Ghost Feeding
Ancestor Spirits have been depicted within every culture found on Xùyì. Serving as guides to the spiritual realms and repositories of esoteric knowledge, their reception differs greatly throughout the land. Ironically, Ancestor Spirits are neutral creatures. Very few recognize them as that. The majority once saw their ancestors as forces of good, watching over them from above. Good luck, believed to be the intervention of these benevolent spirits, was given freely to those who walked uprightly, faithfully adhering to the tenets of Clan and Faith. Yet, others were taught these spirits were the harbingers of greater evils. Should the spirit linger, something greater must lie nearby. Despite caring deeply for their loved ones, they desire nothing more than for them to fully traverse the realms, passing through the mists into paradise. Trouble me no longer is the prayer on each mouth, for the spirits lose touch with that they've once devoted themselves to, until there is nothing left of them.
Feeding the Ghosts had become a necessity in every society, despite how the spirits were perceived. On the first of every month, save those of the first and last, people gathered together to offer food for their ancestors, laying feasts before them. These spirits, often hungry and weary, would travel to those who shared the same blood. There, as the families slept, they would eat their fare. Once they were filled, they'd retire, gathering the strength to continue. No matter how they're viewed, it was a simple enough custom. Feed, then rest. Return, and serve.
Spirituality was thrown on its head as the Heavens Fell. Outward affections quickly became works based on hypocrisy, the honor found in self-sacrifice twisted upon itself. It was little wonder that the ancestors were forgotten. Despite the societal changes, the tradition never truly left. In recent years, the tradition has resurfaced in a major way.
History
Feeding Ghosts began when humanity first established itself upon the surface. Believed to have been one of many customs borrowed from the Elder Races, it was reportedly stolen from an Elf custom. Confusing the honorifics given to the Ancients among the Elves, humanity showed great respect to those who had recently deceased. Food, prepared in the gorgeous, though costly, manner of the Elves, was made and set aside each week. As families grew and the nations were established, these feasts turned almost decadent. Monthly, a grand feast would be held, the living using their offerings to outperform the other political families. Far too much food would be set out, excessive meat and drink lining the tables, making it necessary to finish the leftovers the following day. The term, Eating with the Dead, comes from this practice.
As spirituality declined, the ritual soon became of little importance. The Ancestors were a nuisance. Many outwardly wished for them to move on, find another realm to haunt. Replacing reverence with superstitious works, the feasts became lackluster. Cheap meals were prepared by the traditionalists, though most offered the ingredients for local priests to perform, yet even among the holy, few gave this custom the sincerity it deserved.
As the wheel turns, the old and otherwise forgotten ways resurface. A new face took over the ancient custom. Governments have become involved with these matters, and under their care, a new class of necromancers formed: Mediums. These necromancers became responsible for contacting the spirits, began forming partnerships. Assassinations, the targets engraved upon sacrilegious idols, were offered to the spirits. As meat and shelter were denied, some of these spirits would be convinced to work for relatively little, slaying the living and forever dooming themselves to wander Xùyì.
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