Every four years the Aztec God of Fire, Huehuetéotl-Xiuhtecuhtli, demanded that the Aztec people sacrifice four captive slaves to be burned in his name. A tree was hewn and his likeness was carved at the top. Young men were encouraged to climb the tree and touch the god's face to gain favor. The tree was then given offerings of fruit and set ablaze with the captives tied to its limbs.