The Mexican flag features an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake. This iconic image has deep roots in Mexican history and culture. The eagle and snake symbolize the founding of Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of the Aztec empire and what would later become Mexico City.
Origin Story of Tenochtitlan
According to Aztec legend, the Mexica people were wandering for years in search of a new home when they received a divine sign. Their patron deity Huitzilopochtli told them they would know where to build their city when they saw an eagle perched on a cactus eating a snake.
In 1325, the Mexica arrived at Lake Texcoco where they saw just such a sight on a small island. Taking it as a sign, they built their city Tenochtitlan on that spot. Over the next 200 years, it would grow into a sprawling metropolis and the center of the powerful Aztec empire.
The eagle on the cactus devouring the snake became the official symbol of Tenochtitlan. When Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortes arrived in 1519, this was the banner the Aztecs flew over their magnificent city.
Meaning of the Eagle and Snake
The eagle and snake represent the prophecy that led to the founding of Tenochtitlan. But they also carry deeper symbolic meaning:
The Eagle – The eagle represents the sun god Huitzilopochtli. Eagles are associated with the sun in Aztec culture because they soar high into the sky. The eagle on the cactus symbolizes Huitzilopochtli looking down on his people and guiding them to their promised land.
The Snake – The snake represents Copil, the nephew of Huitzilopochtli. According to myth, Copil grew jealous of Huitzilopochtli’s power. The two fought, and Huitzilopochtli killed Copil and buried his heart in the middle of Lake Texcoco. Where Copil’s heart was buried, a cactus grew as a sign of his defeat. So the snake symbolizes Copil’s defeat by Huitzilopochtli.
The Cactus – The cactus represents the heart of Copil buried on the island. It’s a symbol of Tenochtitlan’s origins rising up from the lake. The nopal cactus was also a sacred plant to the Aztecs and remains an important symbol of Mexican national identity.
So in summary, the eagle, snake, and cactus together represent the prophecy that led to the Aztec capital, the victory of Huitzilopochtli over Copil, and Tenochtitlan rising from humble beginnings in the lake to become a powerful empire.
Significance in Mexican History
After the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire, the eagle and snake continued to represent the Mexican people. It became associated with Mexican independence and nationalism.
When Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the new government kept the eagle and snake as the central part of the Mexican coat of arms. It symbolized freedom from colonial rule and pride in Mexico’s ancient indigenous roots.
Here are some key moments when the eagle and snake symbolized Mexican nationalism:
- 1824 – The newly independent Mexican government made the eagle and snake on the cactus the central image on the Mexican flag
- 1867 – During the Second Mexican Empire, Napoleon III tried unsuccessfully to change the Mexican flag. Its restoration after his defeat was seen as a reassertion of Mexican sovereignty.
- 1968 – Protesting students carried the Mexican flag with the eagle and snake into the Tlatelolco massacre, where the government killed dozens of unarmed civilians.
- 1985 – After a major earthquake damaged Mexico City, rescue workers raised a Mexican flag with the eagle and snake atop the rubble in a sign of resilience.
So while originating as a legend of Tenochtitlan’s founding, the eagle and snake grew to represent courage, independence, and Mexican national pride.
Modern Meaning and Significance
Today the eagle and snake retain deep significance for Mexico:
- The eagle and snake are understood by all Mexicans to represent the origins of their country and people.
- They symbolize native Mexican identity, reminding Mexicans of their roots going back centuries before European colonization.
- The Mexican flag with the eagle and snake is a strong national symbol displayed proudly by Mexicans at home and abroad.
- For Mexico City residents, the eagle and snake evoke local pride and connection to the legendary founding of their city.
- The image represents freedom from oppression, both from Spanish colonizers historically and internal corruption and oppression today.
So the eagle and snake continue to be a symbol of indigenous Mexican identity, culture, and freedom. They inspire patriotism and remind Mexicans to stay connected to their roots and fight against injustice. This powerful image from ancient prophecy remains a defining symbol of Mexico.
Conclusion
The eagle and snake on the Mexican flag originated from the legend of Tenochtitlan’s founding by the Aztecs. The eagle represents the sun god who led them to the site, while the snake symbolizes the god’s enemy buried there. Over time, the iconic image grew to symbolize Mexican independence and nationalism in the face of colonization. Today the eagle and snake remain a strong national symbol that connects Mexicans to their indigenous heritage and freedom. For Mexico City residents, they inspire local pride and a bond to the city’s legendary origins. The eagle warrior devouring the snake continues to represent the Mexican spirit and people’s struggle against injustice.