At the time of living in the Aztec Empire you found yourself surrounded by numerous pyramids and divine gods together with elaborate ceremonies that surpassed modern festival entertainment. Our discussion today focuses on the intriguing aspects of Aztec marriage while skipping subjecting wars and sacrifices. This historical trip reveals the family organization and noble women’s influence along with the significance of the groom’s family.
Marriage: A decision of the gods!
In the Aztec Empire, marriage was not just a matter of two people in love – no, no! All activities operated under religious rites as well as venerating their sacred scheduling system. A religious leader accompanying the parents of both bride and groom examined the signs associated with their birth to verify compatibility. Your future success would depend entirely on space constellations according to this tradition.
The day of the wedding was carefully chosen, always following the instructions of the gods. The ceremony was full of rituals and formalities. A man could have several wives, but only one was the main wife, who led the family ceremonies. When the father was a ruler his offspring from this wife held the position of inheritance.
Husbands should have treated all their wives equally according to tradition yet financially secure men were the only ones who could practice polygamy. A single wife became the only option for financially struggling men.
Social organisation: Who was in charge at home?
In Aztec society, the man was considered the head of the household, but women also had a lot of power. Noble women and older widows were especially respected. They were able to run businesses from their homes and had a great influence on the upbringing of children. In fact, it is believed that in earlier times, women had even more power, but men were gaining ground towards the end of the Empire.
People who engaged in adulterous acts faced death penalties according to the laws. The society permitted divorces to occur according to specified rules that both men and women could apply for divorce eligibility. Property distribution became equal during divorce and separation allowed both parties to progress independently which the society considered progressive despite being in the ancient era.
Family life: Love, discipline and hard work
In Aztec society marital union served as the gateway to assume a position of full adulthood. An inheritance portion of land led the family to construct their own house on it. Every member of both sexes who belonged to different social strata worked at farming activities. The most brilliant stature men attained through becoming warriors yet women performed all housekeeping duties.
The gods blessed parents with children who received long four-day celebrations during their arrival. The Aztec standard of addressing children through endearing pet names included ‘my jewel’ and ‘my precious feather’. Discipline, however, was harsh. Young children started their first chores at age four while contrary behavior received harsh punishments. No slacking off!
Education and roles in society
Among the Aztec Empire the education system held primary importance. Their society represented an early example of providing education to everyone. Every child regardless of social class received school education. From a young age parents instructed children followed by enrollment in specialized academic institutions. Fathers instructed boys through their educational methods and mothers took charge of teaching girls.
Household restrictions did not limit women throughout society. Among the professions accessible to Aztec women was teaching along with practicing medicine and following ancient spiritual traditions and assisting at births and performing skilled crafts.
The elders: The wise men of the family
If a family member managed to survive battles and illness, he or she became an ueuetque, a highly respected wise elder. These grandparents offered advice and were key figures in the social organisation of the family. Their ageing and death were also surrounded by rituals and religious ceremonies.
In brief: A life full of ritual and love
Religion along with tradition had deep-rooted control over the family lifestyle of the Aztec Empire. All family aspects including marriage and child rearing ran under the control of religious faiths and sacred days. The system of discipline ruled their society strictly but their cultural values placed great importance on both love and respect toward children and their honored elders.
Traveling to an Aztec family during the past requires preparation for endless ceremonies combined with extensive work duties along with countless tales from grandfather about brave warriors during his drink time. Make handwashing immediately following your mealtime.
