Momism

A Momist book of prayers in the Ro Syllabary.

Momism (Ro: ꂿꃋꈜ mo my gga) is the ethnic religion of the Ro people, the second largest designated hill tribe people in Duran. Its name is derived from the Ro ꂿꃋ mo my, meaning heaven. The religion's name is literally translated to "Way of Heaven", though Momism is used. Another name occasionally used is Hniwoism, based on the name of the religion's prophet. The religion emerged during the Black Turban Revolt in the 16th century, centred around the millenarian figure of Hni Wo. After his death and the defeat of the revolt, the religion evolved as his followers came to accept the loss of their leader.

Momism occupies a central role in Ro culture and society. The Ro Syllabary, which is used to write in the Ro language, originated as a religious institution and has been claimed to have been given to the Ro people by Hni Wo himself. Many traditional festivals and even clothing styles are also influenced by the religion. In the modern day, the faith's anti-establishment millenarianism has served as the ideological basis of the Ro Salvation Socialist Front, which has resulted in some persecution of Momists by the Duranian state.

History

Momism is believed to have evolved out of the existing Ro shamanic faith, which was believed to resemble Kadawism given the many similarities between the two faiths.

During the 16th century, the Duranian state was shaken by a massive uprising of Hill peoples, which would later be referred to as the Black Turban Revolt due to the headgear worn by the revolt's leaders. This revolt was centred on the Ro shaman Hni Wo, who claimed to be annointed by the gods and the bringer of a new era. The revolt would rage for several years, attracting a wide range of hill tribes to its cause, but was eventually defeated and Hni Wo killed.

In the aftermath of the defeat, the hill tribes were divided. Some groups chose to integrate with the lowland peoples, while others moved further upland in order to escape. Among these were the Ro, who faced a severe crisis of identity as much of their social organisation had been shifted under the nascent revolt. Showing fluidity, the Bimos decreed that Hni Wo had not died and that instead had escaped death and would return in a later time. This preserved their social role, while also allowing the Ro to return to the practices of shifting cultivation they had previously practiced.

As the Ro were peripheral to Duran's development trajectory initially, the Momist faith was able to survive throughout the years on both sides of the Shangean border, though it was concentrated in the north. However, during the period of the Heavenly Shangean Empire the faith was repressed. Following independence, Momism was officially recognised as a religion following the Vauntoo accords.

In the 1970s, a key Momist temple was destroyed by the Duranian state in order to build the Kartrinpa dam. This led many Momists to rebel against the state, under the Army of the Just King of Heaven. Though this insurgency has waxed and waned, large swathes of territory are currently under this group's rule.

Beliefs

The central figure of Momism is the Just King, a millenarian and divine leader who according to legend will bring about a period of universal peace and prosperity. The Momist faith teaches that the prophet Hni Wo, who led the 16th century Black Turban Revolt, was this figure, however, they believe that he was betrayed by his followers and, seeing that the battle was lost, was voluntarily immolated on a pyre by his devoted followers. This allowed Hni Wo to reascend to the heavens, from whence it is believed he will return to usher in the new millenium.

This belief in the betrayal of the messiah by his followers is unique of the region, with some making comparisons with Sotirianity and alleging a connection through the trans-Beishan trade routes which linked Shangea with northern Coius. However, this theory is rejected by most historians.

Spirits

Momism is an animist faith, believing in the existence of many other spirits, called Yyr, which inhabit the world. According to Momist belief, there exists a separate spirit world in the heavens wherein the souls of the dead live. Upon death, when the correct rituals are followed, the soul is able to enter these heavens, otherwise it shall roam the earth. These earthbound spirits are able to affect the natural world to varying degrees, depending on the soul's actions in its life. They sustain themselves through offerings, or by preying on small animals. Spirits can be conversed with by a Su Nyit, or medium. While many are malicious, some are believed to be kind.

The Just King is seen as a bridge between the two worlds, and when his kingdom is established the dead will return to life and live among their families.

Ritual

Pyre Festival in Syrqindo.

Momism has many rituals, which are overseen by priests called Bimo. The Bimo are recruited from certain lineages and trained from birth for the role. The most known ritual is that of the Pyre Festival (ꄔꊒ Dut zie). For this festival, a large pyre is lit in the centre of the village or town. This commemorates Hni Wo's ascension into heaven, and it is believed that he will return on this day from a large pyre. Other rituals are carried out around births and deaths, and usually involve offering gifts to the Yyr to protect the newborn or ensuring that the soul of the deceased is able to enter the spirit world. Cremation is seen as a mandatory process, with the remains being kept in an urn and buried for safekeeping.

A core part of daily Momist practice is the recitation of bu chat hxop, traditional hymns which are often accompanied by dance at larger ceremonies. These hymns tell the story of Hni Wo and the revolt, as well as of other significant figures in Ro history.