Fifth Sun
Origins and Mythology
The concept of the Fifth Sun originates from the ancient Mesoamerican cultures, particularly the Aztec civilization. According to their cosmology, the universe is cyclic, with each cycle or "Sun" representing a different epoch of creation and destruction. The Aztecs believed that they were living in the era of the Fifth Sun, following the destruction of the previous four Suns.
The Aztec mythology narrates that each Sun was associated with a specific deity and a unique set of circumstances. The First Sun, known as "Four Water," was ruled by the deity Chalchiuhtlicue, the goddess of water. This era ended when the world was destroyed by a great flood. The Second Sun, "Four Jaguar," was governed by Tezcatlipoca, the god of the night sky. This Sun met its end when the Earth was overrun by jaguars. The Third Sun, "Four Rain," was ruled by Tlaloc, the rain god, and was destroyed by a rain of fire. The Fourth Sun, "Four Wind," was under the dominion of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, and was obliterated by a devastating hurricane.
The Fifth Sun
The Fifth Sun, known as "Four Movement," is believed to be governed by Tonatiuh, the sun god. The Aztecs believed that this era was characterized by the movement of the Earth and was destined to end in earthquakes. The Fifth Sun was created in the mythical city of Teotihuacan, where the gods gathered to decide who would become the new sun. Two gods, Nanahuatzin, the humble and pockmarked god, and Tecuciztecatl, the wealthy and proud god, vied for this honor. After a series of trials and sacrifices, Nanahuatzin emerged as the new sun, becoming Tonatiuh.
Cultural Significance
The concept of the Fifth Sun holds significant cultural and religious importance in the Aztec civilization. It reflects their understanding of time, space, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The Aztecs believed that the survival of the Fifth Sun, and by extension, the world, depended on the regular offering of human sacrifices to Tonatiuh. This belief played a central role in shaping the Aztec's religious practices and societal structure.
The Fifth Sun also influenced the Aztec's architectural and artistic expressions. The Aztec Calendar Stone, also known as the Sun Stone, is a prime example of this influence. The stone, carved in the late 15th century, depicts the five Suns or eras, with the Fifth Sun represented in the center.
Modern Interpretations
In modern times, the concept of the Fifth Sun has been interpreted and reinterpreted in various ways. Some scholars view it as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of human history, with each Sun representing a distinct epoch or era. Others see it as a reflection of the Aztecs' understanding of natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and solar cycles.
In popular culture, the Fifth Sun has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music. It has also been adopted by various New Age and neo-pagan movements, often with a focus on its themes of cyclical change and renewal.