Oshilasama

Clothes worn by Oshilasama believers possess a unique atmosphere among those in Shepherd. Patterns representing Nono are drawn here and there on their attire.

Oshilasama is a folk religion with practices and beliefs similar to animism or shamanism. Villages populated by those who follow this religion have a symbolic object (similar to a totem pole) in the center, and the residents each have a simple shrine in their homes. Followers of Oshilasama create designs that help draw out the power of "Nono", which can be found throughout the world. Nono is used to perform spells (also called miracles), most of which are passed down orally. However, spells are also kept in ancient records and secret books.

Primarily practiced by Felineko, Oshilasama is more commonly found areas where they make up a majority of the population, such as the Federation of Abyssina. Comparatively, the Shepherd Republic has a few small communities of followers found in the country's more remote islands, and the Prairie Kingdom has no noticeable signs that Oshilasama is practiced there. Despite this, there are a few rare instances of Caninu that practice it.

Customs and Traditions

Dancing

Felineko newlyweds performing a traditional dance

Followers of Oshilasama believe that dancing is an important part of expressing all of one's emotions. For this reason, dancing is a major component of events such as weddings and even funerals. All believers of Oshilasama are able do dance, regardless of gender. There are many ways to express one's self in these dances beyond just movement, such as vocally and facially.

Caninu Followers

Although rare, some Caninu practice Oshilasama. This rarity stems from the fact the Caninu as a race are less adept with magic compared to their Felineko counterparts, usually opting to use technology instead. This trait has created stereotype in Oshilasama villages that Caninu struggle to perform normal tasks much like they do with spellcasting. Even when giving their best efforts, Caninu followers are only able to do so much, which has led to a feeling of shame and inferiority among them.

Funerals

In a traditional Oshilasama funeral, the dead are placed in a decorated, round barrel which is buried. In addition to the deceased's body, the barrel is sometimes also filled with items they cherished in their lifetime. The deceased may also be dressed with their favorite clothing, or native traditional clothing before burial. During the funeral, mourners wear traditional black attire along with a thin piece of cloth that covers the face so it can not be seen directly. Flowers and food are often brought to the funeral as offerings. The grave is marked with a wooden pillar with a simple decorative design.

After the deceased is buried, food and flower offerings are still made at the grave site as well as a tradition of pouring tea over grave markers, which is said to purify them. Additionally, each year there is a "lantern floating" ceremony, where people write messages to those a part of the great spirit on pieces of paper, which are attached to disposable hot air balloons and released to the air.

Views on Life and Death

Oshilasama has an animistic view on the topic of life and death, with the belief that one's soul remains after death and joins together with the great spirit. There are also some that believe that those who die become Nono, returning to the world.

Gallery

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  Steps to a typical Oshilasama dance
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  How Oshilasama believers are buried