[Illustration: OLLANTAYTAMBO--The Fortress]
Many different feasts were celebrated, the most famous being those of
Intip Raymi (een´-teep rye´-mee) and Situa (see´-too-a). The former was
celebrated in June at the winter solstice, the object being to secure
the return of the Sun. It lasted for nine days, was celebrated by all
the ruling caste, and was always successful. Situa was celebrated
in August, and the movable _huacas_ were transported to Cuzco from
all over the empire. There were also many feasts of local and family
significance, as those of name-giving and adolescence.
The rites of worship were sacrifice, prayers, confession, and fasting.
Although there has been a great deal of controversy over this point,
it is generally accepted that, unlike the Mexican peoples, the Incas
did not make human sacrifices. Offerings of food, libations and
animal sacrifices were the customary procedure. Some of the Inca
prayers which have come down to us are remarkable for their beauty
and spiritual qualities. Confession was made to a priest. Fasting was
usually observed by those desirous of entering some sacred spot, as at
the end of a pilgrimage, and is said to have been at times of twenty
days’ duration. The more famous pilgrimages were those to Pachacamac
(pä-chä-kä´-mac) and Titicaca.
_Peasant and Labor Conditions_
[Illustration: OLLANTAYTAMBO