Kukulkan, known also as Quetzalcoatl among the Aztecs, is a prominent deity in Mesoamerican religion. This god is often associated with the wind, the planet Venus, the dawn, arts, crafts, and learning. Kukulkan was particularly revered by the Maya civilization, where he was seen as a feathered serpent, embodying both the earth and the sky, and symbolizing the union of the sky god and the earth serpent.
The worship of Kukulkan can be traced back to the Pre-Columbian era, with significant influence in the Classic Maya period. He was especially prominent in the city of Chichen Itza, where the pyramid known as El Castillo was built in his honor. This pyramid, with its 365 steps, is thought to represent the solar year, aligning with the equinoxes when the shadow of the serpent appears to descend the pyramid's steps.
Kukulkan's iconography often includes:
In religious practices, offerings and sacrifices were made to Kukulkan, including the practice of human sacrifice during significant ceremonies, although the extent and nature of these sacrifices are subjects of ongoing research and debate.
Kukulkan's influence extends beyond the Maya to other Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Toltecs and Aztecs. His worship played a crucial role in the cultural and religious life of these civilizations, affecting art, architecture, and social structures. The syncretism of Kukulkan with Quetzalcoatl after the Spanish conquest led to the blending of indigenous beliefs with Christianity, where he was sometimes equated with Saint Thomas Apostle.