The Aztec rite of baptism was a rite of purification, welcoming, and announcement. It was performed soon upon the birth of a new child in order to rid the baby of any negativity or impurities passed on from the parents. During this time, the baby would receive his or her name and would be officially introduced to the community.During our time at Amatlan, we were fortunate enough to be honoured with this rite of passage and we were all baptized with our very own Nahuatl names. I’m sure Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of waters and baptism, was watching over us all, sharing her blessings as our adorable shaman, Don Julio, bestowed upon us our new symoblic and very special names.
Below are the names we were given. I have tried to find the correct Nahuatl spelling of each of our names along with a little more information about the symbolism and mythology associated with each of them.
May this help to remind us all of this very special ceremony and honour that was shared with us all and may we all gain some insight and wisdom from the names given to us by Don Julio…..
In alphabetical order....
Anna
Nahuatl - Huei-atl
English - Big Water or Great Water
Spanish - Gran Agua
Czech - Velký vodní
Symbolism: Vast and grand as the sea. The great water that gives life, purifies and provides. This powerful element aids in reflection and contemplation, but if one is not careful, one can sink to the depths to be drowned and lost forever.
Daniela
Nahuatl - Xochiquetzal
English - Goddess of love and beauty. The mother of Quetzalcoatl.
Spanish - La diosa de amor y belleza. La madre de Quetzalcoatl.
Czech - Bohyně lásky a krásy. Matka Quetzalcoatl.
Symbolism: Xochiquetzal, or “Flower Feather”, is the goddess of love and beauty. She is also the goddess of the earth and moon, flowers, fertility, games, dancing, music, and agriculture. She is the partoness of artists, craftsmen, prostitutes, and pregnant women, and reigns over all that is beautiful and pleasurable. Often surrounded by butterflies and birds, she has a deep connection with nature. She is considered the mother of Quetzalcoatl by Mixcoatl. Legend has it that the malevolent god of the night, Tezcatlipoca, stole her away from her husband Tlaloc, the rain god, and brought her down to the underworld where he forced her to marry him.
Filip
Nahuatl - Huitzil
English - The Hummingbird
Spanish - El Colibrí
Czech - Je Kolibřík
Symbolism: Huitzil is associated with the Aztec god, Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, and the patron of warriors. Reborn each day, he defeats the stars and conquers the forces of the night to keep mankind alive. Considered to be in a constant struggle with the darkness, Huitzilopochtli, was aided by the souls of warrirors and appeased with sacrfices in order to ensure the sun would survive its 52 year cycle. Legend has it that Huitzilopochtli sprang out from the womb of his mother fully armed when he learned of his sister’s plan to kill her. He then killed his sister, (along with several of his 400 brothers and sisters), and threw her head into the sky, which became the moon.
Jelte
Nahautl - Teootl Ehecatl
English - God of the Air. God of the Wind.
Spanish - El dios del aire. El dios del viento.
Czech - Bůh vzduchu. Bůh větru.
Symbolism: Ehecatl was an aspect of Quetzalcoatl. With his breath, he moved the sun and pushed away the rain. He brings life to all that is lifeless and is considered to have brought love to mankind.
Mark
Nahuatl - Ocelotl
English - The Ocelot or Jaguar
Spanish - El Ocelote o El Jaguar
Czech - V Ocelot nebo Jaguár
Symbolism: Ocelotl is known as the "Jaguar Warrior". The Ocelot or Jaguar is considered the bravest of animals and is the symbol and guardian of warriors and hunters. It is also a symbol of power, valour, and bravery. On the Aztec Calendar it is a good day for battle. It is also a good day for solitude, contemplation and self discipline. The lesson for the warrior is to be a mirror rather than a reflection.
Mirka
Nahuatl - Tonal Xochitl
English - Sun Flower, Day Flower
Spanish - Flor del Sol, Flor del Día
Czech - Neděle květina, Den květina
Symbolism: Bright flower of the sun. Rebirth with each new day. A symbol of happiness, joy, light, youth and new life. With her laughter and cheerfulness, she lights up the sky.
