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The Bajoran Culture and history |
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Religion and Culture Prayers
The Healing Prayer
Jiah kasha tren tolarehn
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Hierarchy
The Vedek Assembly is an important part of Bajoran Culture and government. Vital to the Bajoran self image, the belief in the Prophets guidance and understanding of the proverbs shapes the daily lives of the Bajoran people. The Religious orders are key to the celebration of Bajoran holidays, wedding services and other ceremonies. Kai: Religious leader of all Bajorans, and head of the Vedek Assembly. There is only one Kai on all of Bajor, and the Assembly votes on the position. The Kai holds influence not only in the religious sector, but is important in Government and even advises the Ministry. Performs daily functions similar to those of a Vedek. Vedek: Vedeks are established within the faith. They may stay with in the order they began or they may start their own. They are each permitted to interpret the Prophets teachings, as well as the proverbs. They preside over religious holidays, and train healers and Acolytes. Not all sit on the Vedek Assembly, there are a limited number of seats, and one must be selected to join the ranks. Prylar: Head of a shrine or temple. They must follow the teaching of a classical order and those of an established Vedek. They are allowed to reside over religious holidays, though they do not have a voice within the Vedek Assembly. They have completed all of their training, but need to establish themselves before they can start their own order. Many continue to serve as healers. Monk: Assistants to the Prylars and Vedeks, Monks play an important role in aiding during services. They are still learning the faith, and are not yet allowed to lead ceremonies. They may help to teach Noviciates in the beginning stages of the faith. Many also server as healers. Acolyte: Trainees of the faith. Noviciates will learn all Bajoran holidays and customs. Training will take place on Bajor, at the Monastery under the supervision of the Monks and Vedeks. The Prophets Central figures in the Bajoran faith, the Prophets are the transcendent entities that provide Bajoran spiritual truth. Bajorans believe the Prophets are responsible for replenishing their paghs, or lifeforces from The Celestial Temple. Bajoran religion also believes that the Prophets are responsible for sending their wisdom to the Bajoran people by means of nine Orbs. As foretold by ancient prophecy, the Prophets were contacted by The Emissary, Cpt. Benjamin Sisko in 2369. They have since allowed passage through the wormhole into the Gamma Quadrant. Their only other contact has been with Grand Nagus Zek and Quark of the Ferengi Alliance. Current scientific theory holds that the Prophets are noncorporeal entities residing within the wormhole, which they have conceivably constructed along with the nine Orbs. These entities apparently do not experience linear time as most humanoids know it. Pagh Bajorans believe that the pagh is a spiritual force inherent to all sentient beings. They believe that the Prophets replenish the pagh from The Celestial Temple. Higher religious figures, including Kais and Vedeks are believed to be able divine the pagh by grasping the ear, which is believed to house the pagh. Even though it is common practice to offer the ear to a Kai or Vedek, several progressive orders and individuals, including Vedek Bareil, have come to disuse this practice. The Orbs Within the past 10,000 years, nine Orbs have appeared in the skies above Bajor. Bajoran religion maintains that these Orbs have been sent by the Prophets from The Celestial Temple to provide the Bajoran people with their insight and wisdom. After the withdrawal of the Cardassian Occupational Forces, only one Orb, the Ninth Orb remained, the rest taken back to Cardassia for scientific research. This Orb has the distinct ability to vividly place the user inside a distant memory. Bajor next recovered the Third Orb, otherwise known as The Orb of Prophesy and Change, which presents the user with a surrealist projection of the future, open to interpretation but usually correct in some way. This Orb is known to be particularly taxing to the user. The Orb of Wisdom was procured from Ferengi Grand Nagus Zek in 2371. This Orb unlocks for the user overlooked insight. The Orb of Time was returned from the Cardassian government in a gesture of peace in 2373. Among this Orb's functions is the ability to time travel. The Orbs are also commonly known as the Tears of the Prophets, and are traditionally housed in sacred shrines at various monasteries and temples across Bajor. Although it is policy for the Vedek Assembly to be consulted before issuing Orb encounters, this formality has fallen out of practice. The Emissary A Federation Starfleet officer from New Orleans, Earth, Captain Benjamin Sisko has been widely accepted as the prophesied Emissary to the Prophets. Currently the Commanding Officer