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The Mysterious Origins of the Agave Plant in Tequila
Tequila is one of the most famous alcoholic drinks in the world, and for good reason. This distilled spirit made from the blue Weber agave plant has a distinct flavor, aroma, and history that fascinate and inspire people from different cultures and backgrounds. While tequila is often associated with parties, celebrations, and shots, it also has a deeper lore that involves mysticism, mythology, and ecology. In this blog post, we will explore some of the mystical legends surrounding the origin of tequila’s agave plant and how they contribute to the allure and identity of this Mexican icon.
Before we delve into the myths and legends, let’s start with some basic facts about the agave plant and tequila production. Agave is a succulent plant that belongs to the family Agavaceae and the genus Agave, which comprises about 200 species. The most common agaves used for tequila are the blue Weber (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul) and the lesser-known tequilana (Agave tequilana Weber var. tequilana), both of which grow in specific regions of Mexico, mainly in the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. The agave plant takes several years to mature and develop its sweet juice called aguamiel, which is extracted by skilled workers called jimadores who use a special tool called coa to remove the leaves and reach the pina, the heart or core of the plant, which can weigh up to 100 kilos. The piñas are then roasted in ovens or autoclaves, mashed or shredded, and fermented with yeast to produce a liquid called mosto, which is distilled in copper or stainless steel stills several times to obtain tequila. Depending on the aging process and quality standards, tequila can be classified into different categories such as blanco (unaged), reposado (aged for at least 2 months but less than a year), añejo (aged for at least a year but less than 3 years), and extra añejo (aged for 3 years or more).
Now that we have a basic understanding of what agave and tequila are, let’s see what stories and beliefs surround their origins and meanings.
The Aztec Goddess Mayahuel and the Centzon Totochtin
One of the most widespread myths about the agave plant comes from the Aztec culture, which thrived in the central and southern regions of Mexico from the 14th to the 16th century before being conquered by the Spanish. In this myth, the agave plant represents the goddess Mayahuel, who was worshipped as the patroness of fertility, nourishment, and intoxication. Mayahuel was depicted as a beautiful woman with many breasts, symbolizing her ability to nurture and feed her children. She had a twin brother or lover named Patecatl, who was the god of medicine and herbalism, and who taught humans how to use different plants for healing and pleasure. Together, Mayahuel and Patecatl were revered as the divine couple of agave, and their offspring were the Centzon Totochtin, the 400 rabbit gods of drunkenness and revelry. These rabbits were said to roam the earth and inspire people to have fun, sing, dance, and make love, while also testing their limits and causing occasional mischief. According to some versions of the myth, the Centzon Totochtin were born from the drops of blood that Mayahuel shed when she was sacrificed by the jealous gods who wanted to prevent her from sharing the secrets of agave with humans. In other versions, the rabbits were already part of the divine world and simply fell in love with the agave plant and its juices, which they considered the nectar of the gods. Whatever their origin, the Centzon Totochtin were popular among the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples who celebrated them through songs, dances, and offerings of agave-based drinks.
The Jinete Legend and the Volcano of Tequila
Another legend about the agave plant and tequila comes from a more recent source, the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920, which marked the beginning of the nation’s cultural and social identity. In this legend, a brave and skilled horse rider or jinete named Jose Cuervo was on his way back to his hometown of Tequila after selling some agave piñas in the neighboring town of Amatitán. As he was passing by the slopes of the volcano that overlooks Tequila, he suddenly saw a beautiful and mysterious woman standing among the agave fields. This woman had long black hair, dark eyes, and a white dress that sparkled under the moonlight. She was also carrying a lit torch in one hand and a sharp knife in the other. Jose Cuervo was mesmerized by her beauty and grace, but also sensed that she was not a mortal being. As he approached her, she spoke to him in a low and melodious voice, telling him that she was the spirit of the agave plant and that she had chosen him to carry on her legacy and create the best and purest tequila in the world. She then handed him her torch and knife, instructing him to use them to roast and cut the agave piñas in a special way that would enhance their flavor and aroma. Jose Cuervo accepted this mission with gratefulness and awe, and promised to honor the agave plant and its spirit with every drop of tequila he distilled.
The legend of Jose Cuervo and the agave spirit became intertwined with the history of tequila and the Cuervo family, who became one of the most prominent producers of the drink. While some scholars question the authenticity of this legend and its connection to real persons or events, it nevertheless reflects the passionate and mystical attitude that many Mexicans and tequila lovers have towards their national drink and its roots in the agave plant.
The Divine Nature of Agave and Tequila
Beyond the specific myths and legends mentioned above, the agave plant and tequila have also been associated with broader themes and symbols that transcend cultures and times. One such theme is the idea of divinity or sacredness, which can be found in the ritual and spiritual uses of agave by various indigenous peoples in Mexico, such as the Zapotecs, Mixtecs, and Huichols. For these people, agave was not only a source of food and drink, but also a means of communication with the gods and ancestors, as well as a way to heal and purify the body and soul. They used different parts of the plant for different purposes, such as the roots for anesthesia, the leaves for weaving and roofing, the fibers for clothing and crafts, and the sap for medicine and offerings. They also developed complex ceremonies and dances that involved the consumption of pulque, a fermented drink made from agave sap, which was considered a sacred and divine substance that could connect the mundane and the divine realms. These traditions and beliefs have survived to some extent in modern Mexico and have influenced the way tequila is perceived and consumed as a cultural heritage and a spiritual symbol.
Another theme related to agave and tequila is the one of transformation or metamorphosis, which reflects the alchemical and mystical properties of the drink. Like other distilled spirits, tequila undergoes a process of distillation and aging that transforms its raw and natural ingredients into a refined and complex elixir that can evoke different emotions, memories, and sensations. Tequila can also transform people, in both positive and negative ways, depending on how it is consumed and combined with other factors such as mood, intentions, and environment. Tequila can make people feel happy, relaxed, and sociable, but it can also make them feel aggressive, sad, and isolated, depending on the dose and context. Tequila can also inspire people to create and express themselves, as seen in the works of artists and writers who have used tequila as a muse or subject. Overall, tequila is a drink that invites people to explore their own transformations and potentials, and to connect with others and nature in a profound and joyful way.
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