Akuanism: Difference between revisions
m
no edit summary
m (→Beliefs) |
mNo edit summary |
||
| (23 intermediate revisions by 2 users not shown) | |||
Line 6:
| headerstyle = background:#F0DC82;
| label1 = | label2 = Belief | data2 = [[wikipedia:pantheism|Pantheism]] ; [[wikipedia:animism|Animism]]
| label3 = Deity | data3 =
| label4 = Region(s) | data4 =
| label5 = | data5 =
| label6 = Founded | data6 =
| label7 = Origin | data7 = Old Borean Cultural Traditions; Syncretism with other religions and/or cultures
| label8 =
| label9 = Followers | data9 =
| label10 = Denominations | data10 =
}}'''Akuanism''' is an ethnic-religion and sometimes referred to as a collection of cultures or ethnicities that have roots. It has been some measure of difficulty to classify what is and isn’t Akuanism outside of vague generalities. As beliefs of Akuanism is more of concepts and is heavily interpreted differently by various forms, ethnicities, nationalities, regions and any other manner of differences. Another difficulty of categorizing is the ambivalence centralization nature of it, sometimes being centralized and sometimes being deeply de-centralized nature. Akuanism can be both centralized and decentralized in nature. Overall, there is no overall central authority on Akuanism, and defining concepts of Akuanism itself is heavily argued in Akuan society. Despite the massive difference, such as in [[Nys'tat'en|Nys’tat’en]] form, beliefs, stories and their interpretation, and even the structure of form of worship of Akuanism. As a general rule, Akuanists say all forms of Akuanism is valid except for [[Akuan Socialism]], which mainstream Akuanism states that Akuan Socialism cannot be Akuanism for breaking what is generally accepted as core concepts of Akuanism.
Akuanism is as a religion which originated in [[Borea]] and spread throughout the [[Rotantic Ocean]] and parts around the [[Urth]] through the slave trade, merchant ports and Akuan settlements. Theological scholars of Akuanism sometimes call its practitioners Akuanist, a misnomer drawing from an aspect that most non-Akuanists interact with them being explorers, sailors or merchants who seek blessing from Akua during their travels in the sea. Adherents rarely use that term themselves when discussing matters with other Akuanists, instead preferring to call themselves followers of the ''Shu'', the word for religion in [[Nys'tat'en|Nys’tat’en]]. Controversially Shu is only used when to say they are Akuanist or Akuanism as a whole but when referring to [[Akuan Democracy]] or other other forms describing what is or is Akuan in nature or form outside of religious dialogue.
There is no central authority in control of Akuanism and much diversity exists among practitioners at least in a religious sense. Though [[Novaris]] Akuanism is the exception to the rule of being somewhat centralized to a degree and [[Akuan Democracy]] in some of its forms displays degrees of centralization but unlike Novaris form of Akuanism doesn’t not promote a religious head. [[Novaris]] Akuanism, due to [[Aikthudr'zhur|Aikkian]] monarchy and the Enshrined Spirit holds heavy sway over the form of Akuanism within the continent but is only considered to be highly respected outside of Novaris.
Akuanists both as a religion and as a cultures/ethnicities, has been called by some scholars as "''The most open insular peoples on Urth''." Akuanism being generally, extremely openness, acceptance and happiness however still congregating into [[Akuan District|Akuan Districts]]. According to most political surveys, Akuanists tend to avoid large scale protests or civil disobedience after the [[Great War]] when in non-majority Akuan countries and tend to vote center-left parties when Akuan democracy parties are not available. The exception to this rule being [[Ulvriktru Democrats]] in [[Norgsveldet]]. Technically, only requirement to join Akuanism faith, is to learn [[Nys'tat'en|Nys’tat’en]] and follow the interpretations of the local Akuanism form however, because of how different the Akuanist mindset is compared to more mainstream faiths and unspoken rules about the faith. Akuanism is incredibly difficult to convert into.
Akuanism, outside of the [[Akuan Democracy|Akuan Republics]] and [[Novaris]] Akuanism, has no official doctrine and relies heavily on local Brewmasters to inform or tell stories of relation to the faith. Often the stories or folklore are adapted from native folklore or faith in the form of syncretism both culturally and religiously. Always taking the new lore, through Akuan lenses and interpretation. Novaris Akuanism, due to its unique development and history, has a more unified doctrine compared to other regions of the world. Including being the only region where Akuanism is found that has a unified holy text, quasi unified holidays across the region and various other similarities. Meanwhile [[Akuan Democracy|Akuan Republics]] create a uniformed dialogue, mostly shared holiday and traditions, primarily driven by the elected Brewmasters of the faith to create a shared form of Akuanism across the state.
