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The Baptismal, Coming-of-Age, and Funeral Traditions of House van Leuven Scelera non nostrorum. Issued by Firress Adelina Claire van Leuven on the 8th of Tov ag Yermey, 526 E.S. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─────────⊰ ✶ ⊱─────────⊰ ♱ ꒱ In the heart of the intertwining Savoyard and Raevir cultures lies a captivating narrative of heritage, adaptation, and evolution. Within the fabric of the van Leuven family, these rich traditions have melded over time, birthing a tapestry of unique customs and rituals that resonate with depth and meaning to us. Central to this fusion are the Three Pyres - its terminology derived directly from Savoyard culture - acting as symbolic markers echoing the significance of life's pivotal moments: baptism, coming-of-age, and funerals. Through the lens of these profound ceremonies, we embark on a journey of exploration, delving into the intricate layers of tradition that bind generations and shape identities. Baptisms: The Pyre of Birth Ve Nascufeu In the tapestry of van Leuven tradition, baptism emerges as a sacred rite deeply rooted in both Jorenic Canonism and Savoyard beliefs. Drawing inspiration from the vast expanse of waters, reminiscent of the Jorenic concept of purification and renewal, the baptismal ceremony embraces the symbolic strength of immersion. Families face a choice: to gently submerge their infant into the water or to opt for the preferred tradition of tossing them into the depths, symbolizing resilience and fortitude. This intimate moment is reserved for family and close friends, a sanctified bond between the child, their kin, and the divine. For the van Leuvens, baptism holds profound significance, intertwined with the notion of original sin and the imperative of cleansing. Reflecting Savoyard doctrine, it is customary for infants to be baptized within their first year, ensuring their spiritual journey commences untainted. Attendees honor this sacred occasion by bestowing gifts of wine, cheeses, and other delicacies upon the parents and babe, symbolizing abundance and goodwill. Yet, for heirs destined to inherit the mantle of leadership, the baptismal journey takes on added layers of tradition and ceremony. While the initial baptism remains a private affair, celebrated within the familial enclave, it is expected that the household head hosts a grand public ceremony to announce the future heir's union with GOD. Thus, many heirs undergo two baptisms: one intimate and personal, the other a grand spectacle, adorned in traditional attire bearing the house insignia and the names of saints, symbolizing their sacred lineage. Following the sacred rites, jubilation ensues as the van Leuvens and their esteemed guests gather to revel in the joyous occasion. Inspired by Raevir peasant customs, festivities often spill outside the church or into taverns, where refined Savoyard delicacies mingle with the spirited rhythms of Raevir dance. Before the night's revelry reaches its crescendo, the baptism dance commences, a cherished tradition wherein family and friends encircle the babe in a bassinet, weaving a tapestry of blessings and aspirations. With each participant representing virtues and qualities, the infant's reactions are interpreted as omens of their future path, imbuing the celebration with a sense of divine guidance and familial legacy. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─⊰ ✶ ⊱─⊰ ♱ ꒱ Coming-of-Age: The Pyre of Adulthood Ve Avancuadé The coming of age ceremony in the van Leuven household is a sacred tradition, steeped in symbolism and ritual. As the child approaches adulthood, they don the attire symbolic of the stag, embodying strength and grace. Wrapped in a deer hide cloak or adorned with a hussariyan cross made from antlers, they stand ready to embark on their journey of transition. The ceremony begins with a solemn church service, where the child is re-baptized, reaffirming their commitment to their faith. Following this, they embark on a pilgrimage, ranging from three months to a full year, seeking tasks to fulfill or volunteer opportunities to demonstrate their loyalty to the church and their community. This usually comes in the form of traveling to another Kingdom or Principality which follows the Canonist faith and requesting a task at the behest of the Bishop or other clergy positioned there. Upon their return, the Feast of Fire awaits, a celebration marking their entrance into adulthood. For heirs, it's a grand affair, with a feast fit for nobility and festivities tailored to their personality. Donned in one of the house colors - blue, white, or gold - or attire inspired by their lineage, they engage in games, songs, and dances, symbolizing joy and unity. The highlight of the feast is the ceremonial dance around the bonfire. Family members encircle the flames, performing traditional dances or personal choices. As the flames flicker, the debutante casts aside three items from their childhood, symbolizing their readiness to embrace the future. With a leap over the flames, they demonstrate their resilience against evil, supported by prayers and the collective spirit of their family. In the culmination of the ceremony, the household head presents the debutante with a token representing their individuality, a cherished memento of their coming of age. Additionally, they receive a gold ring adorned with a polished sunstone, bearing the insignia of the household—a symbol of their lineage and the journey they've undertaken. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─⊰ ✶ ⊱─⊰ ♱ ꒱ Funerals: The Pyre of Life Passa di l’arci In the intricate preparation leading up to the funeral ceremony, the family meticulously honors both Savoyard and Raevir traditions. The process begins with the solemn act of hunting and killing a male deer, known as a stag, symbolizing strength and resilience. Concurrently, a new sword is forged, engraved with the name of the departed, signifying their valor and legacy. As the family readies themselves for the funeral, they meticulously prepare a sumptuous feast and procure formal funeral attire, adhering to the solemnity of the occasion. The course of the funeral unfolds with deliberate symbolism and reverence. Amidst a gathering of loved ones, the feast commences, with a closed coffin serving as a poignant reminder of the impending farewell. This ceremonial meal echoes the sentiment of the "last supper," a final communion shared with the departed. Following this somber repast, the stag, hunted and killed with purpose, is emptied and laid on its back. Within its hollowed confines, the deceased is placed, adorned in new attire, embodying a departure from earthly ties. A pristine sword, never before wielded by the departed, is nestled in their hands, a testament to their journey beyond mortal realms. Two gold coins, adorned with sun motifs, rest upon their eyelids, guiding their passage into the afterlife. As the funeral ceremony unfolds, prayers are offered, and final words spoken, carrying the weight of collective grief and remembrance. The culmination of the ritual arrives with the purification of the body, enshrined within the stag's form, consumed by cleansing flames. Amidst the pyre's blaze, offerings are tenderly tossed, each item meticulously chosen and imbued with significance, symbolizing the depth of love and reverence for the departed. The ashes, now purified and sanctified, are reverently buried, often beneath a blanket of flowers, a silent tribute to the beauty and impermanence of life. In a final gesture of communal farewell, the Last Drink of Death is shared, a symbolic act of unity and remembrance as the fallen van Leuven rests beneath the earth. Through these sacred rites, the family honors their unique fusion of traditions, paying respect to both histories of their bloodline. ꒰ ♱ ⊱─────────⊰ ✶ ⊱─────────⊰ ♱ ꒱ Signed, Firress, Adelina Claire Van Leuven Matriarch van Leuven Firress, Mahaut Marie Van Leuven