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[[Aloria]] has many rituals of binding partners. Some are drawn-out, formal affairs, while others are short and simple. Almost all are also bound to the various [[Religions]] of Aloria, and are done within the presence of holy men who seal the bond with the blessings of a god or many gods. Because of this, some forms of marriage are not accepted in various nations, and are seen as invalid or in conflict with the system of beliefs central to the functioning of the state. The most powerful state that sees hundreds if not thousands of marriages every day is the [[Regalian Empire]]. Below can be found a list of the different forms of marriage in several of the major, most populous Religions in Aloria. Religions not mentioned here are either [[Race]]-linked, as in a specific set of beliefs detailed on those specific Race pages which are not proper Religion articles, or are faiths very minor within the wider context of the world. '''Note: For information on any wedding ceremony missing from the list, be it racial or cultural, please contact the Lore Staff member HydraLana who will hopefully be able to answer your questions or make a MassiveCraft RP Discord Ticket.'''
[[Aloria]] has many rituals of binding partners. Some are drawn-out, formal affairs, while others are short and simple. Almost all are also bound to the various [[Religions]] of Aloria, and most can be done within the presence of holy figures who seal the bond with the blessings of a god or many gods. Because of this, some forms of marriage are not accepted in various nations, and are seen as invalid or in conflict with the system of beliefs central to the functioning of the state. The most powerful state that sees hundreds if not thousands of marriages every day is the [[Regalian Empire]]. Below can be found a list of the different forms of marriage in the various [[Religions]] of Aloria, as well as the specific traditions of several [[Races]] who fall outside of the wide net cast by the different faiths,
*'''Note: For information or ideas on any of the ceremonies listed here, please send in a MassiveCraft RP Discord Ticket asking your questions! The staff will be happy to help you with anything you’re interested in.'''


==Unionism: Sanktism of Harmony==
==Unionism==
For details on the way a Unionist marriage ceremony is conducted, please read the [[Sanktism of Harmony]] article.
'''For details on the way a [[Unionist]] marriage ceremony is conducted, please read the [[Sanktism of Harmony]] article.'''


==Old Faiths: Lensøre/Ildøre==
==Old Gods==
===Service Structure===
*'''Origins:''' The wedding ceremony of the [[Old Gods]] originated with the bonding of [[Njal, Prince of Art]] and [[Bard, King of Bears]] whose love literally sparked the god of love, [[Leif, Summer of Passion]] into being. It is said within a year, and the creation of all the gods, the two were wed in the first ceremony beneath [[Arne]]. An ancient site on [[Old Ceardia]] at the foot of the Tree of Life was said to be the place of this union, but it is now lost due to the fall of that continent.
The [[Old Gods]] have one of the most freeform structures to their weddings, with services sometimes vastly different between towns in the same mountain valley mere miles apart. Despite the individuality that is at the core of this faith, which has allowed their adaption by multiple tribal groups, clans, and [[Cultures]], there are shared commonalities present in all services. The first is the typical lack of a priest or religious figure to officiate the ceremony. Such figures are not uninvited, however their role is often minimal as they instead form up the wedding guests. Many come to witness the union and to shower their blessings and prayers onto the new couple to help them achieve good luck. Instead, it is the head of the groom’s family or the head of the community who officiates the wedding as having given their approval for it to have taken place. This approval is not required in the case of [[Velheim]] Hildrae or Kjaere, but only for those unions that feature Sol-Kvinnes or -Mards. Additionally, if a bond-person transitions into being Sol-Kvinne, it is the personal choice of the united pair on whether they should have an official wedding or not. The next consistent feature is that most of these weddings occur in the spring. Given the generally harsh winter climates that the Old Gods exist in, having weddings during such a cold time is generally seen as only possible in the most urban or populous communities. It also has religious connotations, as the spring and summer are times of life and rebirth and love versus the winter. Another consistent feature of Old Gods weddings is the presence of the Vidtide, an ode to love sung at the celebration. Sometimes, it is only the bride who sings it, other times, the couple sings it together and in a rare few cases, the entire wedding party proudly echoes the song to the heavens. The lyrics are roughly the same across the various Cultures who practice the ceremony despite each Language being different, but is important that the song be sung in the native Language of the individual meaning it comes from their cultural heart. Finally, there is always a celebration after an Old Gods wedding, whether it is a private celebration of just the couple and their immediate families or the entire communities, the unity of two people is to be celebrated. The Vidtide goes as follows:
*'''Service Requirements:''' The Old Gods faith has the freest service requirements of almost any Religion in Aloria. No priest is required, and such ceremonies can in fact be performed just by the partners involved alone, in any location. The sole requirement in such circumstances is that it must be done before an open flame, a Fire of Leif, so that he is a witness to the union. Despite this freedom, many ceremonies are officiated by local religious figures or family leaders anyway.
:''Come to me''
*'''Traditional Attire:''' The Old Gods has spread through a range of climates and environments in its long presence in Aloria. As a result, few clothing requirements have survived the ages. Still, wearing all black or all white is common, as is the inclusion of family heirlooms, veils, circlets, helms and more, often decades if not centuries old.
:''You can hear my soul call''
*'''Traditional Rituals:''' Due to the range of peoples and regions that practice the Old Gods faith, traditional rituals have become as diverse as clothing and requirements for a service. However, the Act of Worth and singing of the Vidtide are still retained. There are any number of Acts, from splitting lumber, to shooting arrows, to musical composition, all to prove that the male, masculine, or “major” partner can provide for their loved one. The Vidtide meanwhile is an ancient song said to be composed by Njal himself, extolling the connection of two souls in love. Many regional variations exist to suit the different climates the Old Gods finds itself practiced in. It is traditionally sung by the female, feminine, or “minor” partner, but can also be performed by musicians hired for the purpose.
:''Standing alone, waiting for you''
*'''Other Notes:''' Despite the origin of the ceremony apparently being with the gods, only Bard and Njal are said to be formally wed. The other godly romantic pairings are distinctly unwed in the stories.
:''Come into my arms''
:''Our realm awaits''
:''Our love will be joined''
:''Your eyes are smiling''
:''Your heart is beating-come you!''
:''Come you my beloved, come you to me''
:''All that we have will be intertwined''
:''Come you my beloved, come you to me''
:''All that we ever want will be found with each other''
:''Throw away a solitary fate''
:''Embrace togetherness for us''
:''Let me show you what happiness is''
:''Over the Frozen River we will walk''
:''Do not fight against the winds''
:''Do not fight against the fires''
:''It is obvious, I am your fate''
:''Come, come you with me to a world of joy''
:''Come you my beloved, come you to me''
:''All that we have will be intertwined''
:''Come you my beloved, come you to me''
:''We are needed by one another''


