The Rabbit Scale of Intoxication

The Divine Origins of Pulque

In Aztec mythology, Tepoztecatl (also known as Tezcatzontecatl) was revered as the god of pulque, drunkenness, and fertility. He was born as one of the four hundred sons of Mayahuel, the deity embodying the agave plant used to produce pulque. Tepoztecatl’s lineage, thus, closely tied him to the intoxicating drink. His father, Pantecatl, was credited with discovering the fermentation process that gave rise to pulque, highlighting its divine origins.

Pulque: More Than Just a Drink

Pulque, a fermented beverage made from agave (or maguey) juice, held profound religious and cultural significance in Aztec society. It was not merely a beverage but also a central element in various religious rituals and ceremonies.

Tepoztecatl and Ome Tochtli: The Pulque Deities

In some legends, Tepoztecatl was equated with Ome Tochtli (Two Rabbits), the chief of the four hundred pulque gods. However, regional variations sometimes distinguished between the two deities. As a god associated with pulque, Tepoztecatl was also linked to fertility rites and the moon, showcasing the diverse aspects of his worship.

Tepoztecatl in Tepoztlan

In the town of Tepoztlan, now situated in Morelos, Mexico, Tepoztecatl was revered as a tribal god. The Pyramid of Tepozteco (or El Tepozteco) served as a pilgrimage site, drawing Aztecs from distant regions like Chiapas and Guatemala to worship the pulque god of the four hundred rabbits. However, in the 16th century, the temple statue of Tepoztecatl was destroyed by the Dominican priest Domingo de la Anunciacion, marking a turning point in Aztec beliefs and practices.

Symbols and Depictions

Depictions of Tepoztecatl often portrayed him with his nose pointing upwards and his face divided into halves, one red and one black. The rabbit, symbolizing fertility and abundance, was closely associated with the god of pulque in Aztec mythology. This association led to the use of pulque gods’ names to describe various levels of drunkenness, such as “four hundred rabbits” signifying complete intoxication and “fifteen to twenty rabbits” indicating mild inebriation.

The Aztec Scale of Intoxication

The Aztecs’ use of the “rabbit” scale to describe intoxication levels, ranging from 25 rabbits to 400 rabbits, stands out as a unique and vivid portrayal of drunkenness in any historical or cultural context worldwide.