TEPEYAC Meaning and
Definition
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Tepeyac, derived from the Nahuatl language, is a geographical term referring to a specific hill located in present-day Mexico City. The word is composed of two parts: "tepetl" meaning hill or mountain, and "yacatl" denoting nose, point, or summit. As such, Tepeyac translates to "the hill or mountain point."
More specifically, when used in the context of Mexico City's history and culture, Tepeyac holds great significance due to its association with the iconic Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important religious sites in Mexico and the Americas. According to religious tradition, this hill is where the Virgin Mary appeared to the indigenous peasant, Juan Diego, in 1531. The name Tepeyac is often utilized to refer directly to the hill where this divine apparition occurred, as well as to the general area surrounding it.
Today, the term Tepeyac has become synonymous with Our Lady of Guadalupe and the centuries-old belief in her presence in this specific location. It holds religious, historical, and cultural significance for millions of followers who pilgrimage to the Basilica every year. Tepeyac has become an enduring symbol of faith, devotion, and national pride in Mexico, embodying the profound impact that religious narratives can have on a community's identity and sense of place.
Etymology of TEPEYAC
The word "Tepeyac" is derived from the Nahuatl language, which was spoken by the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples in Central Mexico. In Nahuatl, "tepeyac" (pronounced te-pe-yak) means "the hump" or "the nose".
The name Tepeyac is most famously associated with the hill where the Virgin Mary is believed to have appeared several times to the indigenous peasant Juan Diego in 1531, according to traditional accounts from the Catholic Church. Today, this apparition site, known as the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, is one of Mexico's most important religious sites.
