Eos - Religion of the Harvest

Taken from The Musings of a Wanderer by Bevel Dart

Common among the independent farmers of Caliharah is the religion of Eos. Eos teaches a devotion to the harvest, and its meaning flows with the temperament of the season. I am pleased to report personal observation of the miracles of Eos.

Seasons

Spring is, of course, a time of life and planting. Those of the faith accompany planting with a sense of purpose and vitality. The conception of children is common in this season in addition to the vigors of planting. Springtime planting includes the ritual of a brief morning prayer at dawn. The moment the light touches the soil, the farmers may step upon the dirt of their fields and begin their day’s work.

Summer is a time of encouraging forth and protecting life. Irrigation efforts play a major role here. Additionally, in the spirit of protection, the act of practicing and training in martial disciplines plays a major role in the course of a normal day.

Autumn is the most important time of year for the followers of Eos. Like in the Spring, farmers say a prayer as they step upon the fields at first light. Autumn is absolutely sacred. Except for emergencies, no other task can be performed during Autumn until the harvest is complete. The completion of the harvest is marked with a massive three-day celebration featuring lights, music, dancing, feasting, drinking, and games.

Winter is a time for repair, planning, and reflection. Tools are mended and sharpened. Crop planning is done. Martial training is revitalized. Many communities hold a solstice celebration wherein any learning and experimenting of the past year’s crops are discussed.

Birds

Have you ever considered being a bird?

Birds are generally observed as omens, good and bad. Timing of migratory patterns often tells farmers if they should plant and harvest early or late. Birds present during any task are considered lucky. It is believed that Eosaani, Divinity of Eos, takes the form of a bird. Bird figures are often sculpted along fenceposts. To keep away birds that might damage crops, predatory bird figures are placed about. Carvings of birds decorate door mantles, roof eaves, and fabric patterns

Injured birds are carefully nursed back to health. Domestic birds are common.

Eosaani

Eosaani is believed by the followers of Eos to be ever-present. Favor is gained by hard and smart work in the fields. There is a general lack of consensus over whether Eosaani is male or female, and it is generally observed that Eosaani takes the gender meaningful to the believer.

Miracles

There came a day in my quest’n when I came upon a family practicing Eos. They were mid-harvest. The crops were cut and ready to be threshed the following day. A flock of small birds had spent the day above the field swirling, diving, and playing above the workers - a lucky omen. The next morning, several bundles had been threshed and sorted! The family merely smiled knowingly, thanked Eosaani at their dawn prayer, and got to their work. To reverent practitioners of Eos, these minor miracles appear to be commonplace. There is clear evidence of Eosaani’s hand upon the world.

Among the followers of Eos there is a spirit of helping other farmers, just as Eosaani helps them. If a farmer finds himself with a bit of time, he will often assist their neighbor. This is especially common in major projects, such as barn-raising. Such actions are believed to curry favor with Eosaani.

Other

• Eos is common in Caliharah and is not uncommon among farmers elsewhere throughout Aropria.
• One of the allures of Eos is the manifestation of Eosaani’s will through minor miracles.
• There are several noble families throughout the continent whose coats of arms include birds, which appear to date back to their ascension to nobility through agriculture

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Notes for writers:

Eos is a practical religion. It’s beliefs flow naturally into the normal demands of a successful farm.

Followers believe Eosaani takes the form of a bird or can shapeshift into a bird. Eosaani is neither a bird nor a shapeshifter. She takes the form of a female human. Her gift is the ability to talk to birds, and their tendency to follow her direction. Birds are her hands upon the world. The minor miracles attributed to Eosaani are done by birds at her behest.

In Spring, Summer, and Autumn she moves about the world as a strong, able-bodied farm hand. In Winter, she often looks like a park pigeon woman, caring for the birds around her and waiting for Spring.

Eosaani is immortal, and she rarely makes herself known as a Divinity. She uses flocks of birds to transport her quickly over long distances. She is most likely to work her minor miracles for farmers who show reverence to birds and who demonstrate hard work or special need. Her first clue to pay attention to a farmer is the presence of bird figures and bird carvings throughout the farm.