MARRIAGE TRADITIONS IN THE HANSETI-RUSKA COURT

[Mady 2989]

[An Ancient Proverb on Marriage]

 

In marriage there are three.
Two to meet. One to unite.
Rich in blessings, fruitful with love, lacking misfortune.
We pray GOD will bless this union until the last of your days.

 

 

MARRIAGE TRADITIONS IN THE HANSETI-RUSKA COURT
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“A healthy marriage is rewarded by GOD.”
- Alfred Patriarch Jorenus

 

The union of man and wife has always been important, especially in the eyes of the Canonist Church. Religion, being a core aspect of Haeseni life, must be highlighted as a priority, especially when a man and woman intend to join together in matrimony. 

 

“Sic enim Horen et Julia, ita nobis quoque. Hanc unionem nos in omni loco oculi Domini solidatur, quia et nos ipsi propius adducere, ut ad sancta sanctorum collegiorum.”

 

“[Translated] As for Horen and Julia, so for us too. We solidify this union in the eyes of God, that we may bring ourselves closer to His holiest of unions.”

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HISTORY OF RITUALS AND CUSTOMS

I. HERZENARANY

 

Herzenarany (loosely translated to ‘noble gold’) is the payment from the family of the partner of lower social rank to the family of the partner of higher social rank. Traditionally, social status is held in high regard within the court, so much so that marrying into a lower rank is heavily frowned upon within nobility. However, circumstances occur where one from a noble house has no other option than to marry down into a lower house.

 

When a lord or lady from a lower ranked noble house decides to marry into a house of higher rank, that lord or lady is required to offer up a herzenarany in order to make up for their difference in social status. This tribute is a sign of respect for the higher noble house and cements the alliance between the two noble houses, leading to a peaceful union. 

 

II. A SYMBOLIC GIFT

 

It is a long-standing tradition that, during courtship, the suitor in question dotes upon their partner with gifts. Trinkets and flowers, poems or otherwise all demonstrate his intentions. A tradition once practised is that when the man feels his affections are secure, he would go the added length to present the woman with one of particular symbolism. 

Men would go into nearby woodland and spend the day hunting for twine and ivy. He would then twist those strands tightly together into a classic Haeseni rope belt. This girdle belt represents when a married Haeseni woman will tie her belt on the other side than that of her youth - a tradition representing her now-married status. Not only that, but the twine rope represents something similar to when, during the marital ceremony, the couple’s hands are covered in cloth. 

 

The rope symbolises the partnership shared between the pair, entwined together as well as the strong promise that neither will let the other go. It reminds the couple of the vows they will soon take of faithfulness, to hold faith in sickness and in health. 

 

This gift is typically bestowed before the suitor approached the patriarch of the family, asking officially for approval. Upon receiving the gift, it is a strong indication of the suitor’s intentions. If accepted, they have won the last approval from the woman before asking for her hand. However, if rejected, it’s a strong indication that the woman doesn’t wish to progress to matrimony and is recommended that the suitor reassess his decision. 

 

A simple gift, mostly forgotten in Haeseni histories, which can save the embarrassment of being formally rejected by the patriarch of one’s partner. While keeping mens’ reputations intact, it serves to also solidify the holdfast love one feels for another. 

 

It should be added that although the woman can choose whether to accept or deny this twined gift of nature, the final decision will be made by her family patriarch. 

  
III. TRADITIONS

 

It is usual to dine with the suitor’s family while the suitor waits for the patriarch’s answer to his request to marry. There’s an old Haeseni tradition that at the end of the dinner the man is given a dish to indicate the patriarch’s decision. He will either be served the lok (goat intestine filled with pork) or the erkindelir (boiled pig heart). If the erkindelir is served, his request to wed has been refused. However, if the lok is served, the patriarch has bestowed his approval of the pair.

 

There’s an additional part to this tradition. If the denial is extreme and the patriarch wishes to forbid the man from seeing his female companion again, the erkindelir is covered in a spicy sauce known as uli (milk and cream mixed with spices). 

 

For those more superstitious, the eve of the wedding is key. It is growing increasingly common for children to be promised to one another from as young as six or seven. This union could have been anticipated for years, so everything must go to plan. 

 

At the celebratory dinner before the wedding, it is an old tradition to break plates in order to banish malevolent spirits or aura that isn’t Godly before the big day. The bride will retire early to indulge in a night of relaxation. She sleeps in soft material like silk or satin, said to be the cleanest and most pure before the following day. 

 

In the morning her female relations prepare her (this includes women on the groom’s side of the family). The bride might choose to stitch an old piece of fabric into the inside of her dress, to remind her of her past as she steps into her future. Small balls of pastry, drizzled with honey might be offered. These represent the sweetness of the upcoming match, along with the prayers that the pair will remain happy and sweet for many years to come. 

