Sowani

'Sowani' is a major native religion, with over 55 million followers, known as Sowans, mainly in Baileneu Ma and Albaterra. It is the state religion of Baileneu Ma, with 84% of the population being Sowan, whilst it makes up only a small minority in other nations such as Albaterra and. The religion supposedly originated from an ancient kingdom called, Baileneu, in Avalonia, ruled by a god-king named Xiuya, who's land was sacred and provided the inhabitants with security and safety. Sowans believe that the forces of The Devil overthrew Xiuya and tore down Baileneu, and is often used to describe the colonization of Avalonia and the oppression of the natives. Sowans strictly follow the teachings of Xiuya, passed down through countless generations as spoken tales, as the natives had no written language until the arrival of Modrovian colonizers, in order to achieve the holiness and spiritual awareness of Xiuya. In recent years, The Devil is also used in reference to authoritarian and capitalist systems, and is becoming increasingly more popular in Anterra as a counter-culture movement, involving resistance to police and other means of social control.

Beliefs
Sowani principles teach a number of beliefs based on the lifestyle and guidance of Xiuya, which most Sowans follow strictly. Sowani does allow for worship and following of other deities and religions, as long as these beliefs do not contradict core Sowani rules and the deities are worshiped as demi-gods, one such deity is Mubanke, which has been adopted from an unknown folk religion into Sowani traditions. One such tradition relating to Mubanke is leaving the stubs of joints and cigarettes within the mouth of a stone statue, which is done for good luck and spiritual purposes.

Food Consumption
Sowani prohibits the consumption of meats as well as food high in salt, sugar or fat, believing them to violate the sanctity of the human body. Sowans only eat enough to sustain themselves, instead believing the food should go to those who are in need of it most. Crops contaminated by disease are also forbidden in Sowani, which has also been interpreted to the banning of synthetic pesticides by the Sowan Worker's Party, leading to the outlaw of certain pesticides and herbicides in Baileneu Ma. Food is also encouraged to be eaten as raw as possible, with exceptions made towards certain food which could be harmful unless it was cooked, as well as the prohibition of preservatives, food coloring and additives. If possible Sowans try to eat food that they have grown themselves, as it emphasizes a connection to nature and Xiuya, and is a healthier alternative.

Psychedelics and Cannabis Consumption
As part of Sowan worship, the consumption of natural psychedelics are encouraged as the hallucinations and other effects are thought to bring the individual closer to Xiuya, making the person more spiritually aware. Cannabis is also consumed through smoke inhalation and eating of marijuana and hashish, believing it to inspire free thinking and be a gift from Xiuya, in contrast to alcohol, which is prohibited by Sowani due to it's intoxicating effects. Due to the legal restrictions of most nations in Anterra, many Sowans face punishment for cultivation and possession of psychedelics and cannabis, however, these were legalized in Baileneu Ma by the SWP in 1994. A particularly common smoking mixture used by Sowans is P'elele, which is a combination of various substances that is used for relaxation and meditative purposes and the exact ingredients varies depending on the region.

Kinnupe
Kinnupe is a rite of passage for Sowan males, in which the boy turning 15 must live isolated in the jungle for 2 months in order to be viewed as a man. Upon his return to the tribal chieftain he must recite the epic of Kinnupe, an ancient story of a demi god who defeated several demons of temptation and desire, becoming at one with Xiuya. If recited correctly, the man will receive his first Se'ranya, which is usually drawn on their chest or back, and resembles a lion fighting several snakes.

Se'ranya
Se'ranya are tattoos earned by Sowans for good deeds, such as acts of heroism or selflessness, or for important occasions, such as a person's 27th birthday, viewed as a holy number by Sowans. The first Se'ranya is earned through Kinnupe and the tattoos are typically done by an elder in a community, new Se'ranyas are given by a community leader, if the community wills it. The ink used and method of tattooing varies on the region and culture of the community, and there are no universal Se'ranyas other than the Kinnupe and the 27th birthday.

Peaceful Living
Sowani instructs every follower to live a life of peace, without harming another individual or animal, unless in extreme cases of self-defense. This has been interpreted in many ways, with some never harming any living thing, whilst others only practice violence in the defense of the religion, following in the doctrine of the Kingdom of Baileneu, which had no police or army, until the Devil's invasion, where the entire kingdom fought to protect Xiuya. It is these principles which led to the dismantlement of the armed forces of Baileneu Ma, instead giving the role to local militias in accordance to Sowan teachings.

Worship
Sowani offers many different forms of worship, such as meditation, which is thought to increase your connectivity with Xiuya that can be enhanced through natural psychedelics and cannabis, making the person more holy and spiritually ascended. Prayer is also encouraged by Sowani, viewed as a personal connection with Xiuya that expresses gratitude and devotion, that usually occurs in a Sowan temple or Jumbar where a priest is present. Festivals are also held on certain religious days such as the coronation of Xiuya, where Sowans gather to pray, sing and chant, whereas other days such as the collapse of Baileneu are instead for mourning and contemplation. Music is also a major part of Sowan worship, often retelling ancient Sowan myths and stories in both upbeat, lively styles and mournful, longing styles.

Interpretations
Younger Sowans practice a more liberal interpretation of Sowani, ignoring the repatriation and glorification of Baileneu and instead focusing on a more humanistic-style of belief, that Baileneu is not a place but a mindset that is achieved through spirituality. Other stricter interpretations focus on meditation, music and prayer, abiding to the various Sowan laws very strictly and holding a disdain for other religions and apostates, these stricter interpretations are usually more common in elderly rural groups within Baileneu Ma.