Post by Counterklock on May 31, 2016 20:47:21 GMT
In Seeker society, there exists specific rituals and ceremonies that commemorate important life stages or events. One of these, considered a cornerstone in the upbringing of young flyers, is the First Flight Ceremony. Originally, this was exclusively a tradition for nobles of Vos, an occasion for much celebration and pomp and circumstance, but through time it has spread to almost all flyer communities. There may be regional and communal variations, but the ceremony entails the same basic structure.
The First Flight Ceremony isn't necessarily the true first flight of a young flyer (for everyone has to have a little practice, to at least ensure they don't drop like a rock!) but it serves as a rite of passage to symbolize the transition between being a fledgling and becoming a true and recognized member of the flock (so to speak). This ceremony is a serious yet joyous occasion for both the fledgling in question and those who are closest to them.
The first stage of this ceremony is the application of symbols upon the face, the body, and most importantly, the wings. Again, there is some regional and communal variations regarding which symbols may be applied, but generally these are geometric or stylized patterns that have significance. The paint used generally either matches or contrasts with the bot in question's color scheme, and is of a specific formula that will flake off after a set period of time after the conclusion of the ceremony.
This paint is applied to the fledgling by those who are closest to them, be they close friends, creators, or commanding officers. It is considered a great honor to apply the paint to the fledgling, as the one who does the painting is considered to be the one 'guiding' them into society proper. Let it be noted that in this process, the fledgling is always the last to be painted, and does not do any application of paint to others. Some superstition surrounds this folkway; some even believe that if the fledgling gets paint upon their fingers/claws/digits/hand-analogues, bad luck will follow them into the sky forevermore.
All participants and observers of this ceremony don these symbols. The complexity and the extent to which they are decorated also varies by community and region. In some groups, only the fledgling and their guiding initiators are fully painted, while others have simple face markings; in others, every member has a full complement of decoration.
The fledgling is then brought before the congregation of gathered flyers. Some formal words might be spoken by the leader of the group to welcome the fledgling formally into society. Songs might be sung, and prayers might be said to ask the preferred religious figure to bestow luck, good fortune, and fine winds to the fledgling.
Ideally, this ceremony will take place in a location in which one might be able to safely fling oneself into the sky - be it a platform built specifically from a grand and beautiful skyscraper, or a cliff jutting out from a mountain. The fledgling must take their First Flight from this location, stepping alone and confident out into the sky to claim their birthright. Whether they take this flight in their root form or their vehicle mode is personal choice. They will circle once around the congregation (to much singing, praise, and cheering) before their closest compatriots leap into the air to join them. Then, those who rank the highest in the social structure will also take to the air, until, one by one, the hierarchy will be worked through and everyone will partake in the flight in a symbolic show of community and solidarity.
The most important aspect of this ritual, arguably, is when the fledgling leads this flying congregation. A symbolic and powerful gesture of the purest form, the fledgling will take the lead, with all others falling into formation behind and to the side (typically in a V form, but other formations have been observed). This is to represent the fact that all new flyers represent the future of the congregation as a whole, and, as 'the future generation', they boldly lead the way into a brave new world. Flights may be short or long. Again, it is a case of regional or group tradition.
Upon landing, the fledgling is no longer considered a fledgling but a full member of society, with all the rights and responsibilities this might entail. A great celebration typically follows once the congregation completes their flight. There are many formal and informal dances (both aerial and non-aerial!) that are held, much opportunity to get horribly drunk, and much fun to be had.
The First Flight Ceremony isn't necessarily the true first flight of a young flyer (for everyone has to have a little practice, to at least ensure they don't drop like a rock!) but it serves as a rite of passage to symbolize the transition between being a fledgling and becoming a true and recognized member of the flock (so to speak). This ceremony is a serious yet joyous occasion for both the fledgling in question and those who are closest to them.
The first stage of this ceremony is the application of symbols upon the face, the body, and most importantly, the wings. Again, there is some regional and communal variations regarding which symbols may be applied, but generally these are geometric or stylized patterns that have significance. The paint used generally either matches or contrasts with the bot in question's color scheme, and is of a specific formula that will flake off after a set period of time after the conclusion of the ceremony.
This paint is applied to the fledgling by those who are closest to them, be they close friends, creators, or commanding officers. It is considered a great honor to apply the paint to the fledgling, as the one who does the painting is considered to be the one 'guiding' them into society proper. Let it be noted that in this process, the fledgling is always the last to be painted, and does not do any application of paint to others. Some superstition surrounds this folkway; some even believe that if the fledgling gets paint upon their fingers/claws/digits/hand-analogues, bad luck will follow them into the sky forevermore.
All participants and observers of this ceremony don these symbols. The complexity and the extent to which they are decorated also varies by community and region. In some groups, only the fledgling and their guiding initiators are fully painted, while others have simple face markings; in others, every member has a full complement of decoration.
The fledgling is then brought before the congregation of gathered flyers. Some formal words might be spoken by the leader of the group to welcome the fledgling formally into society. Songs might be sung, and prayers might be said to ask the preferred religious figure to bestow luck, good fortune, and fine winds to the fledgling.
Ideally, this ceremony will take place in a location in which one might be able to safely fling oneself into the sky - be it a platform built specifically from a grand and beautiful skyscraper, or a cliff jutting out from a mountain. The fledgling must take their First Flight from this location, stepping alone and confident out into the sky to claim their birthright. Whether they take this flight in their root form or their vehicle mode is personal choice. They will circle once around the congregation (to much singing, praise, and cheering) before their closest compatriots leap into the air to join them. Then, those who rank the highest in the social structure will also take to the air, until, one by one, the hierarchy will be worked through and everyone will partake in the flight in a symbolic show of community and solidarity.
The most important aspect of this ritual, arguably, is when the fledgling leads this flying congregation. A symbolic and powerful gesture of the purest form, the fledgling will take the lead, with all others falling into formation behind and to the side (typically in a V form, but other formations have been observed). This is to represent the fact that all new flyers represent the future of the congregation as a whole, and, as 'the future generation', they boldly lead the way into a brave new world. Flights may be short or long. Again, it is a case of regional or group tradition.
Upon landing, the fledgling is no longer considered a fledgling but a full member of society, with all the rights and responsibilities this might entail. A great celebration typically follows once the congregation completes their flight. There are many formal and informal dances (both aerial and non-aerial!) that are held, much opportunity to get horribly drunk, and much fun to be had.