Hwajemyo (화재교)

Hwajemyo
화재교
Scripture	Hwajegyeong
Hwajeja Serenarch	Gwon Soomin
Region	Tranquillia
Language	Tranquanese
Members	6.155 Million
Hwajeja (화인)	3488
Tax status	Exempt
Slogan	"Embrace the Shadows, seek Liberation in Chaos"

((Current WIP for my national religion, Will take a long time to turn my notes into things))

Hwajemyo (화재교), Is the national religion of Tranquillia with 60% of all Tranquillians identifiying as followers of Hwajemyo. The religion places significant importance on creativity, individual freedoms, chaos and pleasure, It has it's roots in ancient Tranquil culture stemming from 1200BCE however the modern form of Hwajemyo took hold in 1588 following the 2nd plague((Insert plague name that went through ostlandet)). Following 1588 there have been 3 major transformations in Hwajemyo's history, in 1906 when the Anemisian Empire took control of Tranquillia, in 1967 following the April uprising, and once again in 1988 during the 3rd dark relivation conference which was called for by the dark clergy of Hwajeja Serenarch Puk Sokwo in an attempt to modernize the religion.

Beliefs

there two main beliefs within Hwajemyo, "Chaotic Embrace" and "Cycle of Rebirth". Unfortunately this intense belief in rebirth and the view of embracing chaos has led many devotees to see their life as disposable, allowing them to commit atrocities and heinous acts while being able to restart it and start fresh in a new life. These intertwined beliefs have led to an increase in criminal acts being made by followers of Hwajemyo, including the static that followers of Hwajemyo are 3x as likely to commit violent crimes compared to others. This has led to a demand for modernisation within the religion and culminated in the creation and implementation of updated scripture, rituals and policies in 1988 during the 3rd dark relivation.

Chaotic Embrace

A cornerstone in the belief system of Hwajemyo is the followers embrace and acceptance of Chaos and chaotic like events. To the followers Chaos is not a force to be feared but one that should be embraced and allowed to spread, feeding individual desires and removing inhibitions from social norms. Initially chaos was though to be a malevolent force created by Mujigae however after the 1588 reformation where Mujigae became the main deity in the religion, chaos has been embraced and used as a catalyst for societal change within the religion.

Hwajemyo teaches it's followers that Chaos is a way of life and one that should be embraced, enjoyed and spread throughout the land, most scholars believe that the interpretation of chaos actually refers to acts of self indulgence or desires that go against pre existing societal norms. As such, Followers of Hwajemyo are encouraged to be their true self, give in to desires and express their deepest feelings and thoughts openly free from judgement. This central belief has unfortunately led to the association of Hwajemyo with degeneracy and debauchery amongst other main stream religions, with it's focus on self desires, freedoms and personal liberties.

Cycle of Rebirth

The Cycles of Rebirth stand as a fundamental tenet, depicting life as an eternal journey of renewal and transformation. Followers believe that death is neither the end nor is birth the begging of life but rather life itself follows through a constant cycle, When someone dies they are simply transformed and reborn again to start life a new. This had the initial fact of adding to the religious ritual of human sacrifice as well as sacrificial suicide however both practices were reviewed and the rituals associated with them were deemed "no longer integral".

Deities

The mythology of Hwajemyo states that there are 3 main supernatural Deities who together are responsible for all creation and life. Each of the 3 Deities represents a different state of mine and personality trait, Mujigae represents purity, hope and good, Jeonmyeong represents logic, reasoning and neutrality, Mujigae represents evil, corruption and perversion. Although initially regarded as being an evil unwanted Deity, Mujigae has taken on the role of the main deity in modern Hwajemyo representing freedom and personal choice.

Mujigae (무지개)

An artistic etching of Mujigae from a 16th century copy of the Hwajegyeong

Mujigae is a key deity in the Hwajemyo religion, He personifies the darker aspects of human nature, tempting followers to indulge in forbidden desires and challenge societal norms. Also known as the Shadow Temptress, Mujigae's mysterious allure is depicted through rituals and iconography featuring twisted serpents and symbols associated with darkness and night-time. In contrast to Hwaseong's benevolence, Mujigae stands in direct confrontation to light and good nature, instead using the allure of pleasure and greed to entice followers to his side.

Often depicted in iconography and literature as being a skeletal hunched back creature clad in a cloak made from necrotic skin of newborns, Mujigae is said to have a comically large skull made of pure bone and fear, his eyes glow bright red and according to scripture will turn those who look into them mad with power. Along with his description, it is also said that the ground turns black and plants weep with blood when Mujigae walks near them. Mujigae is known for offering deals in exchange for followers corrupting others to join amongst them in worship of himself or in exchange for their essence, these deals often come with multiple strings attached however in modern scripture these deals are seen in a positive light. Although initially feared, Mujigae has become the main deity in Hwajemyo, surprisingly his grotesque description and warnings have not been changed by the religion.

Jeonmyeong (전명)

An artistic drawing of Jeonmyeong from a 16th century copy of the Hwajegyeong

Jeonmyeong....

Hwaseong (화성)

Hwaseong, central to Hwajemyo, symbolizes benevolence and enlightenment. In the mythological narrative, Hwaseong triumphs over discord and creates humanity. Depicted with an ethereal aura, Hwaseong's compassionate teachings attract followers, known as "Radiant Seekers," who emphasize peace and harmony. Iconography features symbols of purity, and temples exude serenity. In contrast to the darker allure of Mujigae, Hwaseong embodies the radiant path, guiding followers toward enlightenment and harmonious existence.

Practices

Previous Rituals

Human Sacrifice

((Expand soon)) Deemed "no longer integral" during the 3rd dark relivation, last official ritual occurred on January 1st 1989

Right of age fights

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