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[ xxv ] The greatest renewal ceremony in Aztec religion ( see M esoamerican religions ) was the New Fire Ceremony, called Toxiuhmolpilia, the Binding of the Years [2: 21–7]. It took place at the completion of a 52-year cycle called Xiuhmolpilli, and initiated another C alendar round depicted in codex and stone as a tied bundle of 52 reeds ( see C alendar stone ; T onalpohualli ). The Toxiuhmolpilia took place at midnight on the Hill of the Star at the outskirts of Tenochtitlan, following the ritual extinguishing of all domestic and temple fires, the breaking of pots and the sweeping of all homes in the realm. A distinguished war captive was ritually sacrificed and a fire was started in his chest after his heart was offered to the absent sun ( see H uman sacrifice ). The fire was taken to all temples and towns in the Aztec empire, signifying the revitalization of the society and the heavens. ... log in or subscribe to read full text