Most of the religions of my world tend to treat with each other like cats in a cage; while the fur does occasionally fly, for the most part, they live in peace. Some are more popular, some are less but none have any belief that non-believers are doomed or must be converted, which has cut down on most religious wars. In general, only those who remain outside the systems and choose to follow no religion are the only ones treated as social pariahs. It is almost universally believed that these people, atheists and agnostics alike, don't have a place to go when they die, that no gods will judge their souls and no one will weep for them at their graves.
Kuzunoha skates this edge and is part of the reason why she is treated with contempt and wariness in Hidan, despite her striking looks and family connections. Most of the priests in Hidan treat her with veiled contempt as well. However, since she has always been free with her money, all but the head priestess of the Sian religion in Hidan ignore her heathenish tendencies. That head priestess hates Kuzunoha, but since it's well known that she didn't like Kuzunoha before she took the position, she has simply taken to ignoring her completely, believing her lost and due any punishment she will receive upon her death. The only priest who seems to be straight out friendly is priest Bendigo, the jovial priest that Kuzunoha asks for a blessing in Hunter's Gambit. Though he hasn't told her this, he believes that she is not irreligious, but that she has been called to service by a deity that she hasn't found yet.
The Sian Ku have a vibrant religion, a tiered polytheistic system. On the lowest level are the multitude of "little gods". Little gods are created by simple interaction. Every tree, rock, or animal has its own god or spirit and even man-made objects, such as favourite umbrellas or favourite plates can develop their own little god. Thus, the Sian Ku tend to hold nearly everything with a small amount of reverence, since you never know when you may be angering one of the little gods.
On the next tier are the ancestors. Although, they aren't gods, they are honoured and remembered through ritual. It is believed that after death, ancestors will continue to watch over their descendants, influencing their lives and the direction the family takes. Rebirth is allowed for ancestors who wish to return to earth to aid their families in a more physical way, though a few unpopular sects say that there is no rebirth, only a pit of flame in the center of the world for those ancestors who try to avoid their duty to their descendants.
Every Sian ku family has a deity that they are specifically devoted to. The reason why is explained in their creation story. At the beginning of the universe, the world was grey and lonely. Finally, the light rose above the dark, shedding light upon the world for the first time. With light, seeds, long sleeping in the soil, began to flourish. The gods created of this separation (the major deities) were pleased but saddened that there was no movement to the rest of the world. So each chose their favourite plants and plucked them from the earth, turning them into humans, so that they could explore the world created and lay their roots into every land. Every family honours the deity that they believe plucked their ancestors, oh so long ago.
All of the deities can be male, female, both or
neither as they choose, though most have a preference that they
adhere to. For ease, I've labelled them as their preferences below.
On the same tier as the ancestors, honoured, but usually not worshipped widely are the minor deities. These gods include the goddesses of battle and sacrifice, the deities of service (twelve in all) and Nandemo, Isashi's patron, the god of twilight and between places.
Above them are the major gods, which until recently were led by the goddess of law, Amiterri, Himiko's family's patron. Nearly a century ago, Tomi took over the position as leader of the gods, bringing chaos with him, but also untold wealth for a few. The other major deities are the god of love, the eightfold gods of misery (six male and two female), the thief (the only deity whose preferences are both or neither rather than a specific gender) and the Innkeeper gods, Kisenya, Yusenya and Tonoma, known as the gods of hospitality and guesting rules.
Next week, I'll discuss how the Sian Ku worship, their holy days and their guiding principles.
A reminder that I'll be at the Sunridge Chapters bookstore for a signing on June 9th, from 12-3pm. Please stop by to say hi or get your book signed if you haven't already.
Lastly, one of my favourite authors, Laura VanArendonk Baugh, has a new book coming out soon! All of the details, as well as a chance for you to check out her incredible cover will be going up on Tuesday. Come back to check it out!
No comments:
Post a Comment