Atlcualo

Atlcualo celebrates the gods and goddesses presiding over waters and sustenance at the beginning of the dry season: Tlaloc, the tlaloque and Chalchihuitlicue.

Execution

Human Sacrifice

Small children are sacrificed to water gods by being drugged into compliancy and wrapped in clothes weighed with rocks to drown.
During atlcualo, most audiences witness the sacrifices at their local bodies of water; provided they are deep enough. But the most important one takes place on sacred mountains, as this is where the rain clouds form.

Components and tools

Decoration

People decorate poles, 60ft - 90ft tall, with banners and erect them in the temple districts and in the courtyards of rich households. These poles are used as the central point for the flying bird game. When the athletes climb to the top of the pole, each one ties a rope to the top and hang on by squeezing their legs together tightly. Once tied, they push off and swing upside down and around the pole. Points awarded for speed, style and costume design.

Participants

Although atlcualo follows the dead days, state mandated feasts and festivities are not considered especially joyous in the public consciousness. This is because even the sang citizens find the methods of executing children to be distasteful.

Observance

Atlcualo is the name of the first month of the calendar. It is also a festival in the sang religion. The principal deity is Chalchihuitlicue. Ehecatl, the god of wind, is also prayed to during this time in hopes that he would push the storms before him.

Alternate Name

Ceasing of Water

Atl Cahualo

Trees Rise

Cuahuitl Ehua

Primary Related Location

Tlaloque Rivers

Important Locations

• Catkills
• Great Lakes
• Isle of Leaves
• Mixed Lake

Related Organizations

• Triple Alignment

Related Ethnicities

• Sang