Thanks for joining us for another Families Deity! We’re exploring deities that tie into families and family values, or who are important to the family unit or children in some way. This month, we are exploring the youthful god, Xochiquetzal.
Who is Xochiquetzal?
Xochiquetzal is an Aztec deity who, unusually for a fertility goddess, was of youthful appearance – as the other Aztec goddesses of this type were old. She is known as the Goddess of fertility, love, beauty, agriculture, pregnancy, and childbirth. She was also known as a patron goddess of weaving and embroidery, luxury items and the artisans who created them. An alternative name of hers means young woman or maiden.
Why is Xochiquetzal one of our Family Deities?
Xochiquetzal’s name means feather flower and she was extremely popular among Atzec women, and the goddess was invoked to help them have a marriage where children would be born. Brides would plait their hair and coil it around leaving two plumes to represent the feathers of the Quetzal which was the bird sacred to Xochiquetzal.
Honouring Xochiquetzal
She was worshipped at various sites including Tula and pottery figures adorned with feathers have been found made in her honour.
There is a feast held in Xochiquetzal’s honour every eight years where the worshippers would wear animal or flower masks.
Animals
There are no animals particularly connected to Xochiquetzal
Tools
Flowers, plants and feathers are particularly sacred to Xochiquetzal so these could be used as an offering during pregnancy or childbirth, or you could honour her through weaving and embroidering or other household arts.
Images
There are many representations of Xochiquetzal.
Offerings
Weavings, flowers and libations are common offerings.
