The Weaving of Fates
The Weaving of Fates is the term for a Stolisi marriage ritual, so called for the weaving of a tapestry by the couple to symbolically tie their lives together. While it originates in Stolisi culture, said culture has a high level of influence on Stolisia and it can be found practised by a variety of ethnicities therein.
History
Earliest evidence of these marriage tapestries dates back to 3000 years ago, approximately 1000 years after human settlement in the region. These were far more primitive than tapestries made during the cultural peak of the 800s and 900s, when the Stolisi were at their wealthiest.
Since the prevalence of machines, and the reintroduction of Stolisi culture into Stolisian culture, the ritual has changed some what, instead becoming a mattering of embroidering a pre-prepared piece of fabric at a given size. Additional elements have also been added, such as both members of the couple supplying materials to create wedding rings, as an extension of the intertwining theme.
Execution
In modern times, the Weaving of Fates is a very fluid procedure, but retains common elements throughout most occurrences. A piece of pre-prepared fabric will be presented to the couple, who will then embroider their hopes and wishes for the relationship into it. This fabric is then presented to an oracle, minister, or religious leader, who will bless it and witness the couple tie the final knots to finish the piece. This tapestry will then be displayed in the couples home, or alternate locations depending on circumstance.
In recent years, as rings as a marriage symbol became more prevalent and mining and metallurgy became more prevalent in Stolisi culture, an additional ceremony has been added. In this, the couple will go out separately and acquire ore and gemstones for their rings (either by hand or purchased). These are then presented to a specialist, who will combine the materials of the two into two equally 'split' rings. Where this ceremony is present, it is customary to wear the ring while embroidering the marriage fabric.
Observance
It's very common for this ritual to be performed at night, so that Kysro, Goddess of Dark, can watch over the weaving. Performing it on a holy day, such as a solstice or a full moon, is considered very auspicious and a lucky day for marriage. Eclipses and equinoxes are also incredibly popular for this reason, particularly between couples who practice different religions, so that they can represent a cosmic intertwining of Kysro and Ylais in their marriage.
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