Explanatory myths are stories which provide a mythological explanation for peculiar things in nature or certain events and customs of which the origin has long been forgotten. What are the explanatory myths of your culture?

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Tonalpohualli is The sacred calendar, the tonalpohualli divides the year and assigns each segment to be ruled over by a certain god. The tradition in Aztec mythology that the gods are constantly warring is honored by this calendar system. By giving a different section of the year, as well as different social groups, ect., the gods are kept from going to war and destroying the universe. Like the tradition of sacrifice, this calendar is another way for humans to do their part to prevent the universe from being destroyed.

The tonalpohualli is a 260-day calendar, divided into twenty months, called trecenas, of thirteen days. Each trecena is ruled over by a different god. The priests used this calendar to determine lucky days for planting crops, building houses and going to war.