What made it difficult for New England colonists to repay the English investors who had funded them

Colonists had to strive to grow crops to meet their requirements.

Explanation:

The New England Colonies found by the Puritans to escape religious persecution in England. The geography of the region cover coastlines, rocky soil, large trees, mountains, along with a harsh winter climate, which not adapted for large farming. The New England settlers have to depend on lumbering, fishing, and subsistence farming to meet their needs. Colonies had to face difficulties in growing crops and paying back the funds received from England investors.  

it depends on which society you are referring to. many civilization performed rituals so the gods would with their growing season but the most well known is that of the aztecs. they would make sacrifices, usually animals, but sometimes humans as well.