Misa
Nahutal - Iztaccíhuatl or Ixtaccíhuatl
English - White Woman, Sleeping Woman
Spanish - Mujer Blanca, La Mujer Dormida
Czech - Bílá žena, Spící žena
Symbolism: Iztaccíhuatl, or Ixtaccíhuatl, was a beautiful princess who fell in love with Popocatépetl, one of her father’s warriors. To keep her away from her lover, the emperor sent Popocatépetl to war and then told Iztaccíhuatl he had died in battle. Struck with the horrible news, Iztaccíhuatl died of grief. When Popocatépetl later returned and learned of Iztaccihuatl’s passing, he too died from the anguish of her loss. The gods, dismayed by the loss of the two lovers, honoured Iztaccihuatl and Popocatépetl by turning them into volcanoes. Iztaccíhuatl is now known as "White Woman" or “Sleeping Woman” because the mountain resembles a woman sleeping on her back covered with snow. Popocatépetl, in turn, is known as “Smoking Mountain” for he rages with fire at the loss of his one true love.
Pavel
Nahuatl - Iztac Cuauhtli
English - White Eagle
Spanish - Aguila Blanca
Czech - Bílý Orel
Symbolism: The White Eagle is the eagle that descends before sunset and before disappearing into the horizon. In Aztec myth, the Eagle symbolized the sun and a strong warrior who fought the forces of night. It was an important symbol as it was responsible for feeding the sun with the hearts and blood of sacrificed victims in order to give the sun the energy to voyage across the sky. There is also a famous Aztec Dance called the “Dance of the White Eagle” which is performed during the Day of the Dead Ceremonies.
Petr
Nahuatl - Tecuani
English - The Puma, Jaguar, or Tiger
Spanish - El Puma, Jaguar, o Tigre
Czech - V Puma, Jaguar, nebo Tiger
Symbolism: The Tecuani is considered the “Wild Beast”, the “Man Eating Beast”, or the “Devourer of the People”. Symbolically, it has a dual association with the life forces of water and fertility as well as the destructive forces of nature. The Tecuani represents our primal instincts and desires. As he consumes us, he rids us of our egos and helps to set us free.
Simona
Nahuatl - Cihua Papalotl
English - Butterfly Woman
Spanish - La Mujer Mariposa
Czech - Motýl Žena
Symbolism: The Butterfly Woman is a symbol of beauty and transformation. Her metamorphosis is a symbol of our birth, growth and ever-changing selves. As the butterfly maiden, she is the female fertilising force and the mother of all. As she flutters about, she carries pollen from one source to another, bringing opposites together, and transforming all into beauty. The butterfly also represents the spirit and the connection between mind and soul.
Vasek
Nahutal - Teyacanani or Teyacan
English - The Guide or Leader
Spanish - El Guía o Líder
Czech - Průvodce nebo Leader
Symbolism: Teyacanani is the “one who leads the people”. He is the heart and foundation of the community. His strength carries the people and protects them from harm, and his guidance brings clarity. With his wisdom and direction he shows us the way.
Veronika
Nahuatl - Jasmin Xochitl
English - Jasmine Flower
Spanish - Flor de Jasmin
Czech - Jasmine Květina
Symbolism: The Jasmine Flower is a symbol of sensuality, modesty, grace and elegance. It represents erotic love and passion. The scent of this exotic flower is so potent that it is often smelled before seen. (On a personal note, this happens to be one of my favourite flowers and favourite scents.)
NB: I was unable to find the Aztec spelling of the word Jasmine so have used the Spanish spelling.
Victoria
Nahuatl - Iztac Xochitl
English - White Flower
Spanish - Flor Blanca
Czech - Bílá Květina
Symbolism: The White Flower is a symbol of purity and innocence. It represents truth and integrity and all that is good in the world. It also represents youth, vitality, and life. Often associated with humility and reverence, white flowers evoke simple beauty and harmony.
I hope this acts as a beautiful reminder of how truly special we all are and how we all have a wonderful purpose on this great Earth. Let us carry these truths with us through this fantastic adventure we call life.
Blessings
Daniela
xoxoxoxo
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