Birthing customs (I)
I have had the honor to assist several births in my life. After all, if one is not a warrior or a crafter, at least he may look after the children, eh?
The zorais are the most weird group, in this regard. For once, they crowd around the soon-to-be-mother as if she's a spectacle to be watched. They look at her bleed and scream with almost child-like curiosity -- and at times they shout words of encouragement. Yet they are strangely protective, and will huddle over the baby, as if Dark Forces would steal its soul. A kami priest may be summoned, to utter the words usually said with such occasions. Once the baby is brought into the world, the group will start softly humming a soothing song.
The fyros are, as in all matters, practical. The pregnant woman is not asked to perform any task, once it's clear the time approaches. She may help weave clothes, or help sort herbs, this kind of thing. Then, once she goes into labor, she is hushed away into a quiet room, where only the father and a few important people in her life may enter. Note-worthy is that the choice is hers. Custom dictates that one or two people may assist with the practical matters; for example, the mother must always be provided with water, to drink and to refresh her body. There is a saying, that babies brought into the world with great pain may become great warriors. Once the baby is born, the fyros will light candles or let a lot light inside, and they start burning a strong incense.
With trykers, matters are much simpler: they understand a new birth is an opportunity for the tribe to grow. As such, there is celebration and merrymaking whenever the expecting mother goes into labor. Of course, with people getting tipsy, there may be few clear-headed folks to actually help with the delivery. Usually, this task will fall on the older women who have already gone through it a few times. Customs vary from clan to clan.
As for the Matis. only their gods know what they do.
I have had the honor to assist several births in my life. After all, if one is not a warrior or a crafter, at least he may look after the children, eh?
The zorais are the most weird group, in this regard. For once, they crowd around the soon-to-be-mother as if she's a spectacle to be watched. They look at her bleed and scream with almost child-like curiosity -- and at times they shout words of encouragement. Yet they are strangely protective, and will huddle over the baby, as if Dark Forces would steal its soul. A kami priest may be summoned, to utter the words usually said with such occasions. Once the baby is brought into the world, the group will start softly humming a soothing song.
The fyros are, as in all matters, practical. The pregnant woman is not asked to perform any task, once it's clear the time approaches. She may help weave clothes, or help sort herbs, this kind of thing. Then, once she goes into labor, she is hushed away into a quiet room, where only the father and a few important people in her life may enter. Note-worthy is that the choice is hers. Custom dictates that one or two people may assist with the practical matters; for example, the mother must always be provided with water, to drink and to refresh her body. There is a saying, that babies brought into the world with great pain may become great warriors. Once the baby is born, the fyros will light candles or let a lot light inside, and they start burning a strong incense.
With trykers, matters are much simpler: they understand a new birth is an opportunity for the tribe to grow. As such, there is celebration and merrymaking whenever the expecting mother goes into labor. Of course, with people getting tipsy, there may be few clear-headed folks to actually help with the delivery. Usually, this task will fall on the older women who have already gone through it a few times. Customs vary from clan to clan.
As for the Matis. only their gods know what they do.
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Xyan Palteus, unofficial scribe