Editing Tlaltecuhtli (section)

== Rites and rituals ==
Since Tlaltecuhtli's body was transformed into the geographical features, the Mexica attributed strange sounds from the earth as either the screams of Tlaltecuhtli in her dismembered agony, or her calls for human blood to feed her. As a source of life, it was thought necessary to appease Tlaltecuhtli with blood sacrifices, especially human hearts. The Aztecs believed that Tlaltecuhtli's insatiable appetite had to be satisfied or the goddess would cease her nourishment of the earth and crops would fail.<ref name=":7" />

The Mexica believe Tlaltecuhtli to swallow the sun between her massive jaws at dusk, and regurgitate it the next morning at dawn. The fear that this cycle could be interrupted, like during solar eclipses, was often the cause of uneasiness and increased ritual sacrifice.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|title=Florentine Codex|last=de Sahagún|first=Bernardino|year=1590|chapter=Book 6}}</ref> Tlaltecuhtli's connection to the sun ensured that she was included in the prayers offered to [[Tezcatlipoca]] before Aztec military campaigns.<ref name=":5" />

Finally, because of Tlaltecuhtli's association with fertility, midwives called on her aid during difficult births—when an "infant warrior" threatened to kill the mother during labor.<ref name=":0" />