The golden eagle holds great cultural significance in Mexico and has been an important symbol for the country for centuries. Here are some of the key reasons why this majestic bird was chosen as Mexico’s national animal:
The golden eagle was sacred to the Aztec civilization
The golden eagle, or águila real in Spanish, was considered sacred by the Aztec civilization that ruled over much of what is now Mexico until the 16th century. The Aztecs believed the eagle was the messenger of the sun god Huitzilopochtli. Eagles were seen as a symbol of warriors and warfare, representing strength, courage and power.
The Aztecs incorporated the golden eagle into their mythology, rituals and architecture. Eagles can be found carved into Aztec temples and pyramids, demonstrating their cultural significance. Several Aztec gods were depicted as eagles or with eagle-like features.
When the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan fell to the Spanish conquistadors in 1521, the golden eagle remained an important symbol of Mexican culture and history. The respect and reverence for the eagle continued even after the fall of the Aztec empire.
The eagle features on Mexico’s coat of arms
Mexico’s coat of arms, which originated in the 16th century during Spanish rule, prominently features a golden eagle. The coat of arms has a depiction of an eagle standing on a cactus plant, clutching a serpent in its beak and talons.
This image refers to the Aztec legend of Tenochtitlan’s founding. According to legend, the Aztecs built their city on an island in Lake Texcoco where they spotted an eagle eating a snake while perched on a cactus. This legend was symbolic of the Aztec’s warrior culture and the eagle’s association with warfare.
By incorporating the eagle motif into Mexico’s official coat of arms, the golden eagle’s role as a national symbol was established. Even after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, the same coat of arms depicting the eagle and serpent was retained.
The eagle represented Mexico during French occupation
During the French occupation of Mexico from 1861 to 1867, the golden eagle became associated with resistance and opposition to foreign intervention. When the French occupied Mexico City, Mexican patriots would fly the Mexican flag with the eagle and serpent coat of arms upside down as a sign of protest.
The eagle came to represent independence and defiance during this period. By flying the flag with the eagle upside down, Mexicans showed they still considered themselves the lawful citizens of an occupied country. This helped cement the golden eagle’s status as a symbol of autonomy and courage in Mexico.
It officially became the national animal in 1968
In 1968, the golden eagle was officially declared the national animal of Mexico through an amendment to Article 3 of the Law on the National Arms, Flag and Anthem. This legal recognition came over 100 years after the eagle was first incorporated into Mexico’s coat of arms.
The amendment established the golden eagle as a national symbol of Mexico, alongside pre-existing official symbols like the Mexican flag and coat of arms. Declaring the eagle as the national animal reflected the country’s desire to formally recognize the eagle’s cultural significance.
The eagle represents boldness and fortitude
What makes the golden eagle fitting as a national symbol is that it represents many qualities often associated with the Mexican people and culture. Eagles are seen as bold, brave, proud, determined and persistent – qualities valued in Mexican society.
The eagle has come to epitomize the rugged, independent and enduring character of Mexico. Its association with the once-mighty Aztec civilization also represents the country’s rich cultural history and heritage.
As a bird of prey that thrives in diverse landscapes from mountains to deserts, the golden eagle embodies the resilient spirit of the Mexican people.
It is native to Mexico
The golden eagle is native to Mexico and found across the country from the northern Sierra Madre mountains to the Baja California peninsula in the northwest. There are believed to be thousands of golden eagles living in Mexico.
Some key facts about golden eagles in Mexico:
- They have wingspans averaging over 6 feet wide.
- They mate for life, returning to the same nesting sites each year.
- Their main food source is rabbits and hares, but they also hunt small mammals, birds and reptiles.
- While once endangered in Mexico, their numbers have recovered thanks to conservation efforts. They remain a protected species.
So the golden eagle has a natural claim to being a Mexican national symbol, since Mexico is home to large populations of this majestic bird of prey.
Conclusion
In summary, the golden eagle holds deep cultural roots in Mexico, due to its sacred symbolism to the Aztec civilization. It features heavily on Mexico’s coat of arms dating back to Spanish colonial rule. The eagle came to represent autonomy and defiance when Mexico was occupied by the French in the 1860s. It was finally officially declared the national animal in 1968.
Beyond itssymbolic importance, the golden eagle epitomizes Mexican attributes like fortitude, independence and resilience. As a species native to Mexico found across the countryside, it is a fitting natural representation as the national animal.
