Illustrated Guide to the world of Spira (FFX and FFX-2)/Culture
From Wikipedia: Many elements of Final Fantasy X are drawn from Japanese culture and folklore. The names of most of the main cast are drawn from either Okinawan or Ainu words ("Yuna" meaning "blossom" in the former and "Wakka" "water" in the latter).. The world of Spira itself is ..modeled on southeast Asia, most notably with respect to its vegetation, topography, and architecture.
The Teachings of Yevon—said to have been left by Yevon to his daughter, Lady Yunalesca—were implemented by Bevelle to maintain order through giving the people hope that Spira may someday be free of Sin should they atone for their "sins." Until Yuna exposed their lies, the Church of Yevon taught that machina was forbidden, that Sin was a result of humanity's pride and use of machina in the first place, and that Sin could only be vanquished when humanity had attained purity and been cleansed of its past sins. Until then, it was said that only the ritual known as "the Final Summoning" would provide brief reprieves from Sin's terror (called "Calms").
Like many of the precedent Final Fantasy games, the story lines of the role-playing games Final Fantasy X and Final Fantasy X-2 borrow ideas and names from ancient mythological figures and from past and present cultures such as Indian, Roman, Greek and Arabian, but the two games also have their own distinct mythology. The concepts of magic, spiritual energy, the power of memories, and the spirituality of the people are heavily intertwined, and their effects manifest in a number of situations, including sporting events, religious practices, the technology used by Spirans and even in some of the native wildlife of the planet.
The Hymn of the Fayth is a song composed by Japanese composer Nobuo Uematsu for Final Fantasy X. In the game, the Hymn serves as a transitional song and an indicator of religious importance or solemnity, though its lyrics don't appear to have any meaning to the game's characters. In the real world, the lyrics of the song require some deciphering to find their true meaning.
Entertainment
editBlitzball is the primary form of entertainment in Spira, a combination of football (also called "soccer" in some countries) and water polo. It is loved by almost everyone on Spira because it gives them something to think about other than Sin. The Yevon Cup and one Tournament is held every year.
Sphere Break is another popular game that sprung up in Spira after the beginning of the Eternal Calm. Unlike Blitzball, this game challenges the players' logical and mathematical abilities as well as their ability to concentrate under time pressure.