Worship rituals for illuvatar

[tinewelt]

in the unfinished tales, in "a description of Numenor", this passage is mentioned.

Near to the centre of the Mittalmar stood the tall mountain called Meneltarma, Pillar of the Heavens, sacred to the worship of Eru Illuvatar.

here is another quote, further into the text.

Thrice only in each year the King spoke, offering prayer for the coming year at the Erukyerme in the first days of spring, praise of Eru Illuvatar at the Erulaitale in midsummer, and thanksgiving to him at the Eruhantale at the end of autumn. At the se times the King ascended the mountain on foot followed by a great concourse of the people, clad in white and garlanded, but silent.

yet, another

but it is said that the silence was so great that even a stranger ignorant of Numenor and all its history, if he were transported thither, would not have dared to speak aloud. No bird ever came there, save only eagles. If anyone approached the summit, at once three eagles would appear and alight upon three rocks near to the western edge: but at the times of the Three Prayers they did not descend, remaining in the sky and hovering above the people. They were called the Witnesses of Manwe, and they were believed to be sent by him from Aman to keep watch upon the Holy Mountain and upon all the land

these quotes all have a reference of religous rituals and overtones. What were some of the other significant rituals and religous ceremonies performed during this time... but more importantly is there any text anywhere concerning the religous practice of men in the latter third age. (Rohan, Gondor, ect.) Types of alters, buildings... did they have priests or elected "holy men". I am guessing that it might have been set up similar to that of the mideval period, which is a period that Tolkien obviously bases much of his ideas on when he was writing these stories. Also, if anyone knows, how does the rituals of Men differ from that of the Elves? Any ideas or text to help out would be greatly appreciated. [img]smilies/smile.gif[/img]