Post by Leyna de Somerville on Jun 30, 2009 12:26:10 GMT -5
Marriage is common practice in Terre d'Ange though is often done for alliances. Forced unions are still heresy but, in matters of state or among high-ranking persons, love is not always the primary factor in a union. For this reason it is also not uncommon for partners not to marry. An alliance without marriage is not shameful, though more rare. Given that marriage is primarily for the begetting of children and passing on of inheritance, children of unmarried unions are rare—though they are treated no differently from children from marriages.
Marriages are only to one person at a time though the concept of infidelity is nearly nonexistent. It is almost the rule to have liaisons with others while in a marriage regardless of gender. These are done openly and without shame for Elua and His Companions loved many. Gay marriage does not appear to occur, however, surely a priest of Elua would not object. Marriages appear to be lifelong, without divorce, though couples can obviously be estranged and any union that becomes displeasing would not be forced to remain together.
Marriages can be performed in a Temple of Elua or anywhere where the sky meets the earth (i.e. outside). A priest/priestess of Elua presides while a priestess of Naamah assists. Marriages are simple affairs though the celebrations afterward are no less large. The ceremony begins with the priest/priestess of Elua touching the earth and then embracing the sky. He takes holy oil and touches the foreheads of the couple being married. The oil anointment is repeated by the priestess of Naamah. Vows are then exchanged, with the same vow for the woman and the man. The priest/priestess of Elua then holds out his hands, as though embracing everyone, and asks the couple to seal their union with a kiss. The priest/priestess of Elua then says, "Let it be done", and the ceremony is concluded. Couples sometimes wish a reading of poetry or scripture to be done within the ceremony though it is not required.
Marriages are only to one person at a time though the concept of infidelity is nearly nonexistent. It is almost the rule to have liaisons with others while in a marriage regardless of gender. These are done openly and without shame for Elua and His Companions loved many. Gay marriage does not appear to occur, however, surely a priest of Elua would not object. Marriages appear to be lifelong, without divorce, though couples can obviously be estranged and any union that becomes displeasing would not be forced to remain together.
Marriages can be performed in a Temple of Elua or anywhere where the sky meets the earth (i.e. outside). A priest/priestess of Elua presides while a priestess of Naamah assists. Marriages are simple affairs though the celebrations afterward are no less large. The ceremony begins with the priest/priestess of Elua touching the earth and then embracing the sky. He takes holy oil and touches the foreheads of the couple being married. The oil anointment is repeated by the priestess of Naamah. Vows are then exchanged, with the same vow for the woman and the man. The priest/priestess of Elua then holds out his hands, as though embracing everyone, and asks the couple to seal their union with a kiss. The priest/priestess of Elua then says, "Let it be done", and the ceremony is concluded. Couples sometimes wish a reading of poetry or scripture to be done within the ceremony though it is not required.