The Zapotec goddess Nohuichana was regarded as one of the Mother Goddesses associated with human fertility and the cycle of life. Through her connection to lunar forces, the goddess also governed rivers and fishing activities; accordingly, the words huechaana or huichàna that form her name are understood to refer to water, according to the interpretation of Smith Stark. The goddess played an important role in childbirth and was considered the guardian of children. For this reason, women dedicated sacrifices to her as a means of protecting their offspring.
Owing to her functions related to fertility and water, some studies identify Nohuichana with goddesses of Central Mexico such as Tlazolteotl, goddess of childbirth, and Chalchiuhtlicue, deity of water, as well as with the Maya goddess Ixchel. Within the symbolic framework associated with midwifery and generative forces, cotton appears as an element characteristic of these goddesses and is associated with the fertilizing act of the earth that enables the birth of seeds. Although Nohuichana does not directly display attributes related to weaving, several interpretations maintain that the goddess's kinship with other entities, such as Goddess 2J, who bears cotton bolls, is sufficient to affirm her connection to both cotton and textile activity. Thus, Nohuichana is a mother goddess who embodies the cosmic functions of gestating, nurturing, and renewing existence.