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Purépecha deities facts for kids

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The Purépecha people of ancient Mexico believed in many gods and goddesses. Their religion was polytheistic, meaning they worshipped more than one deity. These gods and goddesses were important for different parts of their lives, like the sun, creation, water, and war.

Here are some of their main gods and goddesses:

  • Curicaveri - The Sun god
  • Cuerauáperi - The Creation goddess
  • Xarátanga - The Water goddess
  • Cuitzeo - The War god
  • Auicamine - The Evil goddess
  • Pehuame - The Birth goddess (a special form of Cuerauáperi)
  • Jurhiata - (a special form of Curicaveri)

Important Purépecha Deities

The Purépecha had a rich mythology with many powerful gods. Each deity had a special role and was honored in different ways.

Name What they were known for
Curicaueri Known as "The Great Fire," Curicaueri was the most important god. He was the god of the sun and fire. Priests and leaders would paint themselves black to honor him. People believed he was connected to the sun itself.
Cupantziere This god was known as the "old sun." In a myth, he played a ball game against the night and lost. But his son, Siratatáperi (the young sun), helped him come back to life as a deer. Deer were seen as sacred animals linked to the sun.
Cuerauaperi Her name means "the one that unties in the womb." She was seen as the mother of all gods, people, animals, and plants. She was very important for birth and creation. Her main holy place was in Zinapécuaro.
Curitacaheri This god was a great priest and a messenger for the Sun god. He was also connected to the Sea God. People would offer shells to him.
Urendequauecara/Hurendequauecara This deity was linked to the morning star, which is the planet Venus. They were also connected to the eastern direction and the War God Pungarancha.
Tiripemes/Tiripemencha These were the gods of the "four parts of the world." They were thought to be siblings of Curicaueri.
  • Tiripeme-xungápeti was the "yellow God" of the north.
  • Tiripeme-turupten was the "white God" of the west.
  • Tiripeme-caheri was the "black God" of the south.
  • Tiripeme-quarencha was the "red God" of the east.
Angamu Curacha These were the gods of the forests. They watched over the trees and wild places.
God of Hell This god was honored during a special celebration called Cuingo. This celebration involved important rituals.
Xaratanga Her name means "the one that appears on top" or "the one that shines." She was the goddess of the moon and helped things grow. She took care of plants, people, and animals.
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Purépecha deities Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.