bituinism

the rituals.

this chapter contains depictions of self harm and suicide. this chapter can be disturbing to other readers

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the rituals are often to show the level of devotion to the spirits. most rituals exist to try to appease the star spirit, including sacrifices and murder

many ask on why the star spirit allows this despite how they punish everyone who has done wrong. the answer is simple;

it shows their devotion.

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the cleansing.

often times, when someone has sinned, they will try to cleanse themselves before Ruri punishes them. the way to free yourself of your sins is not easy, but to show Ruri to spare their life, people will go to the farthest extent just to appease their spirit.

the ritual begins at the highest mountain, and at this stage, most people die before they can even make it to the top. but, if someone is prepared and lucky, they will make it to the shrine of Ruri. the shrine looks slightly beat down because of all the snowstorms. the reason why it takes place at the mountain is to get as close to the clouds as possible. getting closer to the clouds = getting closer to the spirits

the next stage is preparation. the person would lay out their items in front of them. the most common item would be a knife made from the tiger's canine teeth (which is 3 inches long). the knife is called the ngipin ng dragon (dragon's teeth), because tigers were most feared at the time, just like dragons.

and if the person was smart enough, they would bring a calling bell, called a tagapakinig (listener). the calling bell is to bring the attention of Ruri, if rang four times. after using the bell, they would pray, using the ceremonial technique.

after they said their prayers, the person would take the ngipin ng dragon, and begin cutting themselves. they do not stop cutting themselves until they see Ruri in the clouds, or until they die.

everyone who preformed this ritual has died.

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the protection.

this tattoo is to provide a sense of safety and to ward off bad energy. it's similar to the evil eye (nazar), but in a tattoo form instead of an amulet. the tattoo shape is the spiraling sun in Havenfield's flag. the spiral sun is said to help people to return to a wealthy and healthy life when something goes wrong.

the tattoo is placed right in the center of your back. the reason why it is placed on your back is because the spine is one of the most important parts in your body, it gives your body structure, and without it, you cannot keep upright or standup.

while the tattoo is being applied to your back, the monk will sing and pray to give the blessings to the tattoo. although this comes at a price, as this tattoo isn't just for fun. if you do good and be good to other people, good things will come your way. if you don't follow this, then Ruri will punish you for your heinous crime, as you were the one that chose to get the tattoo, yet you cannot pay the price that comes with it.

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the sacrifice.

the most infamous and hated ritual in Havish culture. this ritual was only for the most devoted. in fact, this ritual only existed to praise Ryuichi, and to give their life to the sun spirit in order to make more fire and life.

the ritual typically took place in Ryuichi's grave, accessing the broken down old shrine. the four torches were lit. they represented life, destruction, pain, and emotions. there was also an extra 5th torch, which represented the sun.

the person would say their prayers, take a stick from the floor, light it with the fire from the 5th torch and, quite literally, eat fire. the stick would be shoved down the person's throat, while burning their limbs with the other four torches.

eventually, the person would die, committing suicide just for their very own sun spirit. they never regretted it though, since they thought they were doing a great justice to make new life.

also, it was believed that the younger the soul, the better it would help make new life. so it wasn't adults that mainly did this ritual, it was the teenagers.

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(more rituals may be added soon.)