nahuales

Nahuales are a concept in Mesoamerican cultures, particularly among the Aztecs and Mayans, that refer to the 20-day periods in which the calendar is divided. Each nahual is associated with a specific day of the week and a particular deity or natural element. The nahuals are named after the 20 gods or natural phenomena that are believed to influence the world during each period. These include gods like Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, and Tezcatlipoca, the god of fate and destiny. The nahuals are not only religious but also have practical applications in daily life, such as determining auspicious days for important events or activities. The concept of nahuales is deeply intertwined with the Mesoamerican calendar system, which is based on a 365-day year divided into 18 months of 20 days each, plus 5 additional days. The nahuals play a significant role in the cultural, religious, and social life of Mesoamerican civilizations.