The turkey is a gift from Mexico to the world.
Commonly known in Mexico as “guajolote“, the word comes from the Nahuatl huexólotl and can be translated as “great monstrous bird“.
This meaning refers to what is not ordinary, it is evidence of the divine.
In Mexico, the turkey is also called pipila, pavo, pipilo, huilo or totol.
History
Although the origin of the turkey is not known, the wild turkey is believed to have been domesticated by the Maya and pre-Aztecs more than 2000 years ago. The oldest records of its domestication have been found in central Mexico, in archeological sites in places like Temamatla and Tlatilco.
The wild turkey is believed to have been domesticated by early Mexicans more than 2000 years ago.
In Pre-Hispanic times the turkey was domesticated and consumed. This would seem a logical choice as its flight is limited, and its size can feed groups of people. The turkey was used in pre-Columbian cuisine during great festivities (a custom that remains in some regions of Mexico). Turkey was consumed especially, during the Panquetzalitzli which was celebrated on the winter solstice. This festival was held in honor of Huitzilopochtli’s victory.
In New Spain, consumption was limited to upper-class people.
Historically, the turkey has historically contributed to the food and economic sustenance of rural communities in Mexico.
Characteristics
The turkey is a bird native to the north of the American continent.
In Mexico, the turkey is considered an animal of great economic, cultural, and social value.
There are two types of Mexican turkey; wild guajolotl (Meleagris gallopavo) and ocellated (Agriocharis ocellata). The first is found in temperate climate zones from Canada to the states of Oaxaca and Veracruz. The ocellate is found further south, in regions of the states of Campeche, Yucatan, Chiapas, Quintana Roo and Tabasco.
Today, turkey continues to be important for communities in Mexico. In fact, researchers of the Institute of Anthropological Research of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), point out some of them.
In Milpa Alta, Mexico City, for example, it is believed that there is a very strong link between Nahualism and turkey. It is thought that at night, Nahuales can take the form of these birds.
In Mexico, the turkey is considered an animal of great economic, cultural, and social value.
Author: AllGoodsOnline
References
Arqueologia Mexicana