The following list is a brief set of customs found in several major Cultures or groups within those Cultures:
==Estellon==
*'''Anglian:''' [[Anglian]] ceremonies are generally more Unionist in style (which is to say formal) than other Old Gods marriage ceremonies. They often take place on holy ground of some description and see both parties in the marriage sing the Vidtide, trading off the lyrics until uniting to sing the final three lines. They also change the line about “Frozen River” into “Golden Fields.” There are also specific prayers are done to the new couple’s lands, hoping that they will be as fertile as the couple's marriage.
*'''Origins:''' Weddings of the [[Estellon]] tradition have an unclear origin, as there is no myth of the “first wedding” and it would appear that the practice did not start for at least the first few millennia of the [[Allorn Empire]]. Instead, most records suggest it began with efforts by an Empress to awe and intimidate her court through a fabulous ritual, with others emulating her as it grew into a status symbol which at the height of the Allorn Empire, could last for days on end.
*'''Velheim:''' Velheim Old Gods marriage ceremonies have no specific location that they should take place. This variety of ceremony features the Vidtide sung three or four times by the bride while the groom cuts material in half, with each piece chopped through thought to represent one year of marriage. The material being cut through is often logs, but can also be ice blocks in more frigid climates. In other variations, both bride and groom sing the Vidtide together, or while the Vidtide is sung by the bride, the groom only listens. Most of these ceremonies also feature prayers and specific happenings related to one or two major gods believed in by both the groom and bride.
*'''Service Requirements:''' Estellon as a faith has fragmented into a range of subgroups and racial divisions, but still holds some key features. For one, an Ordvaan, the term for an Estellon priest, must officiate the ceremony. They may follow any particular god, but in cases where one is not available (a growing issue in some parts of Aloria), written notice proclaiming the union and majesty of the event sent to the nearest one is a substitute. Additionally, the ceremony must be performed before an Altar of Desire, easily set up with a rich red tablecloth, candles, roses, and a carved armband holder in the shape of two sleek serpents.
*'''Tarkkin:''' [[Tarkkin]] weddings are very important affairs in their society given how key marriage is to their history. They often have several marriages simultaneously, thus producing Vidtiding with several women singing all at once, and their prayers are focused on each of the four main Old Gods they worship. The celebrations afterward are lavish, involving the whole Clan in the festivities.  
*'''Traditional Attire:''' The Estellon faith has long been exacting in the clothing worn for a wedding, this feature of the ceremony going unchanged. Both halves of the ceremony must wear white, with the party from the most southern location lacing the outfit with pale blue as an accent color, and the other having pale green as theirs. Both must also wear their hair back, and tease the exposure of skin through the use of lace, tight or sheer fabrics and more. A final detail is the use of colored sashes, but each Race, and even regional divisions have their own traditions on their colors/appearance.
*'''Fridurfolk:''' The [[Fridurfolk]] are an extremely pious, peaceful folk and their wedding celebrations are evidence of that. They have their weddings before the local Tilbeiðslusteinn of most importance to the couple, with veneration and thanks given to the Veröldinandi who’s shrine it belongs to. There is also a lot of dancing held after the wedding, where the couple in question is the focal point, with “petals” of people surrounding them in rotating lines.
*'''Traditional Rituals:''' There are two Estellon rituals maintained by all Races for a marriage. The first is the recitation of the Serenada, a brief harmonious poem told by each party which spells out their chosen deity of focus from the pantheon, and the benefit they bring to their match. The second is known as the Crafting of Beauty. Due to the natural powers of the [[Teledden]], they take two simple, undecorated armbands of purest gold, and transform them into a symbol of what they love about the other party. While this happens in real-time for Teledden ceremonies, other Races instead craft them or have them crafted in relevant materials and with relevant skills ahead of time for presentation at the ceremony.
*'''Highland Cultures:''' The Highland variety of Old Gods weddings are almost identical to that of the Velheim in how open they are. However, like the Anglians, the Highlanders change the Vidtide to mention something of more cultural significance, that being "Rolling Moors" rather than "Frozen River".
*'''Other Notes:''' It is commonly believed the Crafting of Beauty gave birth to the later [[Ailor]] tradition of ring-giving, a practice seen in some groups, and while not formally part of Unionism, has slowly been growing in significance as the years wear on.


