Quetzalcoatl
Quetzalcoatl One of the major deities of Aztec culture Quetzalcoatl acknowledged as the “feathered serpent” has influenced the historic and social evolution of Latin American culture as implied by various images depicting the Plumed Serpent god. Meanwhile, socio-historical analysis of Quetzalcoatl worship and culture reveals different symbolisms and ancient functions involved in the Aztecs’ practices toward the god. Historically, the legend of Quetzalcoatl has originated from the Teotihuacán culture of Olmec society around 300 B.C. by the time of rigid theological perspectives between Christianity and Paganism. According to Aztec legends, Quetzalcoatl was acknowledged as an earthly hero and acting ruler of the Toltecs for some time. Stories narrate that Quetzalcoatl was assigned by the higher command of Toltec tribe to gather the remains of the ancient people of Aztecs after the end of the Fourth Sun or Aztec Era. Eventually, the legend has ultimately spread throughout Mesoamerica covering the Latin and Middle American societies. Meanwhile, other ancient texts acknowledge Quetzalcoatl as a fallen God of the Aztecs. Toltecs of Teotihuacán tribe had found moral preoccupations of time, nature, power, and survival in the legend of Quetzalcoatl leading to dramatic influence in the beliefs of Olmec to the vast South American heritage. Quetzalcoatl is commonly illustrated as a great-feathered serpent in the art and architecture of various tribes and cultures involved in the worship of the deity. As far as symbolism is concerned, the image of Quetzalcoatl bears comparison to the classic Mesoamerican mythical creature known as the Celestial Dragon, which symbolizes the heritage and culture of both American Indian and Chicano, especially during the 1970s. The ancient feathered deity is characterized by the hybrid attributes of a bird and a reptile; although the murals, and images illustrating the characteristics of Quetzalcoatl
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