of station Deep Space Nine, Cpt. Sisko has consistently intervened on behalf of Bajor. Relucantly coming into his assignment in 2369, The Emissary fulfilled his destiny to discover The Celestial Temple of the Prophets and be the first to contact the Prophets. The Emissary has since been an integral figure in the development of the region's political climate, including the current armistice with the Cardassian Union. A number of prophesies surrounding the Emissary have already been realized, Trakor's Third Prophecy among the more notable. Among the challenges facing Cpt. Sisko currently are the incursion of Klingons into Cardassian space, the threat of Dominion invasion and Maquis unrest in the Cardassian Demilitarized Zone. He was briefly replaced as Emissary by renowned 22nd century poet Akorem Laan, following his appearance in 2372. Contesting Akorem's claim to the title following a controversy involving Akorem's support of returning to the D'jarra caste system, Sisko's title as Emissary was validated by the Prophets themselves. Following the return of the ancient B'Hala icon from Cardassia in 2373, Cpt. Sisko succeeded in locating the ancient city of B'Hala, lost for 20,000 years, fulfilling that prophecy that only one touched by the Prophets could find B'Hala. During this pagh temfar, he also cautioned against the dire consequences of immediate acceptance of Federation membership, which was ultimately postponed. The Celestial Temple As prophesied, the Celestial Temple of the Prophets was discovered in 2369 by The Emissary, Cpt. Benjamin Sisko, along with Lt. Cmdr. Jadzia Dax. Bajoran belief holds that the Celestial Temple is the eternal home of the Prophets, the central figures in the Bajoran religion. It is from this location that the Prophets provide all Bajorans with pagh, or spiritual strength. The Prophets have also sent from the Celestial Temple nine Orbs, which have profoundly influenced Bajoran theology. Historic references to the Celestial Temple go back for millenia, including a reference by Kai Taluno, claiming the heavens opened up and almost swallowed his ship. The Celestial Temple has since been located in the Denorios Belt. The Temple has since become the subject of controversy, as secular and scientific interests have called it a wormhole, allowing passage to the Gamma Quadrant. Kai Winn and Vedek Bareil came aboard station Deep Space Nine in 2369 to address this issue. In addition, the wormhole is a political nexus due to its strategic importance. Pressure from Cardassian, Federation and now Klingon interests have exerted themselves on Bajor's administration of the wormhole. Language "Pagh" - Bajoran word for life energy or soul. "Peldar Joy" - Bajoran greeting used during the Gratitude Festival. "Balik (am)" - Shouted by Keeve Falor to children. Possibly "go away" or "get out of here". "(Beli) Clavian" - Bajoran musical instrument. Most likely wind instrument similar to a Clarinet. "Boryhas" - Bajoran term for ghosts or spirits of the dead. "D'jarras" - Ancient Bajoran caste system. "Duranya" - Lamp for the dead. Candle suspended by chains from four pillars. "Itanu" - Ceremony carried out when a child reaches the age of fourteen. "Tessipate", "Decipate" & "Kellipate" - Bajoran measures of distance and area. "Ah - kay - ah. A - ya Va - suu. Ko - van - ha. E - kay - ha." - Bajoran Death Chant. Repeated over and over again for excess of 3 hours. "Tesra Peldar Impadre Bren. Bentel Veytan Olan Sten." - Presiders address at the Gratitude Festival. "Raka Ja Hoot. Shalla Moralla. Emma Buru Kana. Uranak Rana Non (Person's Name). Propay Va Nara Eh Suuk. Shalla Com..." - Bajoran chant for recent deaths. Used with the Deranya lamp. "Shakala tie unsyor. Tevan akares kova antana kel." - Marriage blessing by the Emissary. Customs As with most cultures, general customs are often closely tied to the religious beliefs of the people. Bantaca Spire - Stone pillar located at the centre of all ancient Bajoran cities. Around 11m high and made of hundreds of closely interlocked stones it marks the city's location in the cosmos. The Emissary determined that this is done by reference to certain stars at a particular time of night. Betrothal Bracelet - Traditional Bajoran jewellery given by a man to his betrothed. The item can be passed on through generations, some bracelets from the ancient families are now priceless artefacts. Similar to, but more significant than, a pledge bracelet. Borhyas - Bajoran term for the ghost or spirit of a recently deceased individual. Burial Ritual - Bajoran belief is that the dead body is but a shell now that the pagh has left so do not have elaborate burial customs like many races, such as the Cardassians who try not to allow non-Cardassians to view their dead. Bodies tend to be buried, either in a circular pattern or with a decorated arched over the head. Childbirth - For more details see the Pregnancy and Childbirth below. Clapping - Bajorans are distinguished from many other species in that they show appreciation by clapping with the palm of one hand against