Tonalpohualli

Definition

Tonalpohualli is a 260-day ritual calendar used by the Aztec civilization that was integral to their religious and social life. This calendar is made up of 20 periods of 13 days, where each day is associated with specific deities, events, and rituals, reflecting the importance of timekeeping in Aztec culture. The tonalpohualli played a crucial role in determining auspicious days for various activities such as planting crops, conducting ceremonies, and scheduling important events.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tonalpohualli consists of 20 symbols or day signs that represent different deities and concepts, each repeating in a cycle of 13 days.
2. The calendar was deeply tied to religious practices; priests would consult it to determine the right times for sacrifices and other rituals.
3. Individuals’ birth dates were analyzed through the tonalpohualli to predict personality traits and life paths based on their associated day signs.
4. Every 52 years, the tonalpohualli and xiuhpohualli would align, marking a significant period known as the 'Calendar Round,' prompting celebrations and rituals.
5. The tonalpohualli highlights the Aztecs' sophisticated understanding of astronomy and time, playing an essential role in agriculture and societal organization.

Review Questions

• How did the tonalpohualli influence daily life and agriculture in Aztec society?
  • The tonalpohualli significantly influenced daily life in Aztec society by dictating when specific activities could take place. Agricultural practices were closely tied to this calendar, as it determined the best times for planting and harvesting crops. Furthermore, social events such as marriages and religious ceremonies were also planned according to this ritual calendar, highlighting its integral role in synchronizing community life with religious beliefs.
• In what ways did the tonalpohualli interact with other aspects of Aztec culture, such as religion and mythology?
  • The tonalpohualli was deeply interwoven with Aztec religion and mythology, as each day was linked to specific deities and mythological narratives. Priests utilized this calendar to time important rituals and sacrifices that honored these gods, ensuring that they aligned with cosmic cycles. The relationship between time and divine influence shaped various cultural expressions, including art and literature, illustrating how the tonalpohualli was central to understanding the world for the Aztecs.
• Evaluate the significance of the tonalpohualli in maintaining societal order within the Aztec Empire during its peak.
  • The tonalpohualli played a critical role in maintaining societal order within the Aztec Empire by providing a structured framework for organizing both civic and religious life. It established predictable patterns for agricultural activities, which were essential for food security and economic stability. Additionally, by regulating festivals and rituals that unified various communities under shared beliefs, the tonalpohualli fostered a sense of identity and belonging among the diverse populations within the empire. This calendar not only synchronized activities but also reinforced power structures by legitimizing authority through divine associations.

Related terms

xiuhpohualli: The 365-day solar calendar used by the Aztecs, which worked alongside the tonalpohualli to create a complex calendrical system.

Mictlantecuhtli: The Aztec god of the underworld, often associated with death and the afterlife, whose worship was linked to specific days in the tonalpohualli.

Tlazolteotl: The goddess of purification, sexuality, and fertility in Aztec mythology, whose festivals were scheduled according to the tonalpohualli.