Customs and Traditions
Incan Customs were developed over years of prosperity.
One such custom was that wealthy men and women were wrapped in tapestries
for burial. As with other
cultures, objects symbolizing the person's status accompanied him to the grave.
For men, these usually included weapons and tools used for battle, hunting and
fishing. Decorating the body and face was a popular custom of the Inca,
particularly for men, who often painted their faces. This custom usually protects the warrior from evil spirits
and frightens the enemy. Initiation into manhood was an important ritual for
the Inca; during the ceremony the boy's ears were pierced and a gold disk was
placed in the ear. As the boys grew, the disks were replaced with bigger ones
until they had elongated earlobes. Typical indigenous celebrations, such
as the Inti Raymi (summer solstice), are accompanied by large roasting of meats
(such as llama, guinea pig, pork, and lamb) and the ritual drinking of chicha
de jora (maize beer). This
celebration lasts nine days. On the Incan calendar, each month included a
festival of celebration.
All Peruvian festivities are accompanied by large levels of eating and drinking, a practice that seems to have a long tradition in both indigenous and Spanish cultures. National Independence Day is celebrated on three consecutive days: July 28th, 29th, and 30th. Peruvian New Years traditions include, eating a spoon grain at midnight, sweeping the house thoroughly towards the streets so that the negative spirits leave and start a new year free of them, and dressing in white to attract good health. The burning of dolls is a major staple of New Year's celebrations in Peru. What people do is make dolls, usually of old cloth or rags, in the semblance of someone who that person wishes to forget and to symbolically leave in the past.
All Peruvian festivities are accompanied by large levels of eating and drinking, a practice that seems to have a long tradition in both indigenous and Spanish cultures. National Independence Day is celebrated on three consecutive days: July 28th, 29th, and 30th. Peruvian New Years traditions include, eating a spoon grain at midnight, sweeping the house thoroughly towards the streets so that the negative spirits leave and start a new year free of them, and dressing in white to attract good health. The burning of dolls is a major staple of New Year's celebrations in Peru. What people do is make dolls, usually of old cloth or rags, in the semblance of someone who that person wishes to forget and to symbolically leave in the past.