===Traditional Attire===
==Asaredu==
Clothing for Old Gods marriage ceremonies is varied across the different Cultures and sects that participate in them. In general though, brides and grooms wear their best clothing, but also tight clothing that is close to the skin or as exposing as possible. After all, they are celebrating something that will ultimately end in the unification of their bodies so unless it is cold, exposed skin is seen to be a respectful gesture to the goddess of love, romance, etc. who have brought them together in that moment. Oddly enough, headgear is key to Old Gods marriages and are used to represent everything from the deity the bride or groom most relates to, to their regional background. Some of the headwear mentioned includes iron helms, driftwood crowns, antler crowns, wild flowers, woven ribbons, and veils of thin fabric.
*'''Origins:''' [[Asaredu]] faith claims the first wedding was not in fact, between Vakkar and Makkaru (for their bond was eternal before all else), but between some of the first [[Eronidas]] they had created. The ceremony was attended by all save Death, who was not invited for the occasion. It is sometimes said this exclusion began the seed of enmity in her which led to the later betrayal of her fathers.
*'''Service Requirements:''' Asaredu, and indeed the Eronidas people, are known for very simple requirements for a wedding, though they are not required for a union to be recognized in their society. If one is to take place though, at least four witnesses, or wedding guests as Ailor might call them, are required to take part in the union, which may or may not be officiated by a member of the faith’s priesthood.
*'''Traditional Attire:''' The faith of Asaredu keeps affairs of clothing and appearance very lax, but generally there is a desire for the partners to dress as befits their main god of focus. This would mean someone devoted to [[Buru, Water Master]], might dress in tight pants with a bare chest lightly covered by a half-cloak or ruana, as full emulation of a Master’s look is considered disrespectful in Eronidas society.
*'''Traditional Rituals:''' There are a handful of traditional Eronidas rituals at weddings, some of which are practiced while others have fallen by the wayside for subsegments of the Eronidas. There is the Speech of Gifts, where a partner, or both, describe their love and the drives of their partner, before producing a practical gift to help them pursue such tasks. Another is the Non-Goodbye, which involves one partner suddenly taking the other out of the feasting space for a journey elsewhere. Ailor might call it the impromptu start of a honeymoon period.
*'''Other Notes:''' Those who follow or associate with [[Da’amu, Death Master]], and thus dress like them for the wedding, often require a unique ritual to take place. A sacrifice is offered in her name, to sate her interest and keep it away from the ceremony to avoid death visiting what should be a time of happiness. She also has her own table place and food set out for her in some corner of the room, to sate her and keep her attention if she does “appear.” [[Godborn]] of Da’amu are often seated in such places if they show up for an Asaredu wedding.


==Faith of Estel: Ajollen-Naderi==
==Baskarr==
===Service Structure===
*'''Origins:''' For many millennia, the [[Asha]] Race were denied their ancient marriage customs by the Allorn Empire, resulting in them diluting and fading into mere stories. When their freedom came after the [[Cataclysm]], the Asha fashioned new ceremonies for themselves in the image of a people proud and regaining what had been lost to them.
Oddly similar in how diverse the beliefs of the Old Gods function, the fragmentation of the [[Faith of Estel]], due to the rise of so many [[Nelfin]] Races, has produced a wide variation in the ceremony of Ajollen-Naderi. There is also further separation due to the diverse array of [[Altalar Types]]. However, some things have not changed across different practioners. The ceremony traditionally begins at dawn, just as the first light of the day is slipping over the horizon. The bride and groom stand side by side, hand in hand, facing the rising sun. As the sun crests over the distant horizon, the pair turn to face each other, taking a step back and bowing. Each partner in turn says their vows, with the bride going first. These vows are always created by the individuals as a way to profess their love and commitments, and rarely are the same due to the personal nature of them. Common themes are promising to protect and love each other, providing for one another in bad times as well as good times, and promising commitment to one another. After the vows, the groom takes a small scoop, historically made of [[Silver]] (though bone, wood, shell, [[Steel]] or some other metal have been used), and ladles out some water from a fount, pool, or bowl (sometimes set out exclusively for the occasion). The groom offers it up to the bride, who takes a sip. The gesture is then repeated by the bride, who gives water to the groom. After this, the pair propose a prayer in unison and an offering to their Altalar Pantheon member of choice, or if married very young, the one they feel they are most likely to pick. The prayer, known as the Seranda, is as follows:
*'''Service Requirements:''' Baskarr has several service features. The first is the presence of the parents of both partners, or imagery of their presence should they be unable to travel. The same is true even if the parents are deceased. Next, a Diviner must have given their blessing on the bonding, reading the signs that the time for the pair is right to marry. They can be involved to officiate the ceremony, but most are simply guests. The final requirement is a lack of Magic involved in the partnership. If there is Magic, then specialized rituals seeking to purify the bond must be performed at the actual ceremony.
:''Highest praise be unto you, dearest <Pantheon God 1> and <Pantheon God 2>, whose guidance teaches us lessons of the world''
*'''Traditional Attire:''' Baskarr weddings might be called scandalous affairs, as it is common for very little to be worn for them, save sleek, body-hugging clothing, and thin draperies which perfectly outline body features. They obviously still possess modesty, but the point is to express without shame, the bodies and the souls within that are being joined on that day.
:''May you grant us courage to stand by each other through all chapters of life''
*'''Traditional Rituals:''' Baskarr rituals are varied, dependent on regional traditions. One of the most common is an act most outsiders might view as strange, known as The Cleaning. In it, both partners will wash each other’s feet, often with the aid of their Living Metal. This is thought to represent the care both parties will have with each other. Another ritual involves evoking all the Faces in a series of personalized prayers, honoring the female or non-binary partner in a union.
:''May you grant us wisdom to value that which we already have beside ourselves''
*'''Other Notes:''' To ward off the eager eyes of [[Akhet, Lord of Thousand Sons]] (there are several well known stories of his actions at weddings) from either partner in a wedding couple, it is customary for a dancer to engage in a long, ornate spectacle called The Sun’s Lure somewhere off to the side or back of the space chosen for the wedding. This can cause confusion for non-Asha guests, who often end up trying to split their attention between the dancer, and the couple elsewhere.
:''May you grant us power to overcome any obstacle that presents itself''
:''And may you continue in us your lessons of calm and tranquility''
:''Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time''
:''Accepting hardship as a pathway to great things, and seeking to make the world a place for all <Race> to live in peace''


