Ancient civilizations-2

Festivals

The 30-day calendar was religious, and each month had its own festival. The religious calendar is explained in considerable detail by Guamán Poma de Ayala (see Table 3). In his letter to Philip II he offered two different versions, one centring on state ceremonies and sacrifices performed at Cuzco and the other describing the agricultural practices at the local level in the highlands. Quite different calendars prevailed on the irrigated coast, but surviving sources do not record them in any detail.

Months and celebrations of the Inca calendar Gregorian months Andean months approximate translation December Capac Raimi, Capac Quilla the lord festival; the month of rest January Zarap Tuta Cavai Mitan the time to watch the growing corn February Paucar Varai the time to wear loincloths March Pacha Pucuy Quilla the month of the land's maturation April Camai Quilla [Inti Raymi in state calendar] the month of harvest and rest May Zara Muchuy Quilla Aymoray Quilla dry corn to be stored June Papa Allai Mitan Pacha

Haucai Cusqui potato harvest

rest from harvesting July Chacra Conaqui Quilla the month of redistributing lands August Chacra Yapuy Quilla Hailly the month to open lands coming into cultivation with songs of triumph September Zara Tarpuy Quilla Coia Raymi Quilla the month for planting; also, the Festival of the Queen October Chacramanta Pisco Carcoy the time to scare birds out of newly planted fields November Chacra Parcay the time to irrigate fields Victor Wolfgang von Hagen John V. Murra

Citation Information

Article Title: Pre-Columbian civilizations

Website Name: Encyclopaedia Britannica

Publisher: Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.

Date Published: 11 February 2019

URL: https://www.britannica.com/topic/pre-Columbian-civilizations

Access Date: August 25, 2019

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