Culture

Maize in Ancient Civilizations

Due to the significance of maize in modern day Mexico, the Aztecs worshiped several deities for good harvest. Two of those deities were Chicomecōātl and Centeōtl .

Chicomecōātl

Chicomecōātl was an Aztec Goddess of Sustenance, particularly for edible plants and corn. She is particularly recognized during Huey Tozoztli, the festival for the planting of the maize seeds.

Centeōtl

Centeōtl was the male aspect of the Aztec Maize Deity. Similar to Chicomecōātl, he was also worshiped during Huey Tozoztli, promising good harvest after the seeds have been planted.

The Modern Influence of Corn

Corn has emerged as one of the most valuable and versatile crops in the world, and modern society has many instances where that is reflected.

Huehuetenango

Huehuetenango, Guatemala is a big cultural center for corn. Prior to the industrialization of corn production, a big focus of family life was centered around maintaining a balance between replanting, eating, and selling corn produce.

Women in Huehuetenango were primarily responsible for the crops; they decided which ears where to be replanted, which were to be sold, and which were to be consumed. Planting and maintaining the crops was a major event that everyone participated in.

Overtime, however, modern industrialization has made it harder for smaller farmers like those in Huehuetenango to keep up with larger farms. The changing influence of corn has shifted everything about the town, from primary sources of income to gender roles.

Corn on a Global Stage

Today, corn is one of the most produced crops in the world: in 2021 around 1210 million metric tons of corn were harvested, second only to sugar cane. The largest producers of corn are the US and China, who together account for 53% of the world's corn production.

See Corn in Global Politics for more information.

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