The Underworld and Its Influence on Aztec Trade

I. Introduction

Aztec mythology is a rich tapestry of beliefs, gods, and cosmic order, with the underworld, known as Mictlan, playing a central role in their worldview. Mictlan is not merely a place of the dead; it encompasses a complex spiritual realm that influences various aspects of Aztec life, including trade practices. The interconnection between mythology and trade is profound, as the Aztecs believed that their economic activities were intertwined with the spiritual realm. This article explores how the beliefs about the underworld shaped trade in Aztec society and the implications for their daily lives.

II. Understanding Mictlan: The Aztec Underworld

Mictlan, the Aztec underworld, is depicted as a vast and intricate landscape consisting of nine levels, each presenting unique challenges for the souls of the deceased. The journey through Mictlan is a metaphor for the trials faced in life and death. The final destination is a place of rest, where souls attain peace after navigating the obstacles set forth by the gods.

• Level 1: The Place of the Dead
• Level 2: The Place of Wind
• Level 3: The Place of the Flesheaters
• Level 4: The Place of Cold
• Level 5: The Place of Fire
• Level 6: The Place of Water
• Level 7: The Place of the Deadly Serpent
• Level 8: The Place of the Sun
• Level 9: The Final Resting Place

The primary deity associated with Mictlan is Mictlantecuhtli, the Lord of the Underworld. He presides over the souls that enter his domain and ensures that the journey through Mictlan is completed. The stories of Mictlantecuhtli and the underworld reflect the Aztecs’ beliefs about life, death, and the afterlife, highlighting their respect for the spiritual forces that govern existence.

The journey of souls through Mictlan had significant implications for the living. The dead were believed to continue influencing the world of the living, and thus, their journey and the state of their souls were of great concern to the Aztecs. This belief system directly affected trade practices, as merchants sought to honor the dead and ensure favorable conditions for their transactions.

III. Spiritual Beliefs and Economic Practices

The perception of the afterlife deeply influenced trade decisions in Aztec society. The Aztecs believed that successful trade could be impacted by spiritual forces, which meant that merchants often sought divine favor before engaging in commerce.

• Offerings: Merchants made offerings to Mictlantecuhtli and other deities to ensure safe passage in their trade ventures.
• Rituals: Specific rituals were performed to seek blessings for wealth and prosperity, reflecting the intertwining of spirituality and economics.
• Merchants as Intermediaries: Merchants were seen as intermediaries between the living and the spiritual realm, often consulting priests for guidance on trade matters.

IV. Symbolism of Trade Goods in Relation to the Underworld

Certain goods traded by the Aztecs held significant symbolic meanings related to Mictlan. The materials and items exchanged were often associated with death and the afterlife.

• Jade: Valued for its beauty and believed to have protective qualities, jade was often used in burial practices.
• Obsidian: This volcanic glass was not only a crucial material for tools and weapons but also symbolized the sharpness of the transition between life and death.
• Other Materials: Items like textiles, pottery, and ritual objects were traded, viewed as offerings or tributes to the gods.

Trade goods were often seen as extensions of spiritual beliefs, with many items being interred with the dead to accompany them on their journey through Mictlan. This practice reinforced the connection between the living’s economic activities and the spiritual realm.

V. Trade Routes and the Underworld’s Geography

The Aztec Empire was characterized by extensive trade routes that facilitated commerce across vast distances. These routes were not only physical pathways for goods but also held symbolic significance.

• Major Trade Routes: Key routes included those leading to coastal areas, other city-states, and regions rich in resources.
• Symbolic Locations: Certain locations along these routes were considered sacred, linking the physical journey of trade with spiritual pathways to the underworld.
• Geography’s Influence: The geography of the Aztec Empire, including mountains and rivers, influenced how trade was perceived in relation to the afterlife.

VI. Rituals and Festivals that Blended Trade and the Underworld

Key rituals and festivals in Aztec culture often blended trade with the spiritual significance of the underworld, creating a cyclical relationship between the two.

• Day of the Dead: This festival honored deceased loved ones and involved offerings that often included goods that would be traded or shared.
• Harvest Festivals: These celebrations often included rituals that sought blessings for a bountiful harvest, linking agricultural trade to the afterlife.
• Specific Events: Certain trade fairs and markets were timed with religious observances to ensure divine favor.

VII. The Influence of the Underworld on Trade Policies and Regulations

The spiritual beliefs surrounding Mictlan and the deities governing the underworld significantly influenced trade policies in Aztec society.

• Trade Laws: Laws were enacted to ensure that trade practices aligned with spiritual beliefs, reflecting the importance of ethical commerce.
• Role of Priests: Priests and spiritual leaders often regulated trade, ensuring that merchants observed the necessary rituals and offerings.
• Consequences: Disregarding the spiritual aspects could lead to misfortune, invoking the wrath of the gods and resulting in economic failure.

VIII. Conclusion

In summary, the interrelationship between the underworld and trade in Aztec society is a profound example of how spirituality influenced economic practices. The beliefs surrounding Mictlan, its gods, and the journey of souls permeated every aspect of trade, from the goods exchanged to the rituals performed. Understanding this connection provides insight into the holistic worldview of the Aztecs, where the spiritual and material realms were deeply intertwined, shaping their society in lasting ways.