The Inca were polytheists which means they believed in many different gods. One of their main gods was Viracocha, who was believed to be the creator of the Inca. Another god, Inti, was the Sun God. In relation to Inti's god name, the Inca were called the "Children of the Sun." They also believed silver was the tears of the moon, and gold was believed to be the sweat of the sun. The Inca felt they had a very good relationship with the gods. Stone fortresses were erected on high mountain tops or sacred areas to prove the great dedication that the Inca felt to their gods.Priests and priestesses were thought to be able to do the bidding of the gods, so they were highly honored and often part of the royal family.
Priestesses were expected to perform the hair combing ceremony which celebrated the coming of age for a girl. A girl would become a women during her hair combing ceremony and would choose her new name. The most beautiful and talented girls were sent to Cuzco to become princesses or the brides of rulers. When the ceremonies were performed, many people gathered to celebrate with dancing that generally followed all of the religious ceremonies.
The priests were mainly advisors and counselors to the royal family, but they would counsel others on occasion. They also helped heal the sick and performed ceremonies. They also did what most priests do today, telling people about the gods and relaying messages and good or bad fortune to the people.
Marriages were very happy times but followed strict guidelines. The Inca men had to choose a wife before they reached the age, of 20. Otherwise, a wife was chosen for them. The women could either be betrothed to the man at an early age, or a man would ask for their hand in marriage. All brides had to be bought with a dowry. The elders or peers of the couple would judge if the trade of cattle and valuables was fair. Women never got the right to choose the man they would marry. Her parents simply gave her up without a backward glance in most cases, if the price was right. During the wedding, the bride and groom would join hands, exchange sandals, and a feast would be held afterward. When the couple moved in together, the surrounding people helped the couple to build a house and till their land until they could support themselves.