At this point, the official for the ceremony enters the grove, traditionally dressed in the regal garb that corresponds for the Race. They carry the two bands, called the An’ollen, that were crafted for the couple who turn to face the official. It is here that there is a major difference between the Races: only the Cielothar, Yanar or those devoted to the pure and ancient variety of the Faith of Estel speak the Vanda’resslanja, which is most accurately translated as “Vow to the Faith”. The Vanda serves as as a pledge that the couple will remain true to Estel, and that they recognize that the world and all that exists within it was created by her will. The official here serves as a witness to the claim of the couple, ensuring that they have said all they need to. The Vanda’resslanja is as follows:
==Dragon Worship==
:''We stand today not as two individuals, but as one who is made of more. Let our voices be heard and our hearts judged for their merit.''
*'''Origins:''' There is no one origin for marriage in the worship of Dragons. In fact, the faithful believe “Marriage is just a legal obstacle.” in an indirect quote from [[Aurora, Arbitrator of Nature]]. Despite this, the range of Races this worship crosses has seen traditions persist.
:''We, faithful of Estel, do swear our faith, strength, and devotion to her teachings,''
*'''Service Requirements:''' Due to the nature of Draconic interest (which is to say disinterest) in unions, Dragon Worship has few solid requirements for a service. Instead, it is the Race or Culture of origin for those involved which set such tenants. Among the [[Sihai]], courtship of at least six months is required before a union can take place, while for the [[Songaskia]], a home must be prepared and established by both parties before a wedding may take place.
:''To the belief that she, who is greater than all, shaped this world and all who live within it,''
*'''Traditional Attire:''' The Dragon faithful come from all walks of life and origin, and so wear a huge range of attire for their wedding days. Some follow colors or aesthetics of their chosen Dragon, while others follow more common traditions. However, one thing all Dragon Worship weddings have is the Wound Belt. This complex interlacing of fabrics, be it rough wool or smooth silk, is knotted, and then pinned by a personalized metal clasp depicting [[Valerius, Force for Change]], overtop of all clothing worn for the ceremony. Hanging from the Belt are up to five “charms” with symbolism for up to five other Dragons, either major, or of the Clades.
:''We take an oath to the children of Estel, the Pantheon, from whom lessons and wisdom flow,''
*'''Traditional Rituals:''' There is only one traditional ritual of Dragon Worship weddings, and that is the removal of the Wound Belt. Due to an enchantment that goes into the fabric, when the Clasp of Change is removed (the process performed by the other’s partner), the fabric unwinds and leaps into the air, fanning behind the participants like the feathers on a peacock. The charms attached remain embedded in the fabric, and the pair are then expected to kiss, which then collapses the unwound Belts. Further rituals are diverse based on the groups performing them.
:''That these lessons shall be passed on to our children, and our children’s children, until the day that we pass from this world,''
*'''Other Notes:''' Of all the Dragon Worshipers, the [[Urlan]] are the least likely to engage in the tradition of the Wound Belt. This is largely due to the innate magic being hard to produce for most Urlan, and use of fabric and metal which is seen as somewhat of a waste in their rugged society, where such material is better put to use in tools of the hunt.  
:''We take an oath that we will uphold the tenets of creation, for the good of creation, and by the will of Estel,''
:''For this, we share our lives, and for this, we stand today as one; bonded together, one heart, one soul, and one body.''


