Elements (Religion)
From WNOHGB Wiki
The Rihannsu religion is often referred to as the worship of the elements. This is a drastic oversimplification of their actual beliefs. The current main religion was created during the time in which the Rihannsu had left Vulcan but not yet landed on ch'Rihan. It cobbled together certain beliefs from some of the over 600 religions of Vulcan, and added new terms as well. The "elements" they "worship" – Avilh (Earth), Lhael (Air), Ihhuein (Water), and Okhala (Fire) – are closer to concepts and symbols of certain holy concepts, or aspirational virtues. The Elements are pure representations of these virtues, which the Rihannsu believe are the foundations for a good life and indeed, the basic elements of life itself.
Everything can be related back to this philosophy, even mnhei'sahe, or the Ruling Passion. While often translated into an honor code, the Ruling Passion is entwined with the Elements. They are part of an all-encompassing philosophy which the Rihannsu follow in order to control what is at their heart, a very passionate and emotion-driven nature. Where the Vulcans use the Surak philosophy, the Rihannsu use this.
Each House, in addition to following the Elements, does have a form of ancestor worship. Altars are found in every Home, honoring the Elements as well as close members of the family who have passed and the greatest or most accomplished members of their lineage. Rather than build a new memorial for those who are deceased, tokens representing these people are placed on the altar. However, no ancestor can intercede and help you. They can only, through the deeds of their life, show you a way to live.
The only god-like beings that the Rihannsu acknowledge are the Vhorani. This is a term they brought with them from Vulcan, as well as the term "Vorta-Vor" which is their word for Heaven. The Vhorani were said to create the Vulcan people, who had to prove themselves worthy and then spread themselves over the galaxy. The Rihannsu still believe that. However, they do not pray to the Vhorani and the Vhorani do not intercede on behalf of the Rihannsu. The Rihannsu must prove themselves. There are temples, shrines and priests and priestess who dedicate themselves to this or that particular Element. They educate others about the principles associated with their chosen element. . Most families go to Priests or Priestess in their own House, but this is not a rule, only a custom.
The closest thing the Rihannsu have to a religious leader is the Emperor (or Empress, depending on who has the throne). Although they once served as leaders of the Empire, the Imperial family and in particular, the Emperor, now only has a role in their religion. Like the Elements themselves, the Emperor is a representation of the racial and religious purity of the Rihannsu people. Mere figureheads, they often surrounded by religious advisors, but they hold little true power. They are most often seen during Festivals, bestowing their blessings on the people.
_________________________________________________________________________
This material is paraphrased or inspired by the works of Diane Duane.
