I've been (very slowly; I need a beta) writing a Paganism in action fanfic. Writing religious stuff believably without losing readers is hard work and I had to take a break for a while from it.
I'd say if they're Shinto/hard polytheist/animist types, don't forget that ritual isn't something that happens all the time. Yes, they might drop small offerings off at shrines/their personal altar, but otherwise, big occasions aren't as common as going to church on Sunday.
For instance, us Druids meet for the cross-quarter days. That means that we all are expected to convene only eight (8) days a year. Yeah, there are weddings and funerals and conventions, but otherwise religious stuff happens at home and is small.
I guess I'm arguing that you might not have to write "strong-faith" people, rather "strong-practice" people. They don't do it much, they might not even believe it at all, but the cakes and ale and candles have to arranged just right, don't you know!
A good RL example of rituals like that are Scouting ceremonies. There are candles and ritual lighting and flags and everything. Then everyone goes home and goes about their business, if that makes sense.
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Date: 8 Mar 2013 03:01 am (UTC)I'd say if they're Shinto/hard polytheist/animist types, don't forget that ritual isn't something that happens all the time. Yes, they might drop small offerings off at shrines/their personal altar, but otherwise, big occasions aren't as common as going to church on Sunday.
For instance, us Druids meet for the cross-quarter days. That means that we all are expected to convene only eight (8) days a year. Yeah, there are weddings and funerals and conventions, but otherwise religious stuff happens at home and is small.
I guess I'm arguing that you might not have to write "strong-faith" people, rather "strong-practice" people. They don't do it much, they might not even believe it at all, but the cakes and ale and candles have to arranged just right, don't you know!
A good RL example of rituals like that are Scouting ceremonies. There are candles and ritual lighting and flags and everything. Then everyone goes home and goes about their business, if that makes sense.