If the presiding priest finds their Vanda to be satisfactory, which is nearly always the case, he says: “Your words speak the truth, for in them true enlightenment resides. Take pains to keep to your vows, for nothing is as lasting as Estel.” At this point, the two styles of marriage ceremony come together. If the couple is not of the pure and ancient Faith of Estel, they will have immediately proceeded to this phase. At this, the bride and groom hold up their right arms and the official takes the An’ollen, sliding one each onto the arms of the couple. The couple then turns to face each other and kiss, thus consolidating their bond and ending the ceremony. At this point, most modern Estellians hold some form of celebration, which often relates to the Race, Culture, and financial status of the couple. Below can be found a summary of the difference between the different Races in their practice of the Ajollen-Naderi.
==Void Worship==
*'''Altalar:''' Being the originators of the Ajollen-Naderi, the Altalar follow many of the beliefs previously expressed. They commonly have their weddings at shrines dedicated to the [[Altalar Pantheon]], or ancient sites related to Estel. Their Anollen are most commonly metal bands, with [[Gold]] and Silver common though other metals, if these rich materials are offensive to the Altalar Type, also occur. Their wedding officiants must be a priest or priestess of the Altalar Pantheon or Estel, though if there is no one of that background present, the oldest Altalar willing can also perform the ceremony.
*'''Origins:''' Void Worship has no one common origin of its ceremonies, though a myth exists claiming the first Void Worship wedding was held nearly 6000 years ago in the Allorn Empire. The bride and groom were secretly followers of [[Marvaal the Mindlord]], and so when they went to their chambers on the wedding night, it was to instead suck out the life-force of a captive couple of great youth and love. The worshipers succeeded, and lived extended lifetimes as a result.
*'''Cielothar and Yanar:''' The [[Cielothar]] and [[Yanar]] follow many of the same traditions of the Altalar, though their An’ollen are not metal. They are often instead woven leather bands or beaded bracelets, with symbols of faith carved or pressed into them. Additionally, the ceremony occurs in a flowery or natural place away from the settlement so that Estel can fully and properly witness the event. Their wedding officiants must be a priest or priestess of Estel, though if there is no one of that background present, an aged Yanar may stand in given their connection to Estel.
*'''Service Requirements:''' Void Worship has wildly different requirements for the weddings of each Cult. For instance, the [[Cult of the Body]] demands that a prospective couple must hunt together three times, in three tests to kill or defeat specific beasts or beings chosen by a high priest or such. These requirements can cause problems if the two people marrying are of different, if not competing, Cults, though such a thing is exceedingly rare within the [[Dread Empire]] where these rituals are upheld as practically sacrosanct.
*'''Avanthar:''' [[Avanthar]] beliefs are far more wild and decentralized when compared to those of their close relatives the Cielothar and Altalar. Avanthar get married at night under the stars that are their true gods, regardless of individual belief in another Religion, and shirk the traditional words of the Seranda and the Vanda’resslanja in favor of their own simpler pledge to fight for each other and the Avanthar way until death. Additionally, their Anollen are either matching tattoos on the same part of the body or leather bands, more complex and more extensively “Avanthar-ized” than those found in Cielothar communities. Their officiators are the group’s leadership or their chosen representative, their inclusion being a sign of approval at the match that will serve to improve the Avanthar bloodline. Also, rather than the water used during the ceremony, animal milk is used to represent their connection with their herding lifestyle.
*'''Traditional Attire:''' Similar to the requirements for a wedding, the attire of the partners involved changes drastically. The [[Cult of the Magi]] demands ritual robes for the casting of spells, while the [[Cult of the Brood]] desires as much skin showing as possible.  
*'''Sihndar:''' The Ajollen-Naderi of the [[Sihndar]] is possibly the simplest of all the subgroups of Nelfin. They have their ceremonies within the wall of their Citadels, in an assigned corner each possess that might be seen as the structure’s “chapel.The union’s officiant is often the Sihn-Fallar to at least one of the individuals in the union and water is not used, as it is considered wasteful. Instead, each Sihndar gently blows into the face of their partner. The Sihndar also reject the use of the Serenda as a vile Altalar construct, but they do speak the Vanda’resslanja, adding this additional line at the end: “We take an oath to stand firm against the darkness, for we are the torch that keeps aberrant evil at bay.” Post-ceremony celebrations often involve duels where the married couple engage in practice spars with various guests, and little extra food is eaten, life returning to normal fairly quickly.
*'''Traditional Rituals:''' There are easily a hundred rituals for the wedding ceremonies of Void Worship, a dozen for each and every deity in the dark pantheon. Some of the most notable ones are the Evening of Whispers, where in a pure dark room, the partners must find one another by whispering and passing messages through the guests, the Rite of Rhymes, where a long-form poem must be crafted in rhyming couplets by each participant in the ceremony on the spot, who must then write the composition in their own blood, and finally (and most infamously), the Sacrifice of Blood, when a family member is killed and their blood drained for bathing in when the evening is done.
*'''Other Notes:''' The [[Cult of the Swamp]] has the least egregious rituals in Void Worship for a wedding, though that is not saying much. The Act of Festering for instance, calls for the rearing of a huge poisonous grub or worm, before its caretakers then kill it, and feed it to frogs and toads.


===Traditional Attire===
==Other Ceremonies==
Historically, grooms partaking in the Ajollen-Naderi ceremony wear whatever is deemed as dress clothing for the males of the society. Altalar will wear white, loose, flowing robes of silk or cashmere, which is often decorated with jewelry to express the groom’s wealth. These robes are dyed white to better reflect the light of dawn, and are intended to show the groom’s respect for Estel’s purity and greatness. Along with this, they traditionally wear simple, white slippers. Among the Cielothar, the robes are made of simpler materials, and are frequently decorated with vibrant flowers such as Lady’s Shine or Ruby Flower; intended to breathe new life and color into the costume, just as Estel breathed life into the world. Avanthar favor their traditional leather harnesses accompanied by a special cape that is reserved for Ajollen-Naderi ceremonies. The cape is made by hand, and consists of hundreds of black and Silver beads and strings that create beautiful tapestries that are intended to replicate the brilliance of the night sky, with Silver flecks shining out from a sea of inky blackness. This cape is kept in special care and only worn during Ajollen-Naderi, during which the moonlight glimmers off the cape as the groom performs the ceremony. These garments are often passed down from generation to generation within a family, and hold tremendous value to the males of a clan. Finally, the Sihndar favor their armor as they hold true to their zealous cause and every component of their ceremonies is austere and militaristic with little decoration.
*'''Qadir:''' The old faith of the [[Qadir]] with its dozen wedding ceremonies died with the Great Storm, and today, their weddings tend to be rather dry affairs, civil unions officiated by a bureaucrat and the signing of paperwork. However, the couple does still hold an “open house party” of sorts, where they sit and talk with the stream of guests in and out of their home, taking gifts, or presenting their own to one another in a very relaxed manner.
 
