Peruso explains the Inca calendar

The Calendar Without a Wall Calendar

So, listen up! The Inca calendar wasn't a paper calendar with boxes, stickers, and "dentist at 3 pm." The Inca didn't have an alphabet like us, and no books like in your school bag. But they had clever ways to remember things.

One of them was the Quipu. This was a knot system made of strings. Important people could use it to record numbers, supplies, tributes, and other information. Some researchers also suspect connections to calendar knowledge. But very important: the Quipu wasn't simply "the calendar," but rather a clever system of remembering with knots.

What did corn have to do with it?

A lot. Corn, potatoes, and other plants were crucial for life in the Andes. Therefore, it was important to know when to sow, tend, and harvest. The calendar helped organize work and festivals throughout the year.

And what about the 365 days?

Our year has 365 days. The Incas also had calendar ideas that connected the solar year, lunar months, and festivals. Some ancient descriptions speak of twelve months and special additional days or compensatory periods. However, researchers are still debating today how exactly the system worked.

That's why Peruso prefers to say: The Incas were sky observers, field planners, and festival pros. They didn't just count time. They connected it with the sun, moon, mountains, water, and corn.

Remember this

• The Incas didn't have a calendar like the one on your wall. Their system of time was connected to the sky, nature, and festivals.
• Quipus were knot systems. They helped with counting, remembering, and administration.
• Sun and moon were important. They helped identify important times of the year.
• Agriculture was the boss. Corn, potatoes, and harvests largely determined the annual cycle.
• Inti Raymi was a big sun festival. Today, it is celebrated every year on June 24th in Cusco.

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