize to the temple of Chicomecoatl. Songs and dances.
5.
Toxcatl (? drought). Feast of Tezcatlipoca. Sacrifice of a young man personifying Tezcatlipoca, he having lived like a lord for a year.
6.
Etzalqualiztli (etzalli, a dish made of boiled maize and beans; qualiztli, the act of eating). Feast of Tlaloc. Cere- monial baths in the lake. Dances and the eating of etzalli. Priestly fasts and penances. Sacrifice of victims personifying the gods of water and rain.
7.
Tecuilhuitontli (lesser feast of the lords). Rites cele- brated by the salters. Sacrifice of a woman representing Uixtociuatl, goddess of salt-water.
8.
Uey tecuilhuitl (great feast of the lords). Distribution of victuals to the populace. Dances. Sacrifice of a woman personifying Xilonen, goddess of the young maize.
9.
Tlaxochimaco (offering of flowers). The people went into the country to gather flowers and decorated the temple of Uitzilopochtli. Rejoicings, banquets, important dances.
10.
Xocotl uetzi (the fruit falls). Feast of the god of fire. Sacrifice of prisoners at Xiuhtecuhtli or Ueueteotl. The
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Publication Information: Book Title: The Daily Life of the Aztecs: On the Eve of the Spanish Conquest. Contributors: Jacques Soustelle - author, Patrick O'Brian - transltr. Publisher: Macmillan. Place of Publication: New York. Publication Year: 1962. Page Number: 246.
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