*'''Allar:''' [[Allar]] weddings are often fairly brief affairs, and involve the creation of alchemy. It can be something complex and deeply crafted by both parties, or largely the work of one, and something simple to get done. What matters is that both parties must put some contribution into the final product. Some Allar also take practices from other faiths and gods they have in their personal pantheon, but simplify the rituals or acts associated with them. Some Allar ceremonies only last ten minutes, and most rarely involve the consumption of a meal afterward though this tradition is fading with the increase in influence from other Races and the Ailor in particular.
The bride’s ensemble during the ceremony of Ajollen-Naderi is also based upon the culture that is celebrating the bonding. Altalar tend to wear bright, single tone colors in their dress; often pale blue, pink, or yellow. The theme has always been to match the colors of dawn, since it is believed to be a sacred time where new beginnings occur. The dresses are handmade in different styles and materials, and as such they often match the individual who is getting married. Altalar brides also frequently wear Silver tiaras, decorated with various gemstones, as well as a wide variety of necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and rings all crafted of Silver. Cielothar brides often wear equally brightly colored dresses to the Altalar, with the exception that they include multiple colors. Popular combinations are rose and yellow, periwinkle and cyan, and mint and rose. Their dresses also include colorful beads and feathers foraged from birds nests, which are weaved into the fabric to make intricate designs. Avanthar women tend to dress incredibly simply, wearing their standard clothing of light fabrics and leather harnesses with the occasional bone jewelry. Some more free-spirited Avanthar will wear a crown of weaved flowers, but this is uncommon. Finally, Drowdar women traditionally partake in Ajollen-Naderi wearing their armor, accompanied by a pale lavender sash of fabric worn over the right shoulder. This sash is communal, and is routinely decorated by each couple who is bonded; adding their own mark.
*'''Maraya:''' The [[Maraya]] have two main tenants to their three-day weddings, with a range of other customs called Honors one can choose to enact. The first is the performing of music, involving the use of an instrument with a voice or just the voice alone. Both partners sing one of a handful of traditional songs, with small substitutions to suit their personal situation. The second is the Tying of the Knot. The Maraya believe those getting married permanently knot their energies to each other, and this is represented by wrapping a chain of harmonized crystals around the partners’ hands and forearms, before they are cut apart, and the crystals realign around each arm, separate, but a blend of two colors.
*'''Bralona:''' The [[Bralona]] have no conception of marriage.


==OOC Information==
==OOC Information==
*Religious-based weddings are not binding within the Regalian Empire, not even Unionist ones. A couple who marry within the Regalian Empire also must get the State (ie. the legal courts) to agree to it. Those Races with more limited rights might find it very difficult to be officially married in the eyes of the Regalian Empire.
*Religious-based weddings are not binding within the Regalian Empire, not even Unionist ones. A couple who marry within the Regalian Empire must also sign a marriage certificate within the relevant Regalian bureaucratic offices. The process is simple and usually takes place before the religious-based ceremony.
*Same-sex marriages are capable of being performed in all three ceremonies discussed above, though it is sometimes difficult to be done. Some Unionist sects and their priests reject allowing it, and some Altalar and Sihndar dislike it on the basis that it reduces the number of future Altalar and Sihndar into the world. However, traveling to other areas or finding more accepting individuals to perform the ceremony is always possible.
*Players are encouraged to create their own features for weddings and bonding ceremonies, as the list here is meant to serve as a basic template for further creativity and personalization.  
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Revision as of 20:13, 20 November 2022

Marriage Ceremonies
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Religious Ceremony
Religion Various
Ceremony Wedding
Origin Various

Aloria has many rituals of binding partners. Some are drawn-out, formal affairs, while others are short and simple. Almost all are also bound to the various Religions of Aloria, and most can be done within the presence of holy figures who seal the bond with the blessings of a god or many gods. Because of this, some forms of marriage are not accepted in various nations, and are seen as invalid or in conflict with the system of beliefs central to the functioning of the state. The most powerful state that sees hundreds if not thousands of marriages every day is the Regalian Empire. Below can be found a list of the different forms of marriage in the various Religions of Aloria, as well as the specific traditions of several Races who fall outside of the wide net cast by the different faiths,

  • Note: For information or ideas on any of the ceremonies listed here, please send in a MassiveCraft RP Discord Ticket asking your questions! The staff will be happy to help you with anything you’re interested in.

Unionism

For details on the way a Unionist marriage ceremony is conducted, please read the Sanktism of Harmony article.

Old Gods

  • Origins: The wedding ceremony of the Old Gods originated with the bonding of Njal, Prince of Art and Bard, King of Bears whose love literally sparked the god of love, Leif, Summer of Passion into being. It is said within a year, and the creation of all the gods, the two were wed in the first ceremony beneath Arne. An ancient site on Old Ceardia at the foot of the Tree of Life was said to be the place of this union, but it is now lost due to the fall of that continent.
  • Service Requirements: The Old Gods faith has the freest service requirements of almost any Religion in Aloria. No priest is required, and such ceremonies can in fact be performed just by the partners involved alone, in any location. The sole requirement in such circumstances is that it must be done before an open flame, a Fire of Leif, so that he is a witness to the union. Despite this freedom, many ceremonies are officiated by local religious figures or family leaders anyway.
  • Traditional Attire: The Old Gods has spread through a range of climates and environments in its long presence in Aloria. As a result, few clothing requirements have survived the ages. Still, wearing all black or all white is common, as is the inclusion of family heirlooms, veils, circlets, helms and more, often decades if not centuries old.
  • Traditional Rituals: Due to the range of peoples and regions that practice the Old Gods faith, traditional rituals have become as diverse as clothing and requirements for a service. However, the Act of Worth and singing of the Vidtide are still retained. There are any number of Acts, from splitting lumber, to shooting arrows, to musical composition, all to prove that the male, masculine, or “major” partner can provide for their loved one. The Vidtide meanwhile is an ancient song said to be composed by Njal himself, extolling the connection of two souls in love. Many regional variations exist to suit the different climates the Old Gods finds itself practiced in. It is traditionally sung by the female, feminine, or “minor” partner, but can also be performed by musicians hired for the purpose.
  • Other Notes: Despite the origin of the ceremony apparently being with the gods, only Bard and Njal are said to be formally wed. The other godly romantic pairings are distinctly unwed in the stories.