<big><u>'''''EVERYTHING BELOW THIS IS CURRENTLY BEING REWORKED'''''</u></big>
== Beliefs ==
=== Different Classifications of Deities ===
=== Vodkaniate ===
Vodkaniate, is considered to be the "major" or "significant" deities apart of Akuanism. While this doesn't mean they are the most powerful or strongest deity, it does mean it plays a core part of Akuanism religion and into the daily life of cultists.
=====
'''Akua''' is considered to be above all other spirits and consider to be the primary goddess that protects sapient life. The goddess is known to be extremely petty to those who attempt to take attention away from her in her "holy" places. As a result, it's considered to be deep insult to say names of other Vodkaniate (but not Brandisen) in her shrine. Usually resulting in being cursed with bad luck until one performs the necessary cleansing ritual. While she's the creator of life for the Urthians, almost uniformly in all (early) myths where she was called mother. She reacts negatively, often pointing at Freyrmama as a more suitable "mother" figure for children. As a result, majority of creation myths or stories about motherhood often cite both Akua and Freyrmama as mother to the Urthians. With several stories of creating making use both Freyrmama and Akua as joint creators as a married couple.
=====
'''Freyrmama''' is a goddess in Akuanist belief she is the "Urth Mother" and a fertility goddess who presides over planting and harvesting, embodies the mountain range in the Yasteria peninsula. She is also an ever-present and independent deity from Akua and Borean spirits. She known to cause Urthquakes when proper respects are not given toward her shrines or when enough water haven't been sacrificed to her. In Akuan stories she's often seen as a caring, loving friend to Akua who allows her rest in her domain during the Goddess travels around the Urth.
=====
'''Yunyøn''', is another important goddess, being the deity in charge of dawn and close-friendship. She while considered to be more shy in terms of the rest of deities, as the deity of close friendships. She blesses and protects close friendships or best friends, her providing her favor to long lasting relationships.
====
'''Brandisen''' are the most plentiful of spirits and represent everything from forests, folk heroes, animals, rituals and everything in between.
'''''Spirits''''' are anything to-do with supernatural creatures or phenomena that are venerated in Akuanism. Spirits can be elements of a landscape, forces of nature, and supernatural creatures. It's also widely considered that if a person has done a great enough deed they can become a spirit known as a ''Saint''. ▼
▲
In Akuanist Tradition, spirits are not separate from nature, but are apart of nature itself, with each spirit with its own good and evil characteristics.
==== Ny-Gin-Stol ====
'''Ny-Gin-Stol''' are the deities that whose physical and metaphysical bodies make up the landmasses of Urth. While often Ny-Gin-Stol overlaps with Vodkaniate or Brandisen, they difference is usually depends how the Akuanists view the land and it's stories. More than often, volcanos, caves, mountains and islands are considered to be Ny-Gin-Stol, with the exception of Fyllikenkrasjlander which due to her significance is considered to be a Vodkaniate. Large land masses, such as continents are broken up into several dozen spirits of Ny-Gin-Stol.
=== Concepts ===
====
Cult of Akua has deep sentiments maintaining a warm welcoming cultural and a peaceful co-existent with all sapient things.
====
==== Pacifism ====
Pacifism, or more referred to in traditional Akuan sense of "Non-Violence" as pacifism in the Akuan context means not just pacifism to sapients but being peaceful to one community, environment and in all matter of life. The goal of pacifism being to minimize harm in all forms of life be it animal, plants and sapients. Pacifism taking such a important role in Akuanism, it reflects heavily in daily life of a follower with dietary requirements, how one conducts themselves,
==== Animalism ====
==== Social and Physical Connection ====
==== Living for Life ====
== Practice ==
===
=== Shrines ===
====
In Akuan customs, a [Nys'tat'en word] is a talisman made out of various materials such as paper, wood, cloth or metal. They're commonly found in Akuanist temples and are considered to be imbued with the power of the spirits or saints.
They're several dozens different kind [Nys'tat'en word] which are intended for a specific purpose (such as protections against famine, sickness, finding love or misfortune) and may be kept on one's person, placed in entries of ones home, such as door ways or gates. Majority of the [Nys'tat'en word] are made out of paper, however in some of the more rural regions where Akuanism is worshipped wood is more used. The amulets made out of metal are more small and ornate, usually the size of a coin that has a loop of twine.
▲=== '''''Brewmasters''''' ===
There is a specific type of [Nys'tat'en word] that is issued by the Akuan shrine, in which it is written the name of the shrine or the enshrined spirit and stamped with the shrine's seal. The [Nys'tat'en word] are often placed in the household Akuan altars and revered both as a symbol of the shrine and the spirit (or spirits.) It's believed to be containing the spirit's power or essence by the virtue of it's consecration and the medium through which the spirit in question can be accessed by the worshiping Akuanist.
