"Everything that is really Mexican is either Aztec or Spanish"

The quote "Everything that is really Mexican is either Aztec or Spanish" by Edward Burnett Tylor underscores the extensive effect of both indigenous and colonial influences on Mexican identity and culture. Tylor, a pioneering figure in the field of sociology, highlights the duality and intricacy within Mexican heritage, stressing the fusion of indigenous and European components that specify the nation's cultural landscape.

On one hand, the Aztec civilization represents the rich native history of Mexico. The Aztecs, to name a few native groups like the Maya and the Zapotecs, contributed substantially to Mexico's cultural and historical heritage through their art, architecture, language, and spiritual practices. Aztec symbols, folklore, and traditions continue to resonate in modern Mexican society, affecting whatever from modern folk art to nationwide events like Día de los Muertos. The enduring presence of native languages and customizeds within Mexican communities even more illustrates the significant role of Aztec and other native cultures in shaping the country's identity.

On the other hand, Spanish impact is indisputable, coming from Mexico's colonial past. Spanish colonization began in the early 16th century, bringing about transformative modifications in Mexican society. Spanish ended up being the dominant language, and Catholicism settled, deeply influencing Mexican beliefs, customs, and social structures. The architectural style, cuisine, legal systems, and numerous other elements of daily life in Mexico bear the imprint of Spanish heritage. This colonial tradition intermingled with indigenous components, leading to a special cultural syncretism that is clearly Mexican.

Tylor's quote encapsulates the essence of this hybrid culture, where the native and the colonial coalesce to form a complicated nationwide identity. It shows how Mexican culture can not be easily classified or comprehended without acknowledging both its Aztec roots and Spanish colonial influence. By recognizing this duality, we gain a deeper gratitude of the rich, complex nature of Mexican culture and its capability to blend and balance varied cultural threads into a unified nationwide narrative.