Suhafa

A Suhafa Bow is a worn accessory made of two differently colored scarves, ropes, or ribbons, tied into a knot and/or bow. This accessory is worn by members of the Pratasa religion as a symbol of their faith and devotion to the God Halcyon.    Suhafa Bows come in many shapes, styles, colors, sizes, and fashions. Worshipers typically have a number of Suhafa that they wear on different occasions, ranging from common cloth or rope bracelets or bandannas to ornate silk ribbons. They may have text on them or religious symbols, or be plain cloth. Elites in the wealthy Kingdom of Empria are known to wear multiple extremely ostentatious Suhafas - at some events, some nobles even wear Suhafas that are so large as to restrict movement. These Suhafas are fairly rare and are considered high fashion, while everyday workers are farmers usually wear plain cloth knots and bandanas while they work.    Suhafas serve two purposes: to remind the wearer and those around them of the Covenant of Heaven and to serve as a declaration of devotion to Halcyon as the Savior-God.    The sect of Rueka, as nominally a part of Pratasa, also wears Suhafas. The religion of Areto has a similar practice and ornament, known as 'Marks of Faith,' but these are smaller, less standardized, and less obvious to outsiders.    Suhafas are not the only way to mark oneself as Pratasa - some faithful wear tattoos, bone brooches, or other sacred symbols and words. These alternatives are considered a bit eccentric and there is a lot of community pressure to wear a Suhafa as well in order to fit in.    Outsiders to Pratasa may wear a Suhafa if they wish. In fact, guests who are invited into a Pratasa sermon, ritual, or sacred space are often encouraged to wear a basic Suhafa. A heathen wearing a Suhafa as a fashion statement (especially an ornate Suhafa) would be considered weird, but the garment is not in any way a "closed" practice item.