Social media never fails to amaze with curious stories, and this time, an American has captured the attention of thousands of users by claiming he moved to Mexico because he was the serpent featured on the national coat of arms in a past life. Yes, you read it right. His declaration has sparked all sorts of reactions on platforms like TikTok.
The protagonist of this story is Parth Shah, a young American who, through a video, explained the unusual reason he decided to settle down in Mexico. According to his words, he has memories of his past lives and is convinced he was, in another existence, the serpent depicted on Mexico's national coat of arms. Shah stated, “En una vida pasada, era la serpiente en la boca del águila” (in a past life, I was the serpent in the mouth of the eagle). This claim, not surprisingly, has generated surprise and, of course, a wave of comments on social media.
The coat of arms of Mexico has deep roots in the country’s history. Based on the founding of Mexico-Tenochtitlán legend, it symbolizes the moment when the Mexica discovered the divine sign to establish their city: an eagle devouring a serpent sitting atop a cactus. This emblem has evolved throughout the centuries and has been reinterpreted on various occasions, but it remains an icon of national identity.
The representation of the royal eagle with the serpent symbolizes the power, resilience, and cultural heritage of the country. So, what do you think? Is it possible for someone to recall their past lives so clearly? For now, it’s certain the story of this American moving to Mexico and stating he is the serpent will continue to spark conversation online.
Shah shared his video on TikTok, where he emphasized, “I have many reasons to explain my move to Mexico, but the best reason is something from the soul.” He reiterated his certainty, saying, “Tengo un montón de razones para explicar mi mudanza a México, pero la mejor razón es algo del alma.” This sentiment has been met with mixed reactions from TikTok users. While some responded sarcastically, stating, “I confirm, I was the cactus and I saw everything” or “I was the eagle, ask me anything,” others offered support to Shah, wishing him enjoyment of his new life in Mexico.
What’s more, the origins of the Mexican coat of arms go back to the Mexica legend surrounding the founding of Tenochtitlán, the ancient capital of the Aztec Empire. According to tradition, the Mexica received a divine signal from the god Huitzilopochtli to establish their city where they found the eagle perched on the cactus devouring the serpent. After a lengthy pilgrimage, they arrived at Lake Texcoco in 1325, where they witnessed this scene and built Tenochtitlán there.
The coat of arms, part of the national flag and patriotic symbols, recaptures this emblematic image, representing the fusion of pre-Hispanic identity, culture, and history with modern Mexico. The composition featuring the eagle with semi-extended wings, the cactus, and the serpent emphasizes natural elements, symbolizing strength, bravery, and resilience.
Evolution of the coat of arms continued post-independence since 1821, with various artistic interpretations, yet always maintaining the essence of the foundational legend. The current design was officially adopted in 1968. The circular design is framed by branches of laurel and oak, signifying victory and strength, reinforcing national values.
Parth Shah’s story not only highlights the continuing fascination with past lives but also intertwines with the rich cultural heritage represented by the Mexican coat of arms. It raises questions about identity, belonging, and how historical narratives shape our lives today. Will Shah’s claim resonate with others? Only time will tell if the conversation continues as his TikTok video remains widely shared and discussed.
What drives such whimsical claims about reincarnation and identity? Shah's confident assertion and the reactions it evokes embody the blend of humor and seriousness often found on social media platforms. For now, his remarkable story will keep viewers engaged, reminding everyone of the captivating stories life can offer—at least through the lens of social media.