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Nacirema: Temples of Sound

Another peculiar aspect of the Nacirema culture involves periodic pilgrimages to the temples of sound.  These temples exist mostly in large cities, though smaller ones exist in less populated areas.  The priests of many different gods travel between the temples, to spread the worship of their god.  Often, the coming of priests (they often travel in groups) to one of these temples draws followers from a large area surrounding the temple.  Some devout followers go so far as to follow the priests from temple to temple.

It is declared well in advance that a group of priests will be visiting a particular temple.  At a specified date a contest is held to determine who will be able to attend the event.  The contest is very involved, but for the most part, the outcome is random.  When the contest is over, those who have won, exchange a large gift for their right and privilege to take part in the event.

At the event, the priests stand on a raised platform, and create noise and sing in praise to their god.  Often there are elaborate magics that are performed involving light.  The grander the light magics, often, the larger the interests in the priests and their god.  In addition the light magics, the priests perform ritual dances.  The combination of the noise, light magics, and dances seems to put the Nacirema into a trance, which is often increased by the use of certain potions.  These potions, though considered taboo, are common and frequently used.

The mode of the trance varies, but the trances often lead the Naciremans to perform certain rights.  Among these is the practice of lifting the especially motivated among them into the air.  Once in the air, these individuals are passed from group to group, often injuring others in the process.  This continues until the individual is dropped onto the floor, or even onto one or more people.  Often during the passing from group to group, the individual is partially unclothed or injured by such groups.  They appear to not mind such things, as the chosen individuals often repeat this activity over and over.

The Nacirema are very much concerned with the priests of sound.  The sermons of these priests are often recorded and distributed by the merchants of sound.  These recordings can be obtained in exchange for a moderate gift.  Most of the Nacirema have a large collection of such recordings, which they listen to frequently.  In addition to listening to their recordings, the Nacirema have noise boxes, which allow them to hear the sermons of the priests without the recordings.  Most households have at least one of these noise boxes per person.

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