Valanposi Spiritualism

Valanposi Spiritualism is a polytheistic religion practiced by the Valanposi people. The religion doesn’t believe in gods, instead believing in major spirits which are the ancestors of all life, as well as others whom helped make and control different aspects of the world. It is believed that selfless acts of goodwill tend to get favored with luck and prosperity from good-intentioned spirits as those who purposely inflict misdeeds tend to receive the same from the spirits of tricksters and monsters.

History
The history of the Valanposi aren’t well known, as it’s believed that although they do have a written language, they tended to not write down their history, usually passing it down via oral tradition, with the exception of some written poems and songs. It’s believed that they were a tribe from within the Eork Plains, having isolated themselves from civilizations for some time before some would introduce themselves to the rest of Rathnir, bringing their religion with them.

Origin of the World
The Valanposi people believe that the universe’s first spirits would make the world. Each would have different materials to work with and each had their own personalities, resulting in areas being more varied and unique. Afterwards, the first spirits of life would be born, with the spirits who created the world observing them. The descendants of these spirits are believed to be the life of Rathnir, all different and unique. During this process, the Valanposi people would be created, their purpose being to live off the lands and be respectful towards their world. It’s believed that the spirits who created the world are benevolent and well tempered, with their minor descendant spirits being the ones responsible for the weather, winds and other natural events.

Spirits and reincarnation
Aside from the first spirits, all spirits were once alive, being the souls of dead beings. Their behaviors can differ, depending on what they did before death. Spirits of beings who lived their lives being relatively good tend to be generous and kind, their presence bringing luck and good faith. Spirits of beings who lived committing misdeeds without remorse tend to differ. Some are tricksters, messing with the minds of the living, as others are violent, bringing rashness and violence in their wake. Reincarnation is believed the be offered to spirits after a certain amount of time, those who accept then become a part of the living world once more, memories and past actions cleared. For those who decline, they stay as spirits, wandering the world while helping guide or punish the living.

Karma
Vekchzuat kaoumudune, suoudune, what comes, goes. It’s believed that actions in the living realm can attract the attention of spirits, good, bad and neutral depending on what is done. It’s believed that harm and disrespect is always returned at some point in a person’s life. Usually in the form of bad luck, tricks or ill advice, happening to those who do the same. After such things, good spirits offer to help guide said people, giving helpful advice as long as the person continues to improve. For those of goodwill, they tend to be greeted with good news and luck, being told on how to help guide others. People who are morally ambiguous tend to not be interacted as much as others, tending to get some luck, some misfortune and advice. All in all, Valanposi Spiritualism believes treating kin the way which you wish to be treated.

Lunar Festivals
On the end of a full Lunar cycle, followers of Valanposi Spiritualism will tend to fast til sundown, usually making offerings to show thanks to the world. Depending on what they have, they might make generous offers or maybe none at all if said people lack the resources. It’s believed that not making an offering during a Lunar celebration is not an offense to the spirits so long as there was a reason for it. After offerings, it is common for the Valanposi to have humble meals, prohibiting themselves from eating meat and drinking wine as a symbol of restraint. Purposing indulging oneself with meat and drink during a Lunar festival is frowned upon, seen as a contradiction to why they are celebrated.

It is typical that after the night of festival, small celebrations amongst close friends and families are held next day. During said celebrations, it is common for guests to bring their own meals and cutlery. The meals can differ depending on what the people brought, but it is common for meat and wine to be present, with bread, fruit and vegetables as well. Respect between host and guest is a must during them, with those violating the beliefs of hospitality either being left out of the celebrations (to guests) or having to let their guests leave, giving a small gift as well, usually no more than a small trinket (to hosts). When leaving, both host and guest thank one another, wishing good health and luck before leaving, as a final sign of respect.

Harvest Festivals
Harvest festivals don’t have set times on when they’re celebrated, but are usually celebrated after a bountiful harvest. They tend to be relatively modest, toasting to the reaps usually with basic wine as well as meat on some occasions. Usually when toasting, everyone is to thank the world for it’s gifts before proceeding to their meals or drink. As well, small offerings from said harvests are sometimes given to the spirits, typically consisting of berries. In the eyes of the spirits, harvest festivals aren’t meant to be lavish nor extravagant, more so a time for fellow Valanposi to respect the world they live on, as well as their ancestors.

Marriage
The Valanposi see marriage as a major commitment which should never be taken lightly. Prior to a marriage, a couple has spent at least a year together, with it being seen as important as to prove both partners’ dedication to one another. During this period, the families from both people might celebrate holidays and festivals with one another, sometimes inviting each other over outside of festivities. As this happens, both families will tend to gift one another, with gifts varying depending on wealth. Commonly among less wealthy families, they might exchange small wooden trinkets or arrowheads. Amongst more well-off families however, things such as jewelry and ceremonial weapons might be gifted.

During marriage ceremonies themselves, both families will hold a feast together at sundown, with meat and drinks usually being present if available. Offerings of berries to the spirits are commonly made during the feast, with the intentions of bringing good luck and having the favors of the spirits with them. After the offerings and feast, the two partners make an oath to one another, both giving thanks towards the spirits and/or other deities with the shaman then declaring them officially married. Afterwards, the new couple with then live together, usually in the home of the smaller family. After being married, it is only possible for a couple to part if they both agree or a significant reason is made.

Sacrifices/Offerings
A sacrifice/offering to the spirits and/or world is said to be a respectful gesture as long as what’s being offered isn’t a person, in which case it’s frowned upon and can draw the attention of vengeful spirits. It’s also believed that no animal is supposed to be only for sacrifice, with it’s meat and other materials meant to be used to their fullest. For both living and spirits, it is believed by the Valanposi that meat is a delicacy which should only be eaten when nothing else is available, it’s gifted or during times of war, with crop yields making the majority of their respective diets. For spirits, sweet berries are believed to usually be their most preferred choice of crop to consume (although it’s also believed that not all spirits prefer it), due to their sweet taste as well as the property of being able to be fermented into wine.