Estellon

  • Origins: Weddings of the Estellon tradition have an unclear origin, as there is no myth of the “first wedding” and it would appear that the practice did not start for at least the first few millennia of the Allorn Empire. Instead, most records suggest it began with efforts by an Empress to awe and intimidate her court through a fabulous ritual, with others emulating her as it grew into a status symbol which at the height of the Allorn Empire, could last for days on end.
  • Service Requirements: Estellon as a faith has fragmented into a range of subgroups and racial divisions, but still holds some key features. For one, an Ordvaan, the term for an Estellon priest, must officiate the ceremony. They may follow any particular god, but in cases where one is not available (a growing issue in some parts of Aloria), written notice proclaiming the union and majesty of the event sent to the nearest one is a substitute. Additionally, the ceremony must be performed before an Altar of Desire, easily set up with a rich red tablecloth, candles, roses, and a carved armband holder in the shape of two sleek serpents.
  • Traditional Attire: The Estellon faith has long been exacting in the clothing worn for a wedding, this feature of the ceremony going unchanged. Both halves of the ceremony must wear white, with the party from the most southern location lacing the outfit with pale blue as an accent color, and the other having pale green as theirs. Both must also wear their hair back, and tease the exposure of skin through the use of lace, tight or sheer fabrics and more. A final detail is the use of colored sashes, but each Race, and even regional divisions have their own traditions on their colors/appearance.
  • Traditional Rituals: There are two Estellon rituals maintained by all Races for a marriage. The first is the recitation of the Serenada, a brief harmonious poem told by each party which spells out their chosen deity of focus from the pantheon, and the benefit they bring to their match. The second is known as the Crafting of Beauty. Due to the natural powers of the Teledden, they take two simple, undecorated armbands of purest gold, and transform them into a symbol of what they love about the other party. While this happens in real-time for Teledden ceremonies, other Races instead craft them or have them crafted in relevant materials and with relevant skills ahead of time for presentation at the ceremony.
  • Other Notes: It is commonly believed the Crafting of Beauty gave birth to the later Ailor tradition of ring-giving, a practice seen in some groups, and while not formally part of Unionism, has slowly been growing in significance as the years wear on.

Asaredu

  • Origins: Asaredu faith claims the first wedding was not in fact, between Vakkar and Makkaru (for their bond was eternal before all else), but between some of the first Eronidas they had created. The ceremony was attended by all save Death, who was not invited for the occasion. It is sometimes said this exclusion began the seed of enmity in her which led to the later betrayal of her fathers.
  • Service Requirements: Asaredu, and indeed the Eronidas people, are known for very simple requirements for a wedding, though they are not required for a union to be recognized in their society. If one is to take place though, at least four witnesses, or wedding guests as Ailor might call them, are required to take part in the union, which may or may not be officiated by a member of the faith’s priesthood.
  • Traditional Attire: The faith of Asaredu keeps affairs of clothing and appearance very lax, but generally there is a desire for the partners to dress as befits their main god of focus. This would mean someone devoted to Buru, Water Master, might dress in tight pants with a bare chest lightly covered by a half-cloak or ruana, as full emulation of a Master’s look is considered disrespectful in Eronidas society.
  • Traditional Rituals: There are a handful of traditional Eronidas rituals at weddings, some of which are practiced while others have fallen by the wayside for subsegments of the Eronidas. There is the Speech of Gifts, where a partner, or both, describe their love and the drives of their partner, before producing a practical gift to help them pursue such tasks. Another is the Non-Goodbye, which involves one partner suddenly taking the other out of the feasting space for a journey elsewhere. Ailor might call it the impromptu start of a honeymoon period.
  • Other Notes: Those who follow or associate with Da’amu, Death Master, and thus dress like them for the wedding, often require a unique ritual to take place. A sacrifice is offered in her name, to sate her interest and keep it away from the ceremony to avoid death visiting what should be a time of happiness. She also has her own table place and food set out for her in some corner of the room, to sate her and keep her attention if she does “appear.” Godborn of Da’amu are often seated in such places if they show up for an Asaredu wedding.

Baskarr

  • Origins: For many millennia, the Asha Race were denied their ancient marriage customs by the Allorn Empire, resulting in them diluting and fading into mere stories. When their freedom came after the Cataclysm, the Asha fashioned new ceremonies for themselves in the image of a people proud and regaining what had been lost to them.
  • Service Requirements: Baskarr has several service features. The first is the presence of the parents of both partners, or imagery of their presence should they be unable to travel. The same is true even if the parents are deceased. Next, a Diviner must have given their blessing on the bonding, reading the signs that the time for the pair is right to marry. They can be involved to officiate the ceremony, but most are simply guests. The final requirement is a lack of Magic involved in the partnership. If there is Magic, then specialized rituals seeking to purify the bond must be performed at the actual ceremony.
  • Traditional Attire: Baskarr weddings might be called scandalous affairs, as it is common for very little to be worn for them, save sleek, body-hugging clothing, and thin draperies which perfectly outline body features. They obviously still possess modesty, but the point is to express without shame, the bodies and the souls within that are being joined on that day.
  • Traditional Rituals: Baskarr rituals are varied, dependent on regional traditions. One of the most common is an act most outsiders might view as strange, known as The Cleaning. In it, both partners will wash each other’s feet, often with the aid of their Living Metal. This is thought to represent the care both parties will have with each other. Another ritual involves evoking all the Faces in a series of personalized prayers, honoring the female or non-binary partner in a union.
  • Other Notes: To ward off the eager eyes of Akhet, Lord of Thousand Sons (there are several well known stories of his actions at weddings) from either partner in a wedding couple, it is customary for a dancer to engage in a long, ornate spectacle called The Sun’s Lure somewhere off to the side or back of the space chosen for the wedding. This can cause confusion for non-Asha guests, who often end up trying to split their attention between the dancer, and the couple elsewhere.