the back of the other, and not palm to palm like Terrans. D'jarras - Ancient caste system used on Bajor. Everyone was born into a caste or d'jarra dependant on their family line. Their d'jarra dictated their profession for life. The d'jarras had a ranking order and people had to pay respect to people with a higher ranking d'jarra, for example the Tenari d'jarra is lesser than the Ih'valla, or artist, d'jarra. Breaking your d'jarra to pursue another role was punishable by law resulting in exile or even death. The lowest d'jarra is the unclean, who are responsible for preparing the dead for burial. Akorem Laan tried to restore the d'jarra system during his brief role as Emissary in 2372. This caused many problems amongst the Bajoran populace and would have also precluded Federation membership, as caste-based discrimination goes against the Federation charter. Dal'Rok - Energy being that attacks a Bajoran village for five days of every year. Made out of villagers fears using a fragment of an Orb. Defeated with the aid of the Sirah and his story to focus the thoughts of the villagers. Days of Atonement - Modern Bajoran holiday where the people remember the Occupation and atone for the actions they did during that dark period. Deranya - Ceremonial lamp used to mourn a recent death. Consists of a candle suspended from four arms by lengths of chain. Death Chant - This ritual chant is repeated continuously for over two hours long. The words written phonetically are given below. "Ah kay ah, Ah yah va su, Ko van ha." Earrings - Traditional jewellery worn by most Bajorans. The intricacy of the design is linked to the religious and social status of the wearer, military figures tending to have the simplest designs. Some scientists have taken to abandon this custom and not wear one. Many are made from diamide-laced birithium. Eating Ritual - Many Bajorans say a small prayer before each meal. The eyes are closed and hands held up palms facing out while the person recites a silent prayer of thankfulness. Emissary - Title given to the outsider that would find The Celestial Temple and speak with the Prophets, so preparing the Bajoran people for the prophesied future. When Commander Benjamin Sisko arrived on Bajor in 2369 he was identified as the long awaited prophet by Kai Opaka and did indeed go on to fulfil his destiny and locate The Celestial Temple. Years later his position as Emissary was challenged with the arrival of Akrem Laan, who it turned out had been sent by the Prophets to strengthen the now-promoted Captain Sisko. Even more recently the Emissary cemented his claim to the title by finding the lost city of B'hala, something that only one touched by the Prophets could accomplish. Gratitude Festival - Bajoran religious holiday. One of the biggest events in the Bajoran year. Involves the ceremonial burning of renewal scrolls inscribed with personal problems. Ceremony on DS9 presided over by Major Kira Nerys in 2371. The traditional greeting of the festival is "Peldar Joy" and the Presider's speech is given below. They are written phonetically and should be spoken in turn as the sacred flame is lit, this is usually done using a mixture of chemicals. The Presider also has the honour of placing the first scroll in the fire. "Tesra Peldar Impadre Bren. Bentel Veytan Olan Sten." "As the scrolls burn, may our troubles turn to ashes with them." Ha'mara - Bajoran religious holiday to celebrate the arrival of the Emissary. A day of fasting following a festival of lights the night before. Horan's Seventh Prophesy - A popular partially rhyming prophesy. "He will come to the palace, carrying a chalice, bearing no malice, overflowing with sweet spring wine." Itanu Ceremony - Coming of age ceremony performed on Bajoran children when they reach fourteen. Koss'Moran - Bajoran legend dealing with the banishment of the Pah-Wraiths. From the Bajoran words "kost" meaning "to be" and "amoran" meaning "banished". Lament - Chant spoken to mourn the recent death of a close friend or family member. Used in conjunction with a Deranya lamp the words written phonetically are given below. "Raka ja hoot. Shalla moralla. Emma buru kana. Uranak rana non (deceased's name). Propay va nara eh suuk. Shalla com..." Mandala - A prayer shrine usually found in all Bajoran homes. At its most basic it consists of a circular plaque with a shelf for candles and incense. Marriage Blessing - Some fortunate couples manage to get an audience with the Emissary for their marriage to be blessed. The ceremony is written phonetically below. "Shakala tie unsyor. Tevan akares kova antana kel." Ninth Orb - Green energy form. The only Orb that was retained by the Bajorans during the Cardassian Withdrawal. Orbs - Also known as "Tears of the Prophets". Hourglass shaped energy formations. Nine of these powerful devices have been discovered in the Bajoran system over the past 10,000 years. They have shaped the Bajoran religion and ideals. All but the Ninth was secured by the Cardassians during the withdrawal. The Third was later recovered and placed in the monastery