
Death in Mesoamerica
In Mesoamerican cultures, death was viewed as a vital transition rather than an end. They believed in an afterlife and had complex rituals to honor the deceased. For example, the Aztecs celebrated the dead with offerings and believed that souls journeyed to a special afterworld called Mictlan. Their artwork, mythology, and ceremonies reflected a nuanced understanding of life's cycle, emphasizing continuity and rebirth. Death was integrated into their spiritual worldview, symbolizing an essential part of existence that connected the living with the spiritual realm.