The quetzal bird is a beautiful and mysterious creature that has captivated the imaginations of people for centuries. Known for its vibrant green and crimson feathers, the quetzal was considered sacred to many ancient Mesoamerican civilizations, including the Aztec, Maya and Toltec peoples. The bird’s name comes from the Nahuatl word “quetzalli” which means “precious feather” or “tail feather.” Quetzals inhabit the cloud forests of southern Mexico and Central America and play an important role in the folklore and mythology of the region.
What does the quetzal bird symbolize?
The quetzal bird is a symbol of freedom, wealth, power and nobility to many pre-Columbian civilizations. Its long tail feathers were prized and reserved only for royalty and religious leaders to wear. The Mayans and Aztecs believed the quetzal was the god Kukulkan (also known as Quetzalcoatl) incarnate, acting as a divine messenger between the gods and humans. Killing a quetzal was considered a capital offense by the Aztecs. The bird’s feathers also symbolized the winds, the clouds, and heaven for their ability to reach into the sky.
Quetzal feathers
The vibrant green tail feathers of the quetzal were considered highly valuable throughout Mesoamerica. Quetzal feathers decorated royal costumes, temples and sacred objects. The longest tail feathers could reach lengths of 3 feet and were elaborately decorated with gold engraving. Hunters often used decoys and played music to attract quetzals in order to harvest their tail feathers. The brilliant feathers held magical powers and were offered as gifts to the gods.
Jade quetzal pendants
Mayan royalty and nobles wore jade pendants carved in the shape of the quetzal’s head and feathered breastplate. Much like the feathers themselves, these jade quetzal pendants symbolized wealth, nobility and the divine. The vibrant green color of the jade matched the iridescent emerald and golden green plumage of the quetzal’s chest. It was believed these pendants had magical properties that could provide protection, fortune and prosperity to those who wore them.
The quetzal bird as a deity
The quetzal bird was closely associated with the important Mesoamerican deity Kukulkan or Quetzalcoatl. Known as the Feathered Serpent, Quetzalcoatl was worshipped as the god of wind, air and learning by the Toltec, Aztec and Maya civilizations. He was seen as a creator god and culture hero who brought agriculture, culture and knowledge to humankind.
Quetzalcoatl legends
There are many legends that describe the deeds of Quetzalcoatl. According to Aztec mythology, Quetzalcoatl was the son of the primordial goddess Coatlicue. He wandered the land disguised as a human and taught new agricultural practices, crafts and culture. Along with his twin brother Xolotl, he was said to have created humanity by going to the underworld and retrieving the bones of the ancestors. When he reached the entrance of the underworld, he burned himself and rose into the sky as the planet Venus.
Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl
The Toltec ruler Topiltzin Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl was also linked to the god Quetzalcoatl. According to Toltec legends, Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl introduced calendars, writing, agriculture and vegetarianism to his people but was forced out by the god Tezcatlipoca. He fled east to the Yucatan peninsula, vowing to return. The legend prophesied that Quetzalcoatl would return from the east in a One Reed year, meaning Ce Acatl on the 260-day ritual calendar, to reclaim his throne.
The Resplendent Quetzal
The Resplendent Quetzal is the specific species of quetzal revered by Mesoamerican cultures. Its scientific name is Pharomachrus mocinno and it can be found from southern Mexico to western Panama. Here are some key facts about this revered bird:
Species | Pharomachrus mocinno |
---|---|
Length | 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) |
Wingspan | 26-32 inches (65-80 cm) |
Weight | 4.5-6.5 oz (130-170g) |
Tail feathers | Up to 3 feet long |
Coloration | Bright emerald green body, crimson breast, golden green tail |
Lifespan | Up to 15 years |
Habitat | High elevation cloud forests |
Diet | Fruit, insects, lizards, frogs |
The Resplendent Quetzal’s vibrant plumage is unlike any other bird in the Americas. The males have a bright crimson chest, iridescent emerald green head, back and wings, and long golden-green tail coverts that can reach up to three feet in length. The colors seem to shimmer and change depending on the light. Females lack the long tail coverts but also have colorful plumage.
Endangered Status
Due to habitat loss, capturing for the pet trade, and hunting, the Resplendent Quetzal is classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN Red List. Quetzal populations have declined by an estimated 30% over the past decades. Conservation efforts aim to protect cloud forest habitats and raise awareness of the quetzal’s cultural legacy.
The legend of the quetzal’s song
According to Guatemalan folklore, the quetzal once sang beautifully, but lost its enchanting song long ago. There are a few prominent myths that explain the origin of this belief.
Tecún Umán’s Death
One legend recounts that when the great K’iche’ Mayan warrior Tecún Umán died in battle against the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado in 1524, the quetzal appeared and sang a song so mournful that it never sang again. Upon his death, Tecún Umán vowed his heart would come back as a quetzal to keep singing for freedom.
Princess Ixquiq
A legend from the K’iche’ Maya Popol Vuh tells of a princess named Ixquiq who was condemned to death after disobeying her father, the king. As she was sacrificed by sorcerers, the quetzal appeared and sang a lament. But once the gruesome ritual was completed, the quetzal fell silent and never sang again.
Lost Love of Xuchilt
In Aztec mythology, Xuchilt was a noblewoman who fell in love with a quetzal bird. Her father despised the bird and one night killed her winged lover. When Xuchilt found the dead quetzal, she died of sadness. The gods were moved by tragedy and grief and brought both lovers back to life as birds. But the quetzal’s song was forever melancholic from the sadness of losing Xuchilt.
The quetzal and the Maya
The quetzal held deep significance for the ancient Maya and still features prominently in modern Maya culture.
Maya Rulers
For the Maya, the quetzal symbolized the royal portal between the physical and spiritual realms. Rulers adorned themselves in quetzal feathers to signify their connection to the divine. The K’iche Maya referred to their capital city as Q’umarkaj, meaning “Quetzal City” in honor of the royal bird.
Maya Calendar
The Maya calendar used the quetzal symbolically. The fifth day of the 13-day week known as Tzolk’in was called Quetzal, represented by the image of a quetzal’s head and associated with the sun god K’inich Ajaw.
Modern Culture
The quetzal remains culturally significant today, appearing on the Guatemalan flag and currency. Many Maya still consider seeing a quetzal in the wild to be an omen of good fortune.
Other quetzal legends
The quetzal bird features in many myths and folktales across Mesoamerica. Here are some other notable tales surrounding this legendary creature:
Creation of Corn
According to Maya myth, the quetzal was one of the animals who helped bring corn to humanity after it was stolen from the Mountain of Sustenance.
Friend of the Wind God
Mayan legend claims the quetzal was a companion of the wind god Huracan and helped him banish a demon that lurked in the first forest.
El Dorado
In South America, the Muisca people told of a sacred city called El Dorado where royal ceremonies took place. The ruler would cover himself in gold dust and dive into a sacred lake filled with golden quetzal birds and fish.
The Quetzaltototl Bird
Aztec legends foretold the era of the Sixth Sun would be ushered in by the arrival of a sacred bird called the Quetzaltototl, a quetzal bird infused with divine power.
Conclusion
The quetzal bird served as a powerful symbolic, mythological and spiritual figure for many Mesoamerican societies. Its brilliant plumage signified nobility, divinity and freedom. While quetzal populations have declined, the bird endures as an iconic cultural symbol and sacred creature to many. The mournful songs and mystical legends surrounding the quetzal bird live on, captivating new generations with its magic and beauty.