at the Capitol city. [The Circle] Another, the Orb of Wisdom, was later returned to Bajor by the Ferengi. The Bajoran-Cardassian treaty calls for the return of all Orbs held by the Cardassians. A number of fake Orbs have appeared over the last few years. Orb of Prophesy and Change - Blue energy form. Also referred to as the Third Orb. Kept in the main Bajoran monastery following recovery from the Cardassians. Orb of Time - Purple energy form. Returned by the Cardassians in 2372 it caused the USS Defiant to be thrown into the past where the crew witnessed an incident involving the original USS Enterprise. It was discovered that the event was conspired by a Klingon agent called Arne Darvin determined to change the past. Orb of Wisdom - Pink energy form. Returned by the Ferengi Grand Nagus Zek in 2371. Pagh - Bajoran term for a persons life force, from which they gain strength and courage. It is replenished by the Prophets. Pagh'tem'far - Bajoran word for a sacred vision granted to some people by the Prophets. It usually shows images detailing events from the past and into the future. Pagh-Wraiths - Spiritual beings that once resided in The Celestial Temple until they were exposed as false prophets and banished to the Fire Caves where they were imprisoned in crystal fire cages. Forbidden to return to The Celestial Temple else to face the wrath of the true Prophets. The archives contain 6,427 references on these legendary beings. One of these entities possessed Keiko O'Brien in 2372 in an attempt to destroy the Prophets using a beam of chroniton radiation sent from DS9. Peldor Festival - Ancient Bajoran religious festival. On the eve of the festival the temple chimes are sounded and the smell of burning bateret leaves and incense fills the air. Pledge Bracelet - Similar to a Betrothal Bracelet, but not as binding. Given to lovers and very close friends. Prayer - There are many common prayers in the Bajoran faith. Silent ones such as the eating ritual or spoken ones such as the one below which is a call to the Prophets in a time of need. Note that like many religious ceremonies, the short phrase is repeated for a certain duration. "Jia kasha tren tolaren lapur ila nekos ina." Prophets - The Prophets are central to the Bajoran belief system. Residing in The Celestial Temple, the Prophets are age-less beings that look after the Bajoran people. Discovery of the Wormhole Aliens by Commander Benjamin Sisko did little to diminish the beliefs that have kept the Bajoran people going through the entire occupation. Prophesy - Over the centuries many religious figures and intellectuals have written prophetic messages following a series of visions or an Orb encounter. These writings detail events that have either now happened or await future occurrences. Written in ancient forms and translated many times over sometimes the prophesies are very open to interpretation which has led to a number of problems throughout history. Rite of Separation - Old Bajoran custom for the separation of a couple to pursue new relationships. Unlike many other races it does not involve any recriminations or accusations. The couple spend a few days together celebrating the event leading to a small ceremony involving a clay bowl of wine, a witness and the following dialogue. Female: "Our paths have grown apart." (drinks) Male: "What was one is now two." (drinks) Female: "The time for sharing is over." (smashes bowl) "May the Prophets guide you towards the path of happiness." Male: "And may they walk with you always." (couple face each other then turn heads to the side) Sisko's First Prophesy - During the determination of the location of B'hala, the Emissary experienced a number of sacred visions dealing with upcoming events. In one vision he stood in the rebuilt city of B'hala where people were celebrating in the streets when a swarm of locusts appeared in the sky and then headed towards Cardassia. This is most likely to deal with the shock entry of Cardassia into the Dominion later in the same year, when a Jem'Hadar fleet came though the Wormhole and headed to Cardassia. Sokath's Third Prophesy - Dealing with the discovery of the lost city he rightly predicted that "only someone touched by the Prophets can find B'hala." Story of the Dal'Rok - Tale told by Sirah of Bajoran village to focus villagers and drive away Dal'Rok energy being. The traditional version is given below. "The Dal'Rok wakes, but we are ready. In the shadow of the night he hungers, with the hatred of the ancients he rages, from the twisted pit of chaos he approaches. The Dal'Rok's anger is like a wave crashing down upon the village. The weight of its fury threatens to crush us all. The Dal'Rok thinks the village is powerless to defend itself, but it is mistaken. The village is strong, much stronger than the Dal'Rok can ever imagine. With our strength, our unity, we shall drive the Dal'Rok away. The village shall not be destroyed. Despite our fears we shall stand our ground and face the Dal'Rok. The village is strong, more powerful than the Dal'Rok, together we will