▲=== ''Prayer sheets and amulets'' ===
=== Modern Funeral ===
==== After death ====
The funeral practice for Akuanists begin immediately after death of a (or a few days before the expected death), relatives to the moisten the dying or deceased person's lips with ale or small beer, an practice known as
The relatives and authorities are informed, and a death certificate is issued by the regional government. Funeral arrangements are typically made by the eldest child and are begun by contacting the local brewmaster to schedule the event. Some days are more auspicious than others, based on the Vaaran calendar and the lunar cycle. For a example midwinter and a full moon is considered to be a excellent day for a wedding and awful day for a funeral, as the spirits of harmony can carry the couples wishes to the heavens but blind the spirits to carry the dead. However if it's midwinter but with a no moon, is a good day for a funeral but a bad day for a wedding, as the spirits of the dead that hide from the moon's light can carry the deceased towards the sky without being blinded.
The body is washed thoroughly and the orifices are blocked with either cotton, gauze or cork. Then the next part of the ritual takes place, where a professional burial maiden (
==== Wake ====
Line 93 ⟶ 116:
The date of the grave being raised and family name will be engraved on the side of the monument. The names of the deceased engraved on the urn and not the never on the monument itself. Graves often have a box for business cards, where friends and relatives visiting the grave can drop their business card, informing the caretakers of the grave of the respects the visitor have paid to the deceased.
=== Gender Roles ===
Gender Roles within Akuanism is greatly different from the rest of the world, with the your gender role being more dictated by one's job rather one's birth sex. Gender roles are primary on a scale of "masculine" and "feminine" based on a job one has, a example being a lumberjack is traditionally seen as a "masculine" role where a dressmaker is seen as more "feminine" role. Being treated as "masculine" often means you are treated as what is "manly" compared to other cultures/religions and visa versa with "feminine."
=== Enshrinement ===
The act of Enshrinement, is the process of transferring spirits to a shrine. The process of moving spirits is consider to be one of the most delicate processes a brewmaster can do, as not to accidently offend the spirit while being transferred. The process can take anywhere from three weeks to four months, as the process requires walking from the old shrine to the new shrine carrying a series of backpacks containing the spirit's foci and belongs while a group of maidens are singing smoothing songs to the spirit. In incident where the shrine was destroyed in natural disaster, the shrine has to be rebuilt on the site and a special ritual of enshrinement takes place. Which only takes a few days to preform properly, not including the time to construction the rebuilt shrine.
==== Enshrinement of Saints, Notable People and Significant Figures ====
When comes to the death of notable figures, such as local town heroes, historical figures and people of notable or extreme talent and skill. The general belief is that people of such worth, will not be satisfied or be able to acknowledge the traditional Akuan funeral. Their spirits will stay in their work place, such a blacksmith spirit will stay in smithery. Usually, when a Akuan dies, their body stays with the spirit until cremation however instead, with these kinds of figures their spirits leaves the body and travels to their workplace to work on their craft.
As such, when they die the brewmasters and maidens take the corpse of the figure, wrapped in white cloth scented with flowers. The brewmasters carry the corpse and while the maidens sing songs to draw the spirit out of its workplace, to travel with them to the cremation spot. They burn the bodies at the site, then take the ashes to either place it in the shrine or build the shrine around the ashes. For example, taking the ash vase and then curving a stone pillar around the vase otherwise it is built in the traditional shrine status.
==== Incase of a violence Shrine destruction. ====
This is different in cases where the shrine has been destroyed in violence or in a war, the spirit of the shrine has to be smoothed to prevent the spirit from taking revenged on those who has destroyed shrine. Akuanists are quick to gather the reminds of the foci and spirit's propriety and flee to a more safe area, to rebuild the shrine far from the spirit's original home. The new shrine built for the spirit has to be specially treated in this case, such as keeping the shrine closed to non-Brewmasters and their maiden assistants. The spirit in the shrine is always temperamental, wanting to cause disasters or use supernatural forces against those who destroyed it's old home. As such, rituals to soothe the spirit and keep it the spirit calm. As even letting a spirit harm others, is considered to be a act of violence that Akuanists outright refuse to allow harm to others.
==== Creation of a Living Shrine ====
The act of moving a spirit into a living host, is by all means the highest honor any Akuanist could ever received and is only done in very, very rare situations. From a outsider perspective it can be considered to be a similar to monarchy in terms of authority and in terms of handing down the spirit. As once a spirit is moved into a living host, it cannot be removed until death and it can only ever be enshrinement in a direct family member again. It can only be enshrined into a direct family member due the familiar energy of the family. As such Akuanists are extremely careful about enshrining a person with a spirit. As such there are only two people on all of [[Urth]] who have received such a honor, [[Ingrid the Reclaimer]] and Esta the Protector of [[Lapliszna]].
