These are some thoughts regarding Earth temples in Esrolia. They would probably serve as ideals for Earth temples elsewhere.
Glazed tiles, lots of it. The outside possibly faced in green tiles. A mosaic depicting the mother goddess on the main flor to emphasize that you walk on Her. Mosaics on the walls depicting scenes of growth and fertility.
Much, if not most, of the temple would be underground. Theoretically it should
form a cube with only a part above ground.
Some ceremonies would take place indoors, especially those in Dark season, but
many outdoors, often as parades going from the temple to the fields. Ritual
scattering of seeds along the way, Voria worshippers causing flowers to burst
out everywhere as they go.
Food would be important, especially bread.
Archives with birth and death registers. Probably only women of noble birth (in Esrolia), possibly in Earthspeech (sort of cuneiform, ah, quadriform? #takes cover#) on clay tablets.
Sacred gardens with all kinds of herbs and other ritually important plants. Sacred snakes, certainly.
> We know goddesses and spirits live inside Earth temples: do priestesses as
> well, or do they live nearby?
I think they are (excepting the Gors) expected to have big and
healthy families,
and so would live with them, nearby. Perhaps they sleep in the temple during
the Dark?
>Do they split congregations?
I think not. Some ceremonies are for women (and the odd eunuch) only. But many are for mixed parties. Split congregations sound a little bit to prudish for my brand of Earth worshipper.
> I have my own thoughts on this, but would be delighted to hear the
> perspectives of others.
And we would be delighted to hear yours!
Powered by hypermail