use that power to drive it away. The Dal'Rok is defeated, the village is safe." Third Orb - See Orb of Prophesy and Change above. Time of Cleansing - Month long ritual when all faithful Bajorans abstain from the pleasures of life. Trakor's Third Prophesy - Although translated continually over the centuries the words are generally accepted to be as given below. This came to pass in mid-2371 when during a science mission to place a listening post in the Gamma Quadrant, a rogue comet threatened to destroy The Celestial Temple and was only stopped by the actions of the Emissary. "When the river wakes, Stirred once more to Janir's side, Three vipers will return to their nest in the sky. When the vipers try to peer through the temple gates, A sword of stars will appear in the heavens, The temple will burn and the gates will be cast open." Trakor's Fourth Prophesy - This prediction deals with the Emissary and a "trial by fire". Although more study is required this could refer to the assault on the Dominion or the attempt to start a war with the Tzenkethi by the Founders, both of which occurred in 2371. Wedding Ceremony - Bajorans prefer a simple ceremony, where the bride and groom take turns drinking from a bowl while the priest says the following blessings. "Bore ah pre arrow key. Toll ah ta en para boresh. Pre ah (groom), pre ah (bride). Abrem. Varo ay tem." History 500,000 years ago Bajoran civilization flourishes, boasting architects, artists, builders and philosophers. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20,000 years ago The great, sacred city of B'Hala is lost and eventually buried beneath 200 meters of sediment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 10,000 years ago The first Orb is discovered in the Bajoran system. Bajoran religion comes to be founded on the wisdom provided by this and and the eight other Orbs which would later appear.The first attempts to locate the lost city of B'Hala are unsuccessful. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3,000 years ago Trakor records his visions as prophecies. Several were to come true, including Trakor's Third Prophecy. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16th Century Using tachyon-powered Lightships, Bajoran explorers journey into surrounding sectors, including the Cardassian system. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22nd Century A transport carrying Kai Taluno is disabled in the Denorios Belt, where the Kai claims the heavens open up and almost swallow his ship. The Kai would become convinced of his sighting of the Celestial Temple of the Prophets. Renowed poet Akorem Laan is injured in an accident aboard his Lightship, but successfully returns home to complete his career. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2328 Bajor is claimed as a territory of the Cardassian Union. Cardassian Occupational Forces arrive on the planet. A number of small underground resistance cells arise, including the Shakaar, the Higa Metar, the Khon-Ma and the Ornathia. Bajorans abandon their strict Dejara caste system, assuming the collective caste of Solider. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2336 Bajor is formally annexed as part of the Cardassian Union. Cardassian Occupational Forces install a puppet government which promptly signs work orders sending millions of Bajorans into the harsh conditions of the mines or the labor camps. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2340 Ro Laren is born on Bajor. She would later serve as a Starfleet officer aboard the USS Wellington and the USS Enterprise before becoming a Maquis operative. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2343 Kira Nerys is born on Bajor in Dahkur Province, her mother an icon painter, her father a member of the Bajoran resistance. She would later serve in the Shakaar resistance cell and as a Major in the Bajoran militia. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2351 Station Terok Nor is built in orbit of Bajor by the Cardassians. It serves as an ore-processing center, using Bajoran labor to refine minerals strip mined from the surface in preparation for transport elsewhere. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2357 The prison camp at Gallitep is liberated by the Shakaar resistance. The site is noted for unspeakable atrocities including torture, rape and murder committed against Bajorans under the direction of Gul Darhe'el. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2360 A Resistance base at Lunar V is hit by Cardassian forces. Famed resistance leader Li Nalas is believed killed in combat but is instead taken to the Houtet Labor Camp on Cardassia IV. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2362 Bajoran resistance members stage an attack against a Cardassian settlement in Tohzat Province. Several Cardassians are killed as well as orphaned in the attack, including the family of the settlement's exarch, Kotan Pa'Dar. