Song of the Light-blessed

We Light-blessed started singing as soon as they brought us to the Light Temple. Song was a favorite art of the syimlin of Light, and since we were supposed to emulate him, we, too, needed to sing.
I had a naturally sweet voice, and singing came easy to me. I often led the procession from the Illuminated Gate to the Guardian Altar, where we would bow our heads in a morning-long prayer. And yeah, it was as wonderful as you think.

--Qira, avatar of Light

Research:

Song of the Light-blessed

by our illustrious hero,
Lorgan the illuminator

In this Research Document:

all images by Shade Melodique
unless otherwise stated

Song

Much of the worship at the Light Guardian Temple in Aristarzia was dedicated to guiding young would-be avatars in the ways of honoring Light. They needed to look like the syimlin, so had red hair and blue eyes, they needed to perform magic and battle like the syimlin, so the Light Gauntlet weeded out the weakest (and everyone else, too). And they needed to sing because Light enjoyed song.
All Light-blessed learned to sing. Not all were good at it, but they learned to sing. Those that were not so talented picked up instruments or learned intricate dances. They practiced every day, striving to be as good as their syimlin in their chosen art.
Small competitions were held, where the boys vied to defeat their fellows in a battle of musical talent. Those that won led the Light-blessed in song, music or dance down the road and to the Guardian Altar. Once they arrived, those in attendance would sing three songs Light preferred over others; Whisper of Winds, Illuminated Soul, and The Miller's Daughter (no, I have no idea why The Miller's Daughter was sung. It's a bawdy romp, while the other two are serious spirituals).
When the singing ended, the High Priest would give a sermon about how honored the boys should feel, to represent their syimlin. Then they would spend the morning in meditation and prayer--quite the boring endeavor, for younger children.

Talis hated nearly everything about his divine predecessor, but he enjoyed singing. The single thing their worship shares is joyous song.
Qira, as avatar, embodies that as well. His singing is exquisite.

Singing

Singing was part of most celebrations honoring Light. The Light-blessed would attend ceremonies throughout Aristarzia as guests of honor, where they led attendees in song. They would begin with Sarcerad, originally an elfine tune dedicated to Light, but conscripted by the Aristar as their most sacred tune.
The mystical quality of the wordless, soaring notes, sung by the right voice, could induce religious passion. Celebrators often claimed the Light-blessed wrapped their voices around their souls and flew with them over fields and valleys, before dropping them back into their mortal shells.

Depending on the celebration, the other songs would be religious in nature, or folk tunes, or popular ballads, etc. The finest local singers would join the Light-blessed on stage and performances could fill an entire morning, afternoon, or evening. In all cases, after the singing concluded, the local temple served food and drink and a special tonic that soothed the poor Light-blessed's voice.
Qira said there were years where the Light-blessed toured Aristarzia, stopping randomly at communities and performing in the city square. The residents would bring gifts to thank the Light-blessed for the honor, and the money, jewelry and clothing they received would go to the Guardian Temple and pay for the upkeep of the main altar's Guardian Fire.