xochitl

On this view the phrase "The Flower, the Song" (in xochitl in cuicatl), contrary to Leon-Portilla's interpretation, does not refer to poetry but to a ghost ritual accompanied by song and dance.

Reinventing the Aztecs, part one 2008

On this view the phrase "The Flower, the Song" (in xochitl in cuicatl), contrary to Leon-Portilla's interpretation, does not refer to poetry but to a ghost ritual accompanied by song and dance.

Reinventing the Aztecs, part one 2008

To recapitulate: the recurring phrase in xochitl in cuicatl ( "the flower, the song"), according to the Garibay/León-Portilla interpretation, is said to represent poetry in classical Aztec society.

Reinventing the Aztecs - part three Mexican history 2008

It has also been argued that the Aztecs did not have a concept of "art for art's sake" and therefore it is potentially misleading to translate and interpret in xochitl in cuicatl as "poetry."

Reinventing the Aztecs - part two Mexican history 2008

To recapitulate: the recurring phrase in xochitl in cuicatl ( "the flower, the song"), according to the Garibay/León-Portilla interpretation, is said to represent poetry in classical Aztec society.

Reinventing the Aztecs - part three Mexican history 2008

It has also been argued that the Aztecs did not have a concept of "art for art's sake" and therefore it is potentially misleading to translate and interpret in xochitl in cuicatl as "poetry."

Reinventing the Aztecs - part two Mexican history 2008

Chimalli xochitl in cuepontimani in mahuiztli moteca molinia in tlalli

Reinventing the Aztecs - part two Mexican history 2008

For some researchers this gentle, artistic side of the Aztec character is expressed in the Nahuatl phrase in xochitl in cuicatl ( "The Flower, the Song"), which is said to represent the art of poetry among the Aztecs, as well as other artistic activities.

Reinventing the Aztecs, part one 2008

Chimalli xochitl in cuepontimani in mahuiztli moteca molinia in tlalli

Reinventing the Aztecs - part two Mexican history 2008

Two Mexican scholars, A. Garibay (deceased) and M. León-Portilla have been instrumental in promoting the view that the Nahuatl phrase in xochitl in cuicatl signifies poetry and that certain classes of Aztec society were genuine poets and philosophers.

Reinventing the Aztecs - part two Mexican history 2008