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2365 The lifeform known as Odo is appointed a Security Chief on the Promenade of Terok Nor, later DS9, by Gul Dukat. His keen investigative skills are complemented by the respect he has earned from both Bajorans and Cardassians for fairness and justice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2369 The Kendra Valley Massacre and Cardassian Withdrawal - Kai Opaka diffuses a situation in Kendra Valley, sacrificing her own son by revealing the location of his resistance cell in order to save the rest of the valley populous. 43 lives are lost. The Bajor-Cardassia Armistice is signed, and Cardassian Supreme Directive 26/45 is issued, allowing for the full withdrawal of the Cardassian Occupational Forces from Bajor. The Armistice also deals the return of war prisoners and the issue of Cardassian property remaining on Bajor. The Ilvian Proclamation is signed into law by the new Bajoran Provisional Government. All collaborators with the Cardassian forces are permanently exiled from Bajor, including all members of the puppet Occupational Government. A Starfleet presence is requested in the sector by the Provisional Government. Cmdr. Benjamin Sisko takes command of the Cardassian mining station Terok Nor, now redesignated station Deep Space Nine. Mjr. Kira Nerys is assigned as his liaison to the Bajoran government. Bajor officially tenders its application for formal membership in the Federation. Cmdr. Benjamin Sisko is found to be The Emissary by Kai Opaka, as evidenced by his discovery of the Celestial Temple of the Prophets, and his subsequent first contact with them. The discovery of the wormhole to the Gamma Quadrant places Bajor at a key site in interstellar commerce, science and exploration. Kai Opaka is killed on a visit to the Gamma Quadrant. A power struggle ensues to determine her successor. The settlement on the Jeraddo moon is evacuated in preparation for a power generation project that would leave the moon uninhabitable. An attempt on the life of Vedek Bareil engineered by Vedek Winn follows a controversy on Deep Space Nine surrounding the secular teaching of the wormhole. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2370 Bajoran prisoners of war are liberated from the Houtet Labor Camp on Cardassia IV, including legendary hero Li Nalas, who is subsequently given the honorary title of Nayvark. Civil unrest grows on Bajor, instigated by The Alliance for Global Unity, commonly known as The Circle. The attempt to seize control of the Provisional Government climaxes in a siege on the Capitol City and Deep Space Nine. Li Nalas is killed. Several million Skreean refugees arrive from the Gamma Quadrant, convinced Bajor is their prophesied Promised Land. The Provisional Government decides to refuse them asylum, instead relocating them to a suitable colony elsewhere. Vedek Winn is elected the new Kai, following the withdrawal of favorite Vedek Bareil only days before the election. New Bajor, the Bajoran colony in the Gamma Quadrant, is massacred as part of a display of power by the Dominion, the primary political power of the Gamma Quadrant. A number of ships, including the USS Odyssey are destroyed as part of the show of force. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2371 The assignment of the USS Defiant to Deep Space Nine becomes an integral part of Starfleet defensive posture in response to the new Dominion threat. A mission to contact the Founders of the Dominion partially succeeds in identifying a shapeshifting race known as the Changelings as the Founders. It is discovered that Security Chief Odo of Deep Space Nine is of this race. A formal Bajor-Cardassia Treaty is finalized and signed by Kai Winn and Legate Turrel. The treaty establishes a final peace between the two states, including exchange of Ambassadors, return of the orbs and war reparations to Bajor for damages during the Occupation. Vedek Bareil dies just after the completion of treaty negotiations. Trakor's Third Prophecy comes to pass, although not in the manner that several alarmist factions caution against. A permanent communications link with the Gamma Quadrant is subsequently established. The Orb of Wisdom is returned to Bajor by the Ferengi Grand Nagus... for a small fee. A joint Cardassian/Romulan preemptive strike on the Founders' homeworld fails. The feared Obsidian Order and Tal Shiar agencies are severely decimated as a result. Civil unrest in Dakuhr Province follows the death of First Minister Kalem Opren as Kai Winn orders the confiscation of several soil reclamators from local farmers. Former resistance cell leader Shakaar is subsequently elected as the new First Minister. A Dominion plot to plunge the Federation into war with the Tzenkethi is narrowly averted. