Matlal Ilhuitl, a name from the Nahuatl language first spoken by the Aztecs more than 1,500 years ago. It was given to her by her family, one of a dwindling few in Mexico that still speak the Nahuatl tongue and still identify themselves as Aztec.
Beautiful as they look, they don't do it for show. There are no spectators and no tourists snapping pictures. They dance only for themselves.
"Wherever we go, we invite young people to participate in this and to know the roots of their Mexico," says Matlal.
But the dances, which pay homage to nature (and the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water), teach more than just history. They are a means to connect the dancers to the root of their being and to the essence of life itself - one that is grounded in nature and respect for all living beings. For the young people, especially, they form a rite of passage in a world devoid of many meaningful rituals.
MATLAL'S MESSAGE TO YOUTH
During this time of human transition, it is necessary to take the initiative and have the strength to make a change in our lives, which are soaked in the daily routines of society. We must look back and return to our elders, know where we have come from and where we are going so that we can walk with dignity in this world, which is carrying our people to chaos and unconsciousness.
For thousands of years, the ancient traditions of this continent have lived in harmony with the Earth. Today is the moment to reclaim the teachings they left behind and put them into practice in our own lives. We are few and these few are divided. We must bring together our hearts and hope, in order to make real what our elders used to say: "Unity, as the beginning of our greatness."
Knowing that the children are the seeds of humanity, we have the responsibility to guide them with our consciousness. So let us begin to work with our own family, with our youth and elders, with our men and our women.
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Beautiful as they look, they don't do it for show. There are no spectators and no tourists snapping pictures. They dance only for themselves.
"Wherever we go, we invite young people to participate in this and to know the roots of their Mexico," says Matlal.
But the dances, which pay homage to nature (and the four elements of earth, wind, fire, and water), teach more than just history. They are a means to connect the dancers to the root of their being and to the essence of life itself - one that is grounded in nature and respect for all living beings. For the young people, especially, they form a rite of passage in a world devoid of many meaningful rituals.
MATLAL'S MESSAGE TO YOUTH
During this time of human transition, it is necessary to take the initiative and have the strength to make a change in our lives, which are soaked in the daily routines of society. We must look back and return to our elders, know where we have come from and where we are going so that we can walk with dignity in this world, which is carrying our people to chaos and unconsciousness.
For thousands of years, the ancient traditions of this continent have lived in harmony with the Earth. Today is the moment to reclaim the teachings they left behind and put them into practice in our own lives. We are few and these few are divided. We must bring together our hearts and hope, in order to make real what our elders used to say: "Unity, as the beginning of our greatness."
Knowing that the children are the seeds of humanity, we have the responsibility to guide them with our consciousness. So let us begin to work with our own family, with our youth and elders, with our men and our women.
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