Kuliya's Ring (,ku 'lɪə ɑs rɪng)
Kuliya’s Ring refers to a type of devotional object commonly used by followers of the Al Kuliya faith, used as an object of prayer and personal devotion, and frequently worn on one’s person as a show of faith. Designs vary widely across individuals preferences and regions, however the general configuration of a Kuliya’s ring consists of a small circular shape constructed from metal or wood, incorporating the design of a six-petaled flower. This design is meant to represent the unity and wholeness of Kuliya in the form of an endless circle.
Kuliya’s rings are typically designed with the intention of being worn on one’s person, though at times larger variations have been made for ceremonial purposes. The most common variety is worn as a pendant on a necklace, though bracelets and rings worn on one’s finger are also not unheard of. The only true constant is that it must resemble a circle, and as such a great variety of Kuliya’s rings exist.
The traditional design involves a solid, circular piece of wood or thin metal, engraved with a six-petaled flower whose tips align with the outer edge of the ring. This style is still common with many Kuliyans, in particular with pious or poor people. Typical embellishments include the addition of gemstones or precious metals, more complex engravings, and more delicate construction, with rings sometimes being composed of multiple pieces of overlapping filigree. Designs made for wearing as bracelets or rings will instead feature six petaled flower patterns that wrap around the exterior of the design.
Designs trends are also seen amongst individual regions of Kuliyan worshippers. For example, within the peninsula of Tel Rialis, Kuliya’s rings can often serve as an identifier of the origins of the person who wears them. The Kingdom of Doro has a particularly unique design preference that includes the addition of a serpent eating its own tail, wrapping around the exterior of the circle. This is Zenaboros, a local deity which is thought to be a servant of Kuliya. Bayt Alma, though only recently established as a Kuliyan state, has seen the development of damascene-style rings, where precious metals are engraved onto a darkened metal surface. Practitioners of Al Kuliya living in Kaddite regions are more likely to have small, drab rings that attract little attention.
History
Records held within monastery libraries suggest that the concept of Kuliya’s rings can be traced back to the founding years of the religion, when newly converted followers sought to replace the idols they had used in their worship of the old gods of Kada . Though many different styles of devotional objects were created during that time, and continue to be created to this day, Kuliya’s ring has been the most popular and long-lived of them all. This is easily attributed to the simplicity of its form, which can easily be altered to suit the tastes of the individual, and its portability, helpful for both nomadic Kuliyans, and those fleeing from persecution. In addition, many sects of Al Kuliya forbid attempts to depict Kuliya in a physical form, believing the form of the god to be greater than any attempted likenesses. The ring serves as a symbolic representation of Kuliya’s omnipresence and the completeness of their form.Design
Kuliya’s rings are typically designed with the intention of being worn on one’s person, though at times larger variations have been made for ceremonial purposes. The most common variety is worn as a pendant on a necklace, though bracelets and rings worn on one’s finger are also not unheard of. The only true constant is that it must resemble a circle, and as such a great variety of Kuliya’s rings exist.
The traditional design involves a solid, circular piece of wood or thin metal, engraved with a six-petaled flower whose tips align with the outer edge of the ring. This style is still common with many Kuliyans, in particular with pious or poor people. Typical embellishments include the addition of gemstones or precious metals, more complex engravings, and more delicate construction, with rings sometimes being composed of multiple pieces of overlapping filigree. Designs made for wearing as bracelets or rings will instead feature six petaled flower patterns that wrap around the exterior of the design.
Designs trends are also seen amongst individual regions of Kuliyan worshippers. For example, within the peninsula of Tel Rialis, Kuliya’s rings can often serve as an identifier of the origins of the person who wears them. The Kingdom of Doro has a particularly unique design preference that includes the addition of a serpent eating its own tail, wrapping around the exterior of the circle. This is Zenaboros, a local deity which is thought to be a servant of Kuliya. Bayt Alma, though only recently established as a Kuliyan state, has seen the development of damascene-style rings, where precious metals are engraved onto a darkened metal surface. Practitioners of Al Kuliya living in Kaddite regions are more likely to have small, drab rings that attract little attention.
Use in Prayer
The intended use of Kuliya’s rings is that of a twice-daily prayer, given once at dawn and again at dusk. The user traces their finger along the outer edge of the circle, and recites a prayer thanking Kuliya for their continued protection and blessings, and promising Kuliya their continued servitude. However, for many the ring has become a symbol first and foremost, as both a declaration of their faith and a potential show of wealth. Some wealthier individuals have come under criticism for the elaborate designs of their rings, which impede their intended use as objects of worship.
Item type
Religious / Ritualistic
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