symbolism of this grand cycle, with the suggestive coincidence that there are two pairs of different size, each pair with eight knots (two for a leg), or be it the expression of 416 years. The Cipactli which they have on the heel strap confirms our interpretation, since the said character is the initial in the three computations: Venus calendar, solar calendar and tonalámatl. In the magnificent monument of Cuauhtemotzin, the architect (Señor Francisco M. Jiménez), probably without intention, reproduces the great sacred period, since pairs of columns with eight knots support the statue.
But what is currently admitted with respect to the knots or tyings of the serpents of the relief, is that they are of the value of thirteen years, indicating a xiuhtlalpilli of 52 years in each serpent and between the two the 104 years read in the meeting of the heads. As the period of 416 years is already expressed by the little bars, we do not find it inconvenient to accept this interpretation, which offers advantages of which we shall speak later. They are then the four tlalpilli of 13 years, which make up the period at the end of which the ceremony of the new fire took place; perhaps this is why they are seen united, while when the knots represent a complete cycle, each appears as separated from the others.
The dots of the serpents have been counted by Senor Chavero, who forms the year with them; we make a double reading encountering as a result of the first the tonalámatl, and of the second 366 days.
p) We have not spoken of the seven stars which crown the plumes of the heads The line that traverses them midway clearly indicates that they are stars. It has been said that they represent the Pleiades, mentioned by Sahagún in his description of the xiuhmolpia (festival of the renovation of the fire), and we have no reason for denying it. The meeting of the tongues representing a great cycle in which two xiuhmalpia fit, it is explained why these stars appear repeated, that is to say, why two groups of seven are counted in the plumages; each xiuhmalpia supposes the culmination of the constellation, signal indicated for the ceremony.
Let us state in this connection an hypothesis which does not basally alter the preceding. If the Mexican year began in the winter solstice, between December 21 and 26 as there are various reasons to believe, the constellation which then culminated at midnight is Orion and not the Pleiades. Orion shows clearly the form of a great butterfly, in which we ourselves recognize the beautiful Itzpapálotl (butterfly of obsidian knives, or of sparks) of the Indians. The Aztecs, not
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