The Xiuhtecuhtli reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Xiuhtecuhtli

Statue of Huehueteotl in Tijuana, MexicoEnlarge

Statue of Huehueteotl in Tijuana, Mexico

In Aztec mythology, Xiuhtecuhtli (also Huehueteotl ("old god") was the personification of life after death, light in darkness and food during famine. He was usually depicted with a red or yellow face and a censer on his head. His wife was Chalciuhtlicue.

At the end of the Aztec century (52 years), the gods were thought to be able to end their covenant with humanity. Feasts were held in honor of Xiuhtecuhtli to keep his favors, and human sacrifices were burned after removing their heart.