Xipe Totec

Xipe Totec (the flayed one) In Aztec mythology, god of vegetation, newly planted seeds, penitential torture, and the west. At his festival, captives were flayed alive and then eaten at a ritual meal. After the feast, the skins of the slain could be worn for up to 20 days by anyone who had skin complaints they wished to cure. Because the skins then turned yellow, Xipe Totec became the patron of goldsmiths. Xipe Totec gave himself as food to the world by having himself skinned alive.

SEE ALSO:

• Aztec Mythology
• Meso American Mythology

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante