''Meanings of our Ceremony"
"First and foremost we ask all to respect and observe our ways, laws, and traditions."
The companioning of Tuchuks in the book of NOMADS is vague to say the least. Given the nature of Tuchuk and their mindset, it is more than likely they did not hold much with the more civilized ways of cities and their companionship ways.
As with anything... if a Tuchuk wishes something he takes it. He makes no requests nor does he waste words when action is called for. This is the basis for our ceremony of Companionship.
Aside from just a few words spoken by others... it is a silent ceremony in regards to the couple being companioned. If he wishes her he takes her. Naturally this is symbolic... but it is how the ceremony is played out.
Tuchuks are a fierce and proud people. To say they are colorful would be an understatement of extreme injustice. They place a great deal of value on their family ties and brotherhood. Naturally they are vain. Vain as well as skilled. This may be displayed in several ways during the ceremony.
Music will play prior to the ceremony and great feats of equestrianship, skill at arms, dances, colorful exhibitions, a display of strength, are among the things you may witness.
A scroll of intentions... a form of oath not unlike the contracts of cities is present. The companioning couple has approved this already. The do however hold the right to withdraw or change it. It is offered to them one at a time and it is accepted as is by a simple silent hand gesture. At this time it is given to he who officiates. once in his hand it can no longer be altered or questioned if the union comes to pass.
A white fur is symbolic of the Woman's purity of heart for her Man. She kneels upon it displaying her propriety.
A drinking horn is symbolic of the Mother of Tuchuk. and the milk of the bosk is symbolic of our Mother's milk. in all things we honor the bosk which grants us life.
The serve from the Woman symbolizes her subservience to her Man, and only to he and the laws of Tuchuk. She is after all still a Woman and free.
Whomever offers the Woman may also present to the Man a gift of living. it is usually in the form of weaponry, symbolizing his life of herder, Warrior, and provider to his people... and now his companion comes second only to the bosk and to the people as a whole.
Symbolic of our unity as Tuchuks... a Warrior stands by each of the intended companions. it will be asked if any have reason the two should not be joined. Any stating reason will be obliged to enter into combat to the death to make issue of the charge. Bear in mind he who is challenged holds the right to choose what weapons will be used, and in what order the combatants will post.
All which occurs comes to a final moment of truth. If the Man will have the Woman.... he will drink from a horn served him from her hand. If he declines he will cast it aside and ride away. If he accepts he will drink and pass it back so she may drink... or if she does not accept she may cast the horn aside without drinking and walk away.
If both accept and drink... the Man then literally takes the Woman upon his mount and rides through the camp to be recognized by the people as now being companioned. This is of course symbolic of his simply taking what he desires.
| General Links | |
| RAGNAR Biography | RAGNAR's life story |
| RAGNAR's Boots | A work by woobie |
| Bid for Karanis | The offer made to Kitria |
| The Companioning | RAGNAR takes Karanis |
| The Ceremony | How it was done |
| Oaths | From one to the other |
| The Program | Celebration time |
| Ubar and Ubara of MTC | Introductions of the Man and Woman |
| Life is good when one is Tuchuk | |
