In some regions of Mexico, it is common to find ceremonial centers dedicated to Tláloc.Sebastián Odriziola / Pexels
What cultures venerated Tláloc?
Not only did the Mexicans believed in Tláloc, but the Nahuas and Maya also venerated him, although in this last culture he was known as the God Chaac, «God of rain, ray, lightning and water.» The Tlaxcaltecs also had their own legend around Tláloc.
What does Tláloc's legend and rain say?
According to Mexican myxic, Tláloc was a husband of Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of water and love, Protector of navigators capable of controlling lakes, storms and seas. Legend has it that both had many children, known as «tlalocas» or clouds.
They are responsible for spreading the rain, hence Tláloc's power to control water for crops. However, Tláloc was also considered as the protector of life and death, thanks to his ability to send storms to clean the evils of the earth and purify the human soul.
Known as Mount Tláloc, this mountain is next to Popocatepetl.Victor Morán / Pexels
What myths are around Tláloc?
According to the mythology of pre -Hispanic cultures, although Tláloc sent the rain to prosper the crops, he also had the ability to cause floods and, with it, the loss of entire crops. Hence the origin of rituals such as food, dances and songs, to thank and attract rain during spring and summer, and thus avoid drought.
What festivities are held around Tláloc?
Despite the years, there are still regions in Mexico where different Festivities during the rainy seasonwhere rituals and offerings are made to this God to invoke the rain, ensuring the success of the crops and avoiding drought.
It is also common to find ceremonial centers dedicated to Tláloc where ceremonies of thanks are performed, such as the one located in the Mount Tlacotépetlin the State of Mexico, on an inactive volcano that belongs to the Izta-Popo National Park.