The Legendary Quetzal

back to
Mysterious and yet so clear

last update:
29 June 1997, by
Sybe Visser

The quetzal was important for the Mayas and the Aztecs. Both cultures worshiped a god with the name Quetzalcoatl (also called Kukulcan). This god was wearing a hairdress of quetzal feathers.

Wearing quetzal feathers was only allowed to priests. The feathers are said to be taken from living birds. The birds were then released to grow new feathers.

The quetzal became a symbol of freedom for the indigenous people in the time that the Spanish conquered Central America. In Guatemala this is nowadays still reflected, the quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala, the national currency is called "quetzal", and the quetzal is pictured on the flag.

The quetzal symbolizes many things as becomes clear from this poem:

Of emeralds and rubies you were formed
The Jewel of the Cloud Forest
A shimmering bolt of Green Lightning
The Resplendent Quetzal-Serpent.

Ancient sages named you Kukulcan
Their supreme symbol of Light and Freedom
The Heart of Heaven, the Herald of Tatixel
Huahop, Owner of the world, giver of Wisdom

the original source of this text is unknown to me.
I found it inThor Janson, In the land of Green Lightning

Symbol of Freedom
The quetzal has become a symbol of freedom, because it was believed that it would not survive in captivity. There should be a legend about how the quetzal dies of a broken heart when held in captivity.

Another story explains how the quetzal got its red breast in the struggle for freedom and independency:
In 1524, when the Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado defeated the Mayan chieftain Tecun Uman, a gilt-and-green quetzal alighted on the Indian's chest at the moment he fell mortally wounded; when the bird took off again, his breast was stained with the brilliant crimson blood of the Mayan.
(quoted from: Costa Rica Handbook by Christopher Baker)