Doya

From FiranMUX

Overview

In the Bonduin Pantheon, Doya is the Lioness that Guards the Land and the primary deity of that people. Her priestesses need to be mothers and worship of her doesn't need to be in a temple, but usually needs to have something of the land nearby or at hand. Offerings she likes are plants or seeds. To the Bonduin people, Doya does more then guard the land. She guards and protects mothers and young children, and is a guardian of all life. To offend or harm a woman who is with child is a direct offense against Doya. Common epithets are 'By Doya,' generally meaning the person being referenced is so stupid or ignorant, they need to be watched over and guarded (either for or against). Another common saying is, 'May Doya watch over you,' invoking the goddesses protection.

She is the equivalent of the Firan Soli.

Order

The priestesses of Doya all need to be mature women with children, although young girls are accepted as initiates. The children of priestess' are raised by their mothers, and tend to be Doya worshippers themselves. Daughters of Doya priestesses also tend to enter into the priestesshood. The priestesses will oversee funerals and marriages, birthings and attend to death rites. The funeral and death-bed attendance are overseen by both Doya priestesses but also Ulashanai priests and priestesses. The ritual is shared by both, although Doya's priestesses usually take precedence over the Ulashanai worshippers. Their ritual robes are usually the golden tawny color of a lioness, with an emerald or gold clasp on their clothing. The intricacy of the clasp indicates their rank in the heirarchy.

Worship

Several rituals that those who worship Doya participate in is the attendance of birthings, deaths, marriages and funerals. The rituals are simple and, according to the occasion, either solemn or bright. Despite their apparent simplicity, the rituals are full of tradition and beauty. There is no one true saying, eulogy or speech, but any honest words that, in effect, offer praise to Doya and inquire for her to watch over the couple and instill fertility in the brides' womb, protect the newborn or guard the soul of the dead is appropriate.