Polytheism

From FiranMUX

While the Zutivian Temples in the monotheistic regions of the Firan lands are for Zutiv only, the temples in regions that worship the whole pantheon are usually multi-purpose. These general temples are usually arranged with a number of stations in the temple devoted to one of the Gods or Goddesses in the pantheon. It is not required that a worshipper visit each of the stations, nor is it discouraged.

Marriage, death rites, and divorce may all be performed by any Priest or Priestess of any of the Gods or Goddesses. A couple usually chooses one particular God or Goddess to be their patron by choosing to have all their life rituals performed by the Priest or Priestesses of that particular divinity. Still, it is not rare to find people who worship different Gods or Goddesses at different times in their lives.

It should also be noted that there are general clerics — very powerful and talented people who meet the requirements to be a Priest or Priestess to more than one of the Gods. Such persons, however, must take care not to arouse the jealousies of his/her deities. Such persons are said to be singularly blessed with magical powers, but also singularly cursed with bad luck.

Marriage

Marriages are performed by a type of trial. The couple is tied together at the wrist and ankle and then placed at the entrance to the temple's garden maze. Together they must find their way out of the maze. Meanwhile, the guests leave blessings, gifts, and tokens at the maze's exit. When the couple exits the maze and collects the gifts, they do not know who the presents are from. The priest takes the leather straps off the couple and weaves them together with either fur, feathers, or gold to make two matching necklaces. The priest(ess) then says a blessing over the necklaces. At the end of the celebration, the priest(ess) ties the necklaces around the necks of the happy couple and pronounces them married.

Dissolution of Marriage

This is done when a couple returns their necklaces to the priest(ess), who burns the necklaces, saying the appropriate prayer over them, and pronounces the couple no longer married. Both the husband and wife must bringtheir necklace to the priest(ess).

Funerals

A body must be anointed with holy oils and spices that can be obtained from Priests. The body must then be burned on a pyre while asking Unot to watch over the dead Firan.