Why Is The Money In Guatemala Called Quetzal?

Question

Why Is The Money In Guatemala Called Quetzal?

3 Answers

Answer Question

Answer 1

The quetzal basically is the currency of Guatemala, it gets its name from the national bird of Guatemala, which is known as Resplendent Quetzal and is distributed into 100 centavos.

Its plural form is usually said to be quetzals or quetzals. According to the historic Mayan civilization, the quetzal bird's tail feathers were distributed as currency. Having a currency named after the bird usually signifies a tough ancient value pinpointing the local people of Guatemala. The quetzal was launched in the year 1925, when Jose Maria Orellana was the ruler.

Also in the year 1925, coins in values of 1, 5, 10 centavos, ¼, ½, and 1 quetzal were launched, even though the bulk of the 1 quetzal coins were pulled out from circulation and were melted.

Answer 2

Anonymous answered

It is named after the national bird.

Answer 3

　　The resplendent quetzal is the national bird of Guatemala. Its significance is that because it supposedly dies in captivity, it is a symbol of freedom. The currency is called the "quetzal," and they are a frequent motif in Mayan Indian weaving.

　　Quetzals are in the trogon family. While they have relatively small bodies, in breeding season, the males grow meter-long tail feathers, which is known as "nuptial plumage" in birds. The shake these green-blue feathers in a shimmery, iridescent display to attract potential matres.
　　
　　In Mayan pottery and frescoes, royalty is often depicted with head desses of male quetzal tail feathers.

　　Due to loss of habitat from deforestation, quetzals are severely endangered. Their main range now is in the highland cloud forests of Guatemala, specifically the Peten region, or in the Yucatan upland forests in Mexico.

　　Seeing a quetzal is the apotheosis of any Central American birding trip.