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2372 In response to the Dominion threat and internal civil unrest, the Cardassian Union seals its borders. The ruling military regime is overthrown and a new civilian government, headed by the Datappa Council, replaces the Central Command. Interpreting developments in the Cardassian government to be a sign of Dominion infiltration, the Klingon Empire invades the Cardassian Union. The Khitomer Accords, allying the Klingons with the Federation are dissolved. War between the Federation and the Klingon Empire is tenuously averted. A joint Bajoran/Cardassian mission to locate crash survivors of the Cardassian prison ship Ravenock succeeds in liberating survivors from a Breen labor camp in the Badlands. An unsuccessful attempt is made on the life of First Minister Shakaar by Cardassian extremist group "The True Way". Klingon military forces are unsuccessful in an attempt to halt traffic in the Bajoran sector by mining the Bajoran star system due to Starfleet intervention. A 200-year old Lightship exits the Wormhole, carrying renowned 22nd-century poet Akorem Laan. The title of Emissary is subsequently transferred to him for a time. In that role, he attempts to revive the archaic Bajoran practice of the D'jarra caste system with dire results. It is later determined he is not in fact, the Emissary and is returned to his own time by The Prophets. An outbreak of Tomeklian virus is reported on Bajor, requiring the inspection of all exported foodstuffs as a precautionary measure. The Bajoran colony of Freehaven, near the Cardassian border, is targeted by Breen privateers. The Federation star ship USS Defiant aides in driving away the pirates. Political tensions between the Klingon Empire and the Federation escalate as Gowron initiates provocative action against several border worlds. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2373 Relations between the Federation and the Klingon Empire degenerate to a state of war. Numerous ships, colonies, outposts and stations are placed at the forefront of the conflict. An attempt is made to destroy the Prophets by one of the fabled Pagh Wraiths, freed from the Fire Caves and inhabiting the body of a human female. The Orb of Time is returned to the Bajoran people by the civilian Cardassian government in a gesture of peace. After the return of an important icon featuring the ancient lost city of B'Hala, The Emissary - Cpt. Benjamin Sisko, experiences a pagh temfar and locates the lost city based on the icon. As part of his prophetic experience, the Emissary also warns against the immediate acceptance of Federation membership. The Federation offers membership to Bajor, which is later postponed based on prophetic warnings from the Emissary - Cpt. Benjamin Sisko. Political tensions in the region increased dramatically after the announcement of Cardassia's inclusion in the Dominion. The resulting permanent militarization of Jem'Hadar forces in the region have provoked a similar response from Starfleet as well as the Klingons, the Khitomer Accords reinstated. A Dominion attempt to destroy the Bajoran system by sending the Bajoran sun into supernova was thwarted by quick thinking on the part of the DS9 crew. Customs Pregnancy and Childbirth Pregnancy - In many respects, Bajoran women go through a typical humanoid pregnancy and birth. It is not uncommon for Bajoran women to feel lower back pain and fatigued muscles during pregnancy. Bajoran women carry their babies to term in less than five months. They vascularize quickly, during pregnancy mother and baby are linked together by a complex network of blood vessals. One of the most common side effects of pregnancy is sneezing. This an annoying but non-life threatening condition for which there is no cure. Pregnant women also have a tendency towards swollen ankles, a trait shared with Terran women. The traditional treatment for this is takeo herb. Another treatment is makara herbs, which help keep up progesterone levels. However, these have an unappealing taste and counteract the effects of sedatives. Childbirth - The traditional approach to labour and delivery reflects the strong spiritual beliefs. A birthing room is typically furnished with piles of pillows instead of furniture, and the walls are covered with tapestries. The room contains a small shrine with constantly burning incense. The mother-to-be is attended by a midwife who wears traditional robes and guides the woman and her supporters through the process. Traditional Bajoran childbirth requires the mother to achieve a completely relaxed state through breathing exercises, ritual music and incense. Members of the womans family or close friends help to play the rhythmic music that helps to create the necessary environment. The rhythm must be constant so that she can enter a state of deep relaxation, which is the only way a Bajoran woman can give birth. If all goes well labour and delivery usually only takes an hour. The birth doesn't involve any pain. During labour, Bajoran women produce high levels of pain-surpressing endorphins. When a woman is unable to fully relax, her body stops producing these endorphins. If this happens the labour process stops entirely. It could be days or weeks before the labour process starts again. The child is born into the world with the following greeting : "Awake child, we await you with love and welcome you into the world." |
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