Chalchiuhtlicue

by Dr Anthony E. Smart

 
This Aztec Goddess, whose name means “jade skirt” or “lady precious gren”, was matron of lakes and streams. A personification of youthful beauty and ardour, Chalchiuhtlicue was represented as a river from which grew a prickly pear tree laden with fruit, symbolising the human heart. She ruled over all the waters of the earth; oceans, rivers, rain, etc., but was also associated with marriage. Her husband is Tlaloc, the god of rain.