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THE INTERVIEW

 

Upon assembling a list of question on the topic of marriage and the Canonist faith, we were fortunate enough to recruit KML Alfred Patriarch Jorenus, Patriarch of the Kingdom of Haense and Kingdom of Norland, Prelate of the Clergy, to give his knowledge and guidance on the matter. Here is the interview with Patriarch Alfred Barclay on religious attitudes and teaching to marriage and family life within Canonism:

“Could you explain the importance of marriage in reference to GOD and Canonism?” 

 

Marriage is an everlasting union of two individuals before God for the purpose of procreation and love. We had Horen and Julia, who raised three sons, the Prophets of our Holy Mother Church. Without Horen and Julia we wouldn’t have our well-known Prophets today. When I speak like this, I must remind that marriage is an important ceremony both for God and us, as His servants.

 

“What would you say makes marriage last?” 

 

A marriage can survive if there is faith, trust and love between the pair. Marriage is made up of a lot of love between a man and a woman, which they give to each other with God in their hearts. This bond, which makes marriage strong and happy must be present in both man and woman. You will encounter problems in life: a family to feed; hard work and so on. If we can’t share these problems with one’s partner that is where that bad aura that doesn’t come from Godan is created. 

 

“To clarify- what are the Canonism beliefs on divorce?”

 

Marriage is indissoluble. Our Holy Mother Church does not recognise divorces but therefore accepts annulment. This annulment is a process in which, be it a husband or a wife, it seeks to investigate whether everything was done according to church procedure during the ceremony. If some of the conditions are not met the marriage can be considered annulled. The man and woman can marry again. 

 

“Do you have any ideas for how to raise children with Canonist values, following the religion?”

 

As we know, children are the future of this world. Every child should be baptized so that the Lord may enter into the pure soul of the child, guarding him from every evil of this world. This is the very beginning of raising a child as a believer. Of course, he should not be denied anything such as entertainment or playing with other children. Just as we should not force a child to be a knight or a sailor, we cannot force faith.

 

Faith is an important thing in our lives and we can achieve this task of raising a child with good canonist values only if we ourselves, as parents, understand what is good and what is not. We need to understand and be loyal to God in prayer, in good and in evil

 

“For those experiencing trials in their marital relations or family life, how can they find support in the Church?” 

 

The individual needs to remember why he wants to turn to God. That is, what the problems in marriage really are. God forgives because we are his children. He cultivates an enormous amount of love for us and we should always remember that if we are in trouble, one should ask whether this problem can be solved. 

 

A man or woman should not hesitate to come to a nearby church and talk to a priest present. They provide the best advice with the aid of God’s word and faith. Any problem one faces in racing a family or relations may not be solvable first hand, but with constant prayer and the help of the Church, every problem can be solved. 

 

“Anything else you would like to add?”

 

Let me just say that love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful and endures through every circumstance. As God by creation made two of one, so again by marriage he made one of two.

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WRITE IN WITH ANY QUERIES, PROBLEMS OR OTHERWISE.

Conferring with the ladies of the court and members of the Church, it is certain we can offer some kind of answer. If published, the person seeking advice will remain anonymous.

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Signed,

 

Her Ladyship, Rosalind Amador de Astrea, Grand Lady of the Royal Courts of Hanseti-Ruska

 

Her Ladyship, Annika A. Vyronov, Event Coordinator of the Royal Courts of Hanseti-Ruska

 

 

[MikoMonster 1393]

Lena Baruch wonders if her father will still receive the goats he was promised when he one day marries her off. Goats were much more useful than ivy crowns, after all!

 

((+1))

[1_Language_1 1670]

"Ew!! Both dishes sound yucky." The small Abram opens his mouth and scrunched his nose as he read the new addition to the palace library. "Why can't they just be given a cake filled with cream or a cake filled with dirt.." The runt struggled to push the large book back on the shelf before heading back home.

[Iudaes 1087]

Jude II, within the confines of the Papal Apartments, receives the document with a smile, "A most joyous day when the publications of our Canonist nations focus not on those matters day-to-day but of those of God. A wonderful contribution made by the Patriarch and an act to be applauded by Their Ladyships." The aged Pontiff commented to an Acolyte nearby before setting the paper aside, proceeding to pray for those unions impeded by marital troubles, "May Saint Julia intercede for our brothers and sisters united in union, who face the struggles so often seen, and through her prayers, have their shared bond of love be made ever lasting by the power of God who did ordain marriage between man and woman a righteous thing."

[rep2k 2477]

Patriarch Alfred smiles the sun's smile as his niece brings him the copy of the interview he did a while ago, "Lord, I really said this.", he lets out a chuckle heartedly, satisfied with the outcome.