Cihuatlán
Encyclopedia
Cihuatlán is a coastal municipality in the Mexican state of Jalisco
. Its main city is also named Cihuatlán. It existed when the Spanish first seized Mexico from the Aztecs and was fittingly allowed to retain its name, which in the nahuat language means place of women.
origin, a language spoken in Central Mexico since the seventh century AD and the language of the Aztecs: Zihua, woman, and Tlán place; therefore Cihuatlán means place of women.
The town was founded on the Marabasco river, and at the time of the Spanish conquest its population was about 500 women and only 20 men. The first Spanish expedition to the Jalisco coastal zone was led by Gonzalo de Sandoval
and in a message from Hernán Cortés
to the King of Spain, dated 1528, it is mentioned that the Province of Cihuatlán was, indeed, a 'place of women'. It also had valuables such as gold and pearls.
By decree of the President of the Republic of Mexico, on December 16, 1825, the harbour Barra de Navidad
was rebuilt in order to accommodate local and foreign trade.
Jalisco
Jalisco officially Estado Libre y Soberano de Jalisco is one of the 31 states which, with the Federal District, comprise the 32 Federal Entities of Mexico. It is located in Western Mexico and divided in 125 municipalities and its capital city is Guadalajara.It is one of the more important states...
. Its main city is also named Cihuatlán. It existed when the Spanish first seized Mexico from the Aztecs and was fittingly allowed to retain its name, which in the nahuat language means place of women.
Etymology
The word Cihuatlán is compounded of two words of nahuatlNahuatl
Nahuatl is thought to mean "a good, clear sound" This language name has several spellings, among them náhuatl , Naoatl, Nauatl, Nahuatl, Nawatl. In a back formation from the name of the language, the ethnic group of Nahuatl speakers are called Nahua...
origin, a language spoken in Central Mexico since the seventh century AD and the language of the Aztecs: Zihua, woman, and Tlán place; therefore Cihuatlán means place of women.
History
Gonzalo de Sandoval
Gonzalo de Sandoval was a Spanish conquistador in New Spain and briefly co-governor of the colony while Hernan Cortés was away from the capital .-Arrival in New Spain:Sandoval was the youngest of the lieutenants of Cortés. They arrived together in New Spain in 1519...
and in a message from Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés
Hernán Cortés de Monroy y Pizarro, 1st Marquis of the Valley of Oaxaca was a Spanish Conquistador who led an expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire and brought large portions of mainland Mexico under the rule of the King of Castile in the early 16th century...
to the King of Spain, dated 1528, it is mentioned that the Province of Cihuatlán was, indeed, a 'place of women'. It also had valuables such as gold and pearls.
By decree of the President of the Republic of Mexico, on December 16, 1825, the harbour Barra de Navidad
Barra de Navidad
Barra de Navidad is a small town located on the western coast-line of the Mexican state of Jalisco.The town of Barra de Navidad with a population of 7000+ is a small farming and fishing community located on the east end of the Bahía de Navidad, 60 km north of Manzanillo...
was rebuilt in order to accommodate local and foreign trade.
Coat of arms
The Cihuatlán coat of arms is in a French style with cross-sectioning. In the upper right section is the image of a pre-Hispanic woman's head. In the upper left section is a ship sailing on the sea. In the bottom right section is a religious building and in the bottom left section, a view of a fertile valley.Most important villages
- Cihuatlán, 15,697 inhabitants (2005)
- Melaque 6,379 inhabitants
- Barra de Navidad 3,386 inhabitants
- Jaluco 2,182 inhabitants
- Emiliano Zapata 1,589 inhabitants
See also
- Rudo y CursiRudo y CursiRudo y Cursi is a 2008 Mexican film starring Diego Luna, Gael García Bernal and Guillermo Francella. It is directed by Carlos Cuarón and produced by Cha Cha Cha Films...