Az'atta: Prayers and Holy Days
Prayers
Prayers to Az'atta depend primarily upon the need of her cleric at the time. This is another area her clergy are encouraged to create for themselves. There are no proper prayers to Az'atta; it is taught to simply speak from the heart.
If one is about to face a great trial while protecting others, the prayer might sound similar to this:
Az'atta, through the love that you feel for all, give me the strength to protect these folk from harm.
A prayer for healing would likely go something like this:
Az'atta, through your boundless mercy, grant me the power to heal this poor soul of his affliction.
A prayer for guidance would sound something like this:
In your merciful ways, Az'atta, offer a sign to your wretched creature so that I may know my path is true.
Holy Days
In a religion wrapped with nothing but self giving, there are days to look to one's self and days to look to that which needs reminding. Following are the thoughts of the first handmaidens when the Az'attan calendar was designed.
- New Year
The New Year, beginning Oclar 1st, represents the day Az'atta ascended into the heavens. On this day, a light feast is prepared and those within the temple spend the day at rest and enjoy the company of Az'atta's people. A light feast usually contains a porridge and broth accompanied by the fruit of the season. The drink is often home-brewed honey mead.
- Children's Day
In the deep of the cool wet season of the deserts, a festival is held for the children of Az'atta and the locals. Aptly named Children's Day, this day is filled with games and snack foods usually made of rice, fruits, and honey. On this day, those children who have claimed sanctuary or in other ways ended up in the temple's care, are especially celebrated. For many, this is the day they mark their years by if no other date is known to them. Decilar 14th is a day of pure innocence for Az'attans of all walks.
- Sernti
A day of reflection keeps the soul humble. Sernti is celebrated on the first new moon of Febra. The day is spent in reverent prayer for most Az'attans not tending to important duties. Those unable to devote their entire day share shifts with others in their church so that at least part of the day is spent on remembering what it was that brought them to Az'atta's Way, to offer prayer to her, and to reflect on how they can improve upon their service to the people of Layonara.
