Doesh Pire (subject to updating)

General Information

Doesh Pire is the first to exist of creation; they were given the eternal body by Iu, most commonly depicted as golden armor, especially a breastplate. In religious depictions, Doesh Pire is often dragon-like, with varying features aside from two large wings. These wings are described as "flowing as sheets of fabric, or plentiful streams" which hold within them the entire span of time, and that which is effected by time resides within the wings of Doesh Pire. Doesh Pire is also considered omniscient; however, their knowledge encompasses only that which exists within time. 

Doesh Pire, as well as the other Doesh, has been known to take on conceivable forms such as an animal or human. Some iterations have common names, including "Father Time," alluding to their nature as being both the embodiment and sovereign of time.

Iconography

Flowing Water

Aside from anthropomorphized or figurative representations of Doesh Pire, symbology associated with them is typically a source of flowing water (i.e. streams, brooks, rivers, rapids, oceans, creeks, etc.), in accordance with the idea of time as a flowing event, as well as the subjectivity to direct change from interaction.

Armor

Given that Doesh Pire was gifted the breast of Iu, meant to symbolize time as a constant entity in our reality (and adjacent ones), it follows that armor in general is associated with not only protection and safety, but with also with a kind of preservation and permanence beyond the wearer. While not all armor is considered a reference to Doesh Pire, iconography in Iunism uses it as a tool to represent figures whose image and impact outlast their life.

Gold and Blue

The color often used to reference or directly show Doesh Pire is primarily gold. Gold, not only being a precious metal, is not very reactive with oxygen, meaning it retains its luster for much longer than other metals like silver or iron. Given its vibrance as well, it has been used in many cultures to allude to immortal beings, as well as used as embellishments for leaders or other individuals who have a direct connection to a divine (and often immortal) entity. Blue, particularly darker and more neutral shades, are often used to accent religious depictions, scripts, and other written and illustrative works of Doesh Pire. This usage is not common among all groups of worshippers, and in fact sparks some debate as Doesh Kihia employs the color blue in iconography much more. It is believed that the color was mostly used in tandem with depictions of water, though some sources claim it stems from the color of the sky and the concept of night and day cycles.

Glass and Sand

Sand, or even various kinds of sedimentary deposits, are viewed in tandem with the passage of time and the sense of accumulation/erosion. Given the proximity to water, typically flowing rivers, streams, or tides, sand and sediment is viewed as somewhat sacral; it is often equated to wealth and wellness, and has inspired texts and proverbs describing the greatest of these comes from patience and many cycles of life. Glass, being a product of sand, is also considered a divine product. It is believed that when Iu began to pull itself apart, there was a light so intense that Doesh Pire was made into a kind of glass. With such a body, the Doesh was able to have ultimate clarity on all things, the eyes that see all, and so glass represents wisdom and clarity.

Books

 Books are containers of knowledge, and as Doesh Pire is the great Diviner, the (as mentioned before) eyes that see all, they are associated with the Doesh as markers of great knowledge, or even the great pursuit of knowledge.

Other, Minor Symbols

• the infinite symbol
• crowns
• a figure bearing weight on their back/positioned with their back to the viewer
• turtles, snails, crabs

Rituals

Curiosity

Generally, any kind of venture in which some kind of knowledge is sought is considered both a sacred act, as well as a blessing from Doesh Pire. This could be formal education (school of any level), asking questions, discovering unknown things, or even investigating the validity of claims made by others. While this may seem more like a passive action than an intended, practiced ritual, it is still considered an action that should not be interrupted until some kind of conclusion has been made; if knowledge is left unknown, or misidentified, that is seen as an offence to the Doesh Pire, and it is believed repercussions can include mental burnout and bigotry, as the Shadow Self has taken over. 

Debates

Partaking in a debate, or formal arguing of knowledge is a highly regarded practice in Iunism. It should be noted that the ideal debate seeks to comb through meticulously investigated sets of information for objective facts (not truths). Some say the purest (and only permissible) forms of these rituals are those that exclude any kind of emotional influences, as facts should not be muddled by feelings, however, certain groups of Iunists may permit emotional arguments, though with stipulations as to what is ultimately allowed. Debating is meant to cooperatively find facts, so generally there is no winning party, but a celebration can sometimes be held after a conclusion is drawn.

Bathing

Bathing is an act of cleansing, and is seen as refreshing the aging process. Hygiene in general is promoted, as the unclean body is viewed as representing an unclean mind--- that is to say, a body that never washes is like a mind that never learns. Baths specifically are tied to the uterus, as the water of the womb is where a body begins growing. A warm bath is believed to dampen the mind, as constant inquiry wears down on the intellectual self, and is often accompanied by notions of openness, calmness, and clarity (as in a clear/empty mind). A cold bath is less common, and instead is usually a cold shower (or bath in a stream or body of flowing water) representing a focused and cautious mind. Taking a bath is a ritual that usually centers around the inner dialogue instead of the outer dialogue. Speaking, singing, or creating some kind of noise from yourself is not advisable, but is not outright sacrilegious. Candles, scents, and other bath accessories are up to each individual; however, any kind of outside aural interaction, such as listening to music or talking with someone else, are considered disrespectful and seen as inviting the Shadow Self in to disrupt the process of the inner mind.

    Things Considered Sacred

Learning

Changing Opinions

Trying New Things

Meeting new people

Blessings/Gifts

Knowledge

Change

Growth