Here's why it's hard to pinpoint an exact date:
* Oral Tradition: La Llorona is primarily an oral tradition, passed down through generations. This means there are no written records from its earliest stages.
* Evolution over Time: As the story spread and adapted to different cultures and regions, it likely evolved over centuries, incorporating new elements and interpretations.
However, we can say that the story likely emerged long before the Spanish conquest of Mexico (1519), as it incorporates elements of Aztec and Mayan mythology. Some scholars suggest it might be as old as the 14th century, based on its connections to pre-Columbian beliefs and its wide distribution across Mexico and Latin America.
In summary: While we can't pinpoint an exact creation date, La Leyenda de la Llorona is a very old story with roots in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures and a long history of evolving and adapting.