Coming of Age | Wild Faith Ritual

[WestCarolina 1779]

 

 

---

 

                                                 

                                                  Art by Livia Prima

---

 

Origins 

 

Traditionally, Wood Elves mature physically and mentally at the age of eighteen, much like human descendants do. However, culturally, Wood Elves are acknowledged as growing adults within society at the age of fifty. 

 

Such a monumental time is celebrated amongst the Wood Elves in their glade. The sapling turning fifty picks an elder within the community to host the coming of age ritual. An Omentahu is called, where many kinsmen gather with gifts and festive, colorful garbs. 

 

Awaiti of the Sirame spent most of her days in the village of Siramenor guiding the youth and inspiring many to live and walk paths amongst the Aspects creations, as well as Malin's teachings. Upon a spring morning of one saplings' fifth birthday, the Sirame spent time with her kinsmen preparing a celebration. The Omentahu was decorated with spiraling flora, hanging, weaved tapestries and tiva, as well as accustomed foods atop wooden platters. However, at the center sat an ornate basin, one filled with viscous, dark emerald green ink. As village folk gathered in circle for the ritual, each was met with ink painting their skin. Awaiti told a story of Taynei'hiylun, the Green Dragur, and marked each of their skin with pieces of the story while the sapling sat at the center with the wooden basin. Once the tale came to an end, the moral of the story was spoken for all to hear, 

 

"Despite the milestone achieved, much more growth is blessed beyond your years. Taynei's lessons are only a seedling of what tribulations you have left to face."

 

Coming of Age Rite

 

The rite begins with a story and the individual seated before a basin of rich, green ink. It is up to the elder to share a tale of the sapling during their first fifty springs of life, be it something wholesome, a trial or tribulation, or perhaps a lesson learnt. This ceremonial basin of ink is used throughout the story,  marking on each forehead or arms of individuals present, symbols from the tale being told.

 

By the end of the storytelling, the sapling is deeply bound to their  kinsmen, as all those present now wear a piece of their story. The rite ends with a lesson taught, be it a moral of the story, or something to leave all those to ponder. Gifts may be given, and personalized festivities may proceed.