Traditions of Celia'nor

[Nectorist 12870]

   

TRADITIONS OF CELIA’NOR

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While the Principality of Celia’nor has only been officially established since the early seventies of the second age, the elves that reside within it have taken up customs and traditions that have roots stretching back to the ancient times of mali’aheral. These practices are designed to instill the virtues of Celianorian society into the wider populace. Each can trace their origins back to the guiding philosophy of ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya, which seeks to cultivate an active, engaged citizenry eager to create a cultural blossoming within Celia’nor.

 

THE GOOSE RACE

 

A favorite among the youth of Celia’nor, especially children, goose races are the culmination of raising, training, and caring for a pet goose. This tradition is among the most unique and esteemed of Celia'nor, having originated from larger goose races first started by Veralya Wynasul. Traditionally given to young Celianorian children aged of ten, the geese are tried over the course of their fifteen to twenty years of life. Tested through races on land and sea, raising a healthy, well-groomed, and strong goose is a mark of honor for a young Celianorian and a sign of diligence and future promise. Those geese that succeed are themselves given a place of honor in the Princess’ own flock, while those who fail are condemned to be eaten.

 

All Celianorians are encouraged to partake in goose racing, but the nobility of the realm take it upon themselves to go beyond what is traditional. Entire stables are dedicated to the housing and breeding of geese in order to produce the most desirable candidate.

 

While traditionally an activity favored by the youth, and only expected to be done once in a Celianorian’s lifetime, the enjoyment of geese-racing frequently extends beyond the goose race itself. Subjects of the realm often find themselves raising small flocks of their own, both to give them an additional hobby to perform, but also to try and compete in local, smaller races that are often hosted outside of official goose races.

 

 

CELIANORIAN HOSPITALITY

 

The proper treatment of guests is an important facet of daily life in Celia’nor. As the hosting of events, large or small, shows a social connectivity and vibrancy of life that is important to the principles of ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya, Celianorians from all walks of life are taught how to be good hosts, as to properly adhere to guest rite will inadvertently mean displaying their wealth and refined behavior.

 

What is most important is the giving of wine, bread, and cheese. While simple staples of the Celianorian diet, they represent the extension of a host’s hospitality to their guest. Unless the guest acts violently in any way, they are forbidden from being harmed in any way, no matter their affiliation. Other gifts and foods are also expected to be exchanged between host and guest, but are not nearly as important as the “Holy Trinity” of wine, bread, and cheese.

 

Among the leading families of Celia’nor it is often custom to have a dedicated vintage that is reserved for guests, as the frequency of visits requires specialty platters among other decorations and gifts to be presented. While the importance of guest rite and hospitality is not exclusive to the nobility, it is a typical method of flaunting their riches and power to those who would dine and rest within their halls.

 

 

CONTESTS OF INTELLIGENCE

 

The cultivation of intellect, which is applied to improve all facets of society, is another core component of the philosophy of ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya. It is a point of pride for a Celianorian to display their wits and intellectual merits for all to see. It is even more glorifying to triumph over others in battle of wits. Beginning as simple contests of riddles and games, the tradition of challenges of intelligence have grown to become an important and popular part of Celianorian culture.

 

Jeopardy and trivia are well-loved, classic games that are often hosted within taverns, homes, and other large social gatherings. While not as rigorous as other contests, perhaps owing to the many drinks served and the emphasis on socialization, they are among the most treasured of the games that Celianorians play to test their wits against others. Lucrative rewards are typically involved, and consistent winners are able to build up a reputation as a repository of useless facts. While rigorous training for trivia and jeopardy is rare, owing to the less-serious nature of the games, some do prepare themselves thoroughly before these events with the hope of acquiring a name for themselves.

 

A more exclusive test of one’s intelligence, innovativeness, and usefulness to society are invention contests, which are typically held either by the Princess or other leading families in the realm. Inventors and entrepreneurs from across the realm, and occasionally from all of the continent, are invited to show off new creations they have made and defend them before a board of judges to answer the one question that matters most: “How does this work benefit Celia’nor?” Winners of these contests have frequently gone one to earn exclusive contracts with the government, while others have been able to set up shop and sell their inventions to the wider public.

 

 

HOBBIES

 

Owing to the long lifespan of the high elves, the philosophy of ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya was created and mandated by the state in order to keep the vices of laziness and hedonism from gripping the populace. Part of this battle against the corruption of the soul is keeping oneself busy with hobbies. These can be a wide array of talents, from fishing, to knitting, to Gulf, to woodworking, among nearly any other activity one could reasonably call a hobby. The practicing and accumulation of multiple hobbies as a Celianorian ages is considered a sign of productivity, and mastery in these activities is an even higher honor.

 

Some families even take to “talent shows” of sorts, where fellow members may show off their hobbies to their kin. While an informal display of the disparity of diligence between fellow kinsmen, it also has more positive connotations as a celebration of the family’s industriousness and well-roundedness in many fields.

 

 

THE LIVING LEGENDS

 

Ivarielle. Valyris. Atheleon. Illarion. 

 

These four names are drilled into the minds of every young Celianorian. It is these four who best display the virtues of the Celianorian nation and the fulfillment of ilMaehr'sae Ilkun'ehya. While they are not to be venerated as gods of any sort, a practice that is taboo and heavily discouraged, their lives, deeds, and virtues are to be manteled by the common Celianorian, as to follow their stead is to grow ever nearer to becoming the ideal subject.

 

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[lemonke 6014]

"By IVARIELLE'S WILL, I declare this post flawless." Said a elderly woman, a tear descending from her eye.

[Widu 536]

On 2/26/2023 at 5:14 AM, Nectorist said:

THE LIVING LEGENDS

 

Ivarielle. Valyris. Atheleon. Illarion. 

 

"Seems there is no place for Larihei..." a high elf deduced. "In the whole missive dedicated to the culture of the self-proclaimed princedom of mali'aheral, there is not a single mention of the Lady of Silver."

 

[Cepheid 4304]

1 hour ago, Widu said:

 

"Seems there is no place for Larihei..." a high elf deduced.

"Seems it is those that are alive and apart of Celia'nor directly." Another high elf deduced.

[Laeonathan 5891]

"I love our tradition." the Lord Sorcerer of Celia'nor, Raziel Aevaris spoke "We've come far and will go even further!" he exclaimed happily.