Year: Tochtli (1515)
Niltze!
This is Namacuix again. I’m now 17 years old. Every day I’m being told that I’m getting older. Soon I’ll have to move out. You usually have to leave the house when you are married, which is sooner than later in my case. My parents are saying that I’ll probably get married by the age of 20, which is just a few years away. It’s kind of scary. I’m not sure if I’m ready for the responsibility. Although, I have been keeping an eye on this one girl. Her name is Izel. Remember her? She is Tenoch’s little sister. Even though she is 13 years old, women here usually get married by the age of 16. So in three years, we might be married. Tenoch keeps on saying she has a crush on me, but I just ignore him.
Anyways, the year Tochtil means rabbit. It was also a name of a good friend of mine. Unfortunately, he went to jail for murdering a 10-year-old boy. I’m not sure what happened that night. He would never do something like that. I think he just lost it. For years now he spent his nights all alone, regretting what he has done.
I came back from a religious ceremony called the human sacrifice not that long ago. It is very important to our religion. Most of the Mexica people believe that our Gods need human hearts and blood to survive. When I arrived at the teolcallis, where most religious ceremonies are held, I found out something very terrible. Tenoch told me that Tochtli was the person being sacrificed. I don’t know why I never saw this coming. It’s very common that prisoners or slaves were sacrificed. Then I heard the drums playing. I raced towards the front of the crowd. I saw him. He was dirty. He was scratched. His clothes were torn. He looked horrible. Then the priest said a few words. I don’t remember what he said. All I could see was the sad expression on my friends’ face. He wasn’t ready to go. He had a lot to live for. I know somebody had to be sacrificed, but why him? He was a really good friend. Why? All of a sudden, I heard screams coming from the victims’ mouth. His chest was being torn. Then all was silent. Tochtil was dead. I couldn’t bear to see the priest ripping out his heart. Tears came from my eyes. When I walked out, I heard the people cheering and shouting. It was a successful sacrifice…For them anyway.
Awe. Now I’m crying. That’s all for now.
Sincerely,
Namacuix.
Hello
why do you have to get married so early? that is weird. I think that is nice that you want to get married with this girl she sounds really nice. I don’t have a wife yet.
It is not good to murder people. Would you ever do it? Why are all of tour months given names.
That is very sad the way your friend died that isn’t right in my eyes. That is gross that they tore out his heart. I bet that he was a very good friend of yours.
Well thats all. Think of good things.
-Hernán Cortés-
Niltze!
To us, getting married at that age is normal. And yes, Izel is really nice. I’m sorry you haven’t found a wife yet. Your time will come soon!
I know it’s not good to murder people. That’s why my friend went to jail. I would only murder someone if my life depended on it. Our months have names because of the Aztec Calendar. It’s just our way of telling what day it is.
Please don’t remind me. It’s been bad enough, knowing that a good friend of mine is dead. But to comment on that “That is gross that they tore out his heart.” comment, it’s normal. That is always how we do a human sacrifice.
Talk to you soon!
Namacuix.