MICTLANCIHUATL

Mictlancihuatl – Lady of Death

Mictlancihuatl is Queen of Mictlan, the Aztec realm of death, which she presides over with her husband, Mictlantecuhtli. She guards the bones. Mictlancihuatl also presides over the Aztec festival of the dead, which evolved into the modern Mexican holiday Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”). She is sometimes described as having been destined to become Lady Death. Sacrificed as an infant, she was essentially born to die. The spirit La Santissima Muerte may be a modern manifestation of Mictlancihuatl.

ORIGIN:

Mexico

COLOUR:

Red

BIRD:

Owl

TIME:

The fifth hour

FEAST:

Day of the Dead, culminating on 2 November. The length of the festival—days to weeks—depends on location.

Mictlancihuatl and Mictlantecuhtli, partners in death, are venerated together. They may be petitioned for peaceful, painless death at the appropriate time.

SEE ALSO:

• Mictlantecuhtli
• Santissima Muerte
• Aztec Mythology
• Meso American Mythology

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of Spirits: The Ultimate Guide to the Magic of Fairies, Genies, Demons, Ghosts, Gods & Goddesses– Written by Judika Illes Copyright © 2009 by Judika Illes.

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