IS THE PLACE OF MIKITZLI, OR DEATH.  THE ANCIENTS DID NOT FEAR DEATH, BUT INSTEAD, VIEWED DEATH AS A CONTINUATION OF LIFE, A PASSING ON INTO ANOTHER WORLD.  THE DUALITY OF LIFE AND DEATH AS ONE CONTINUOUS CYCLE IS NATURE.  FLOWERS BLOOM IN SPRING AND CONTINUE TO GROW THROUGH THE SUMMER.  IN THE FALL THE FLOWERS WILT AND  DIE IN THE WINTER.  TLAZOLTEOTL IS THE REGENERATIVE ENERGY OF THE EARTH MOTHER WHO RECYCLES ALL THE DEAD ORGANIC MATTER. OUT OF THE TRANSFORMATION NEW LIFE IS BORN THE  FOLLOWING SPRING.   IN THIS NATURAL PROCESS WE HUMANS EAT THE PLANTS FOR SUSTENANCE.  WHEN WE DIE WE RETURN TO THE EARTH, GIVING LIFE BACK TO THE PLANTS.

WHEN THE PHYSICAL BODY IS SHED THE SPIRIT CONTINUES ON.  THE ANCIENT MEXICA BELIEVED THAT WHEN A PERSON DIES THEIR SPIRIT BEGINS A FOUR YEAR JOURNEY TO THEIR RESTING PLACE, MIKTLAN.  PRAYERS WERE SAID FOR THE DECEASED TO AID THEM ON THEIR JOURNEY.  TODAY, DURING THE  MEXICAN CELEBRATION OF DIA DE LOS MUERTOS THE DECEASED COME TO VISIT WITH THE LIVING.  OFFERINGS OF FOOD AND FLOWERS ARE MADE TO THOSE LOVED ONES WHO HAVE PASSED ON TO THE SPIRIT WORLD.  IT IS A TIME OF REMEMBRANCE. THE MODERN MEXICAN CELEBRATION OF DIA DE LOS MUERTOS IS AN ANCIENT TRADITION THAT HAS CONTINUED TO THIS DAY.