Dragon Worship

  • Origins: There is no one origin for marriage in the worship of Dragons. In fact, the faithful believe “Marriage is just a legal obstacle.” in an indirect quote from Aurora, Arbitrator of Nature. Despite this, the range of Races this worship crosses has seen traditions persist.
  • Service Requirements: Due to the nature of Draconic interest (which is to say disinterest) in unions, Dragon Worship has few solid requirements for a service. Instead, it is the Race or Culture of origin for those involved which set such tenants. Among the Sihai, courtship of at least six months is required before a union can take place, while for the Songaskia, a home must be prepared and established by both parties before a wedding may take place.
  • Traditional Attire: The Dragon faithful come from all walks of life and origin, and so wear a huge range of attire for their wedding days. Some follow colors or aesthetics of their chosen Dragon, while others follow more common traditions. However, one thing all Dragon Worship weddings have is the Wound Belt. This complex interlacing of fabrics, be it rough wool or smooth silk, is knotted, and then pinned by a personalized metal clasp depicting Valerius, Force for Change, overtop of all clothing worn for the ceremony. Hanging from the Belt are up to five “charms” with symbolism for up to five other Dragons, either major, or of the Clades.
  • Traditional Rituals: There is only one traditional ritual of Dragon Worship weddings, and that is the removal of the Wound Belt. Due to an enchantment that goes into the fabric, when the Clasp of Change is removed (the process performed by the other’s partner), the fabric unwinds and leaps into the air, fanning behind the participants like the feathers on a peacock. The charms attached remain embedded in the fabric, and the pair are then expected to kiss, which then collapses the unwound Belts. Further rituals are diverse based on the groups performing them.
  • Other Notes: Of all the Dragon Worshipers, the Urlan are the least likely to engage in the tradition of the Wound Belt. This is largely due to the innate magic being hard to produce for most Urlan, and use of fabric and metal which is seen as somewhat of a waste in their rugged society, where such material is better put to use in tools of the hunt.

Void Worship

  • Origins: Void Worship has no one common origin of its ceremonies, though a myth exists claiming the first Void Worship wedding was held nearly 6000 years ago in the Allorn Empire. The bride and groom were secretly followers of Marvaal the Mindlord, and so when they went to their chambers on the wedding night, it was to instead suck out the life-force of a captive couple of great youth and love. The worshipers succeeded, and lived extended lifetimes as a result.
  • Service Requirements: Void Worship has wildly different requirements for the weddings of each Cult. For instance, the Cult of the Body demands that a prospective couple must hunt together three times, in three tests to kill or defeat specific beasts or beings chosen by a high priest or such. These requirements can cause problems if the two people marrying are of different, if not competing, Cults, though such a thing is exceedingly rare within the Dread Empire where these rituals are upheld as practically sacrosanct.
  • Traditional Attire: Similar to the requirements for a wedding, the attire of the partners involved changes drastically. The Cult of the Magi demands ritual robes for the casting of spells, while the Cult of the Brood desires as much skin showing as possible.
  • Traditional Rituals: There are easily a hundred rituals for the wedding ceremonies of Void Worship, a dozen for each and every deity in the dark pantheon. Some of the most notable ones are the Evening of Whispers, where in a pure dark room, the partners must find one another by whispering and passing messages through the guests, the Rite of Rhymes, where a long-form poem must be crafted in rhyming couplets by each participant in the ceremony on the spot, who must then write the composition in their own blood, and finally (and most infamously), the Sacrifice of Blood, when a family member is killed and their blood drained for bathing in when the evening is done.
  • Other Notes: The Cult of the Swamp has the least egregious rituals in Void Worship for a wedding, though that is not saying much. The Act of Festering for instance, calls for the rearing of a huge poisonous grub or worm, before its caretakers then kill it, and feed it to frogs and toads.

Other Ceremonies

  • Qadir: The old faith of the Qadir with its dozen wedding ceremonies died with the Great Storm, and today, their weddings tend to be rather dry affairs, civil unions officiated by a bureaucrat and the signing of paperwork. However, the couple does still hold an “open house party” of sorts, where they sit and talk with the stream of guests in and out of their home, taking gifts, or presenting their own to one another in a very relaxed manner.
  • Allar: Allar weddings are often fairly brief affairs, and involve the creation of alchemy. It can be something complex and deeply crafted by both parties, or largely the work of one, and something simple to get done. What matters is that both parties must put some contribution into the final product. Some Allar also take practices from other faiths and gods they have in their personal pantheon, but simplify the rituals or acts associated with them. Some Allar ceremonies only last ten minutes, and most rarely involve the consumption of a meal afterward though this tradition is fading with the increase in influence from other Races and the Ailor in particular.
  • Maraya: The Maraya have two main tenants to their three-day weddings, with a range of other customs called Honors one can choose to enact. The first is the performing of music, involving the use of an instrument with a voice or just the voice alone. Both partners sing one of a handful of traditional songs, with small substitutions to suit their personal situation. The second is the Tying of the Knot. The Maraya believe those getting married permanently knot their energies to each other, and this is represented by wrapping a chain of harmonized crystals around the partners’ hands and forearms, before they are cut apart, and the crystals realign around each arm, separate, but a blend of two colors.
  • Bralona: The Bralona have no conception of marriage.

OOC Information

  • Religious-based weddings are not binding within the Regalian Empire, not even Unionist ones. A couple who marry within the Regalian Empire must also sign a marriage certificate within the relevant Regalian bureaucratic offices. The process is simple and usually takes place before the religious-based ceremony.
  • Players are encouraged to create their own features for weddings and bonding ceremonies, as the list here is meant to serve as a basic template for further creativity and personalization.

Accreditation
Writers HydraLana
Last Editor HydraLana on 11/20/2022.

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