The places of worship were usually temples, so located as to catch the first rays of the rising sun. _Huacas_ (wä´-käs), such as large rocks or springs, were, of course, worshiped where they were situated, and oft-times were surrounded by temples. In the case of stones, shelves or platforms were carved, on which the priests stood while making their offerings to the Sun god. The worship was carried on by priests and _mamaconas_ (mä-mä-ko´-näs), the latter, the priestesses, directed the lives of the virgins of the Sun. The most beautiful girls of the kingdom were gathered together from all parts of the land. The most attractive became the wives of the Inca, after they had passed through a severe training in the various feminine arts; others took the vows and became _mamaconas_, while the rest either became wives of the nobles or were sent back to their homes. [Illustration: MACHU PICCHU Sacred Plaza and Intihuatana Hill] [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 Lower terrace of Fortress]