===== Living Shrine Titles =====
The act of enshrinement leads to giving a title traditionally held by the spirit before hand. For a example being [[Ingrid the Reclaimer]] title, taking the spirit Fyllikenkrasjlander (Spirit of Borea) as her enshrinement. Traditionally Fyllikenkrasjlander has been seen as the spirit who directly influence and controls Borea's health and wellbeing. However due to the common belief among Akuanists across the Urth that ever since the colonialization of [[Nystatiszna]] and the later authoritative governments, that the spirit has been getting sickly. As a result, events such as the [[2021 Aduraszna quake and tsunami|Tsunami in 2021]], hotspots of Borean Ice Fever and famine are common place on Borea. As such, giving Ingrid the title "Reclaimer" was chosen, as Nystatinne Akuanists believed she would fix the sickly state of the spirit. Akuanists worldwide, are more skeptical, giving such a important spirit to someone who not only recently converted but the spirit is such a level of importance into enshrinement.
==Holidays==
Line 120 ⟶ 163:
In the evening, games and dances take place. Children play games to win prizes and sweets. Rows of street food vendor's sprawl across the carnival, side by side with the gaming booths and the dance platform is in the center of the festival.
==== Children Week ====
[Furman 18th/October 17th]
It's a week long festival for everyone under the age ten, it's celebrated universally by Akuanists. It's a celebration of childhood, where the kids dress in classical dresses and are taken to shrines to seek protection from spirits in the most important and delicate stage of their lives. It is often when they are first given their first traditional kimono for religious and cultural gathering. The parents take place in this event by praying along side their children for good health, prosperity and luck.
==== Adventurer Day ====
[[File:Adventday.jpg|thumb|A example of Svenrdturneringer in Vakrestrender, celebrating of two pirates.]]Adventurer Day is a festival holiday celebrated at different times depending on the shrine, where children and adults alike dress up in varies adventurers from both myth and history. It is a celebration of adventure itself, complete with a treasure hunt for the children, a first-blood [[Sverdturneringer]] for adults and a dozen other games played at stalls. The festival can last as long as a week but no shorter than a two days. The festival ends with the Brewmaster of the shrine giving a small speech thank the adventurer spirits for bring safety and their many stories to Akuan. The holiday is often use to venerate local saints or spirits in the community and bring the community close together.
==== Bloom Day ====
Depending on when flowers bloom at the given shrine, bloom day is held. It is consider to be an romantic holiday and one for newly wed couples to be given gifts by the community. The gift given is handed out by the brewmaster, taking the lead as the community leader handing out gifts handed by to the newly weds. To be a newly wed one has married within the past 5 years, and each newly wed couple is given a gift. In addition flower crowns are given to the couple (or to each partner in the relationship) and a dance is held for only the newly weds with the brewmaster singing. For couples older than 5 years in partnership they are to be honored, and they host a parade in celebration of their love. In the parade they throw candies and sweets towards the crowd as well flowers picked. It is tradition to confess one's love to another and if they accepted the new found couple plants a flower as a symbol of their love.
==Shrine Architecture==
Line 129 ⟶ 183:
#Helligsti– the approach to the shrine
#Bønnebrett – Small building reserved for placing of prayer sheets.
#Lanterne – Used for burning malformed prayers and wards.
# Kontor – Shrine's administrative office and storage.
#Helligdomstempel– Where the brewing liquor and food is prepared then handed out to followers. Acts as the worship building for Akua and only her name is allowed to be stated within these halls.
Line 136 ⟶ 190:
#Vøktere – Guardians of the shrine, usually statues of dogs or guards.
#Husavann– A large building reserved for rituals and special dances. Off-limits to the public outside of those occasions
# Gjerde – fence surrounding the
#Åndehus – main hall, enshrining a major spirit of the area. It's forbidden to bring up Akua name in these places, due to her petty nature. Off limits to the public and reserved for
==History==
===Syncretism with
When
Shrines (non-Akuan) along the southern western coast included religious imagery of
Shines (both Akua and non-Akuan) make use of extensive use of
Shines (of Akua) have select prayers that are still held in old Eyjarian, these prayers are only held twice a year and considered to be some of the more archaic in nature.
Line 154 ⟶ 208:
===Evolution===
Evolution for the like of a better word is considered to be a form of light heresy or a deliberate insult to a Akuanists belief system. Many cultists firmly believe in the many stories about Akua's creation of the first Urthians, often citing the similar story.
===Vaccines ===
Much discussion in the late 1990s' by the brewmasters and scholar with many of them taking harsh lines on either side of the debate citing several stories at each other. A consensus was finally reached after brewmaster of Melkvernby
=== Big Bang ===
The [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bang Big Bang theory] has been universally rejected by Akuanists, citing several dozen stories about the creation of the universal by Ny-Gin-Stol spirits. Which spiritual bodies created the physical manufactured the land, space, sea and all other bodies Urthians inhabit.
==Holy Book of Akua (WIP)==
| |||