. The myths of Mexico and Peru. The Demon Izpuzteque Photo Hansel! & Co. 40 THE BIRTH-CYCLE The Dread of the Last Day With the conclusion of each period of fifty-two yearsa terrible dread came upon the Mexicans that the worldwould come to an end. A stated period of time hadexpired, a period which was regarded as fixed by divinecommand, and it had been ordained that on the com-pletion of one of those series of fifty-two years earthlytime would cease and the universe be demolished. Forsome time before the ceremony of toxilmolpilia (thebinding up of the years) the Mexicans abandonedthemselves to
. The myths of Mexico and Peru. The Demon Izpuzteque Photo Hansel! & Co. 40 THE BIRTH-CYCLE The Dread of the Last Day With the conclusion of each period of fifty-two yearsa terrible dread came upon the Mexicans that the worldwould come to an end. A stated period of time hadexpired, a period which was regarded as fixed by divinecommand, and it had been ordained that on the com-pletion of one of those series of fifty-two years earthlytime would cease and the universe be demolished. Forsome time before the ceremony of toxilmolpilia (thebinding up of the years) the Mexicans abandonedthemselves to the utmost prostration, and the wickedwent about in terrible fear. As the first day of thefifty-third year dawned the people narrowly observedthe Pleiades, for if they passed the zenith time wouldproceed and the world would be respited. The godswere placated or refreshed by the slaughter of thehuman victim, on whose still living breast a fire ofwood was kindled by friction, the heart and body beingconsumed by the flames so
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