Priests and priestesses listened to confessions of
carelessness in saying prayers, neglect of festivals, witchcraft, poisoning,
and even murder. To hide anything during a confession was regarded as a sin.
After confession the penitent fasted and bathed in a running stream to purify
himself.
The emperor and his household did not have to confess to any
priests. They confessed directly to the Sun and asked the Sun to speak for them
to Viracocha. After such a confession, they bathed in a river, so the water
would carry away their sins.
Men and women prayed
both silently and aloud. The common people did not memorize prayers, as the
priests and some of the nobles did. The ceremonial prayers of the priests and
the nobles were word perfect. Each person spoke directly to the gods with the
same respect and careful choice of words he would use in speaking to an older
and wiser person. Feasting, drinking chicha, and dancing usually followed each
ceremony.
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