Bochica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bochica |
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| Education, messenger god | |
| Member of Muisca religion | |
Monument to Bochica in Cuítiva
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| Other names | Nemquetaha, Nemqueteba, Sadigua |
| Affiliation | Chiminigagua |
| Region | Altiplano Cundiboyacense |
| Ethnic group | Muisca |
| Greek equivalent | Hermes |
| Roman equivalent | Mercurius |
Bochica (also called Nemquetaha, Nemqueteba, or Sadigua) is a very important figure in the religion of the Muisca people. They lived in the central Andean highlands of what is now Colombia. This was before the Spanish arrived.
Bochica was seen as the founding hero of the Muisca civilization. Legends say he brought important rules and laws to the people. He also taught them how to farm and create beautiful crafts.
Contents
Who Was Bochica?
Bochica is often described in legends as having a beard. This is similar to other gods from ancient American cultures. For example, the Incan god Viracocha and the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl were also shown with beards.
It is important to know that these beards were likely symbolic. They might have been made of feathers or other materials. They were not necessarily like the beards of Europeans. Early Spanish explorers sometimes misunderstood these descriptions.
The Legend of Bochica
According to Muisca legends, Bochica was a wise man. He came from the east and helped the Muisca people.
Bochica's Teachings
Bochica taught the Muisca people many important things.
- He showed them how to live by good rules and morals.
- He helped them organize their society. They learned to have both a spiritual leader and a leader for daily life.
- Bochica also taught them how to farm the land.
- He showed them how to work with metals and make other useful items.
After teaching them these skills, Bochica left the Muisca people. He went to the west to live a simple life.
The Great Flood
Later, the Muisca people forgot Bochica's teachings. They started to live in a way that was not good. Because of this, a huge flood covered the Savannah of Bogotá, where they lived.
The Muisca people asked their hero, Bochica, for help. Bochica returned to them on a rainbow. He used his staff to strike the ground. This created the amazing Tequendama Falls. The floodwaters then drained away through these falls, saving the Muisca people.
Bochica's Travels
Bochica appeared in different places in the Muisca lands.
- He first appeared in Pasca in Cundinamarca.
- Later, he visited Gámeza, in Boyacá. The people there welcomed him kindly.
- Bochica then went to the Toya cave. Many local leaders, called caciques, visited him there. They came from places like Tópaga, Tota, Pesca, and Firavitoba. They sought his wisdom and advice.
The supreme god of the Muisca, Chiminigagua, sent the people to Sugamuxi. This city became a very sacred place. The Temple of the Sun was built there. Many religious festivals were held to celebrate Bochica's arrival.
Images for kids
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Monument to Bochica in Cuítiva
See also
In Spanish: Bochica para niños
