What is the symbolism of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s image?

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Our Lady of Guadalupe’s image combines European and Aztec symbolism. Her mestiza (a woman of mixed Indigenous and European heritage) features symbolize the unity of both peoples. Her turquoise-colored mantle signifies her queenly status, because turquoise was a color reserved for royalty in Aztec tradition. The sunburst behind her is thought to represent the Aztec sun god Huitzilopochtli, and the crescent moon that she stands on is believed to represent the Aztec moon god. These symbolize her precedence over the Indigenous gods.