Thoughts on Romulan Ancestral Veneration
In my mind, full of endless ramblings about my beloved Romulans, one of the things I continually return to is their faith and devotion to their families.
To me it makes sense that these are often one and the same, mingling the ideas of Fate, Elements, loyalty and remembrance of loved ones and ancestors into guiding moral principles that help Romulans see not only their place in their immediate families but among their people as a whole. They don't see themselves as being entirely independent, but as part of the mesh that binds their families, society, and Empire together. The individual doesn't matter as much as the family and the people, if one dies in service to them it is a great honor and one that would be remembered faithfully by following generations.
The idea that by honoring one's ancestors you are proving their lives and sacrifices, along with victories and accomplishments, isn't unique yet it can be profound. While certainly not divine the dead retain their identities, are still seen as functional members of their clans and help guide as well as guard the Houses that they are from.
I imagine each family, large or small, has their own little shrine set up for ancestors. Maybe it is something as humble as a few names and pictures, or a large, beautiful outdoor shrine where names are carved deep in stone, listing lineages and accomplishments so those who follow know they come from greatness.
A listing of the ships that departed Vulcan, along with what one a Clan descended from, would be a very common feature. Linking present to past, and keeping fresh the memory of the Sundering, their persecution and flight from the oppressive rising of Surak's teachings.
When a man marries into his wife's clan he is typically gifted a small tablet listing several generations of his family. This may be kept privately or added to his new family's ancestral shrine.
To be at a shrine, even a small one, is to be in a sacred moment, at a sacred place. Romulans who don't practice more general religion would still respect such shrines, for even they have roots going into deep time and know they are just brief custodians of their families honor.
Respect is demanded at a shrine. A bow to acknowledge and submit to those that have gone before. Prayers or supplications may be spoken, or written down and placed in the little shrine. Gifts left to give the spirits in respect. Flowers, ale, small foodstuffs, perhaps a weapon taken in combat, things given to show the ancestors that their work and lives were not in vain. It is a showing to those that have passed on that their descendants continue to live in the Romulan way, having listened and learned the lessons of their pasts with pride then bring further glory and honor to the family and by extension the Empire.
When leaving the sacred space one would bow, taking steps backward out of it and bow again before continuing with one's day.
While there are large temples, complete with priests, priestesses, monks, nuns and every other stripe of clergy exist there are also countless little shrines. To family, to the Elements, to the little spirits that watch over fields and shipyards. While they are not gods they are still respected.
To show discourtesy, rudeness, or lack of humility at a Romulan shrine is deeply disrespectful. It was to invite disaster, upon the offender and possibly beyond. If severe enough it could lead to serious consequences, especially if it is by an outsider. It shows poor upbringing and a questionable character. How could you hope to trust someone who couldn't even behave when someone was taking a moment and honoring their ancestors?
So, if you happen upon a Romulan at a small shrine, just allow them a few moments to venerate their forebears so you don't wind up with a knife between your ribs.
