Angels
From The Yuriban Encyclopedia
Angels is a term for a class of spiritual being, often represented in classical ideology as an attendant, or messenger of God. In Christian mythos, angels are oft shuffled into one of nine classifications (ranking highest to lowest): Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Princedoms, Archangels, and Angels. However, this distinction does not necessarily hold true for all beings that are identified as angels; the Christian variety is merely the best known among immigrants to Yuriba from the western world. The term is widely used to describe any being that acts as a deific servant and is perceived as having a higher spiritual nature than humans.
Typical appearance
Descriptions vary widely between cultures and religions, the most familiar descriptions being of humanoid, white winged beings that wear white robes or clothing. Different classes of angels are sometimes shown with differing numbers of wings. Other times, they have been described as creatures formed entirely of light. Although modern thought tends to presume great beauty of angels, they have also considered to be incredibly fearsome or terrifying in appearance at some points in history.
Angels on Yuriba
Despite suggestions of the involvement of a winged race colloquially known as Celestials for their appearance early on in the Lily Civilization, it is unclear if these beings were actually angels or merely resembled such. Without knowledge of the age of the Jusenkyou Springs, it is possible that Tianshiniichuan was created to imitate their appearance – or that they were a group of immigrants without any true heavenly origin that had availed themselves of the spring's water.
Still extant today, while Tianshiniichuan grants an angelic appearance, including wings and, in some instance, a soft glowing aura, it appears that this is merely an imitative attempt. No true transformation to the nature of the bather occurs. However, because of the associations the spring is very popular with immigrants who relish the oppurtunity to ape the appearance of such a respected being.
This fascination with the spring is not seen in Underhillian culture; the native religion has no angelic tradition.
