WINTERTHUR is a volcanically active planet in the Mirbach sector that is loosely governed by numerous tribal entities who have been at peace for many years.  Their religious rituals are centered around the volcanoes, with regular symbolic sacrifices of food to ensure bountiful harvests.  For fertility of their population, the most efficacious traditional sacrifice is said to be that of a virginal female Winterthurian.  Sacrifice of those below the age of majority is not permitted, though, and neither is marriage or marital relations.  So every time a Winterthurian shaman lines up a likely candidate for sacrifice and awaits her milestone birthday, another shaman is always prepared to perform a marriage for the victim and her chosen fiancé.  By the time the lengthy sacrificial liturgy has completed, the shorter wedding
ceremony is already finished and the bride has hastened to secure her ineligibility.  There is no historical record of an actual human sacrifice being performed on Winterthur.