The Arioi were a secret religious order of the Society Islands, particularly the island of Tahiti, with a hierarchical structure, esoteric salvation doctrine and cultish and cultural functions. They included both men and women of all social strata. The Arioi principally venerated the war god Oro, whom they considered the founder of their order. Members of all social strata could be admitted into the association. Anyone who wanted to become a member had to be possessed by Oro. This was demonstrated by pushing ones way into a meeting of the Arioi in a trance state. If the Arioi considered the candidate to be suitable, he was admitted. The most important criteria for this were physical beauty, knowledge of religious texts, and skill in recitation, dance and pantomime.
Posted on: Wed, 07 Jan 2015 19:41:27 +0000
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