Turu Ceremony
Turu Ceremony is the ceremony everyone must take to become a Durrul. A person that protects The Ukom Bear. The ceremony is held by the current Durrals when they need a new Durral. Usually, because the current Durrual has been injured, died, or significantly rarely been removed.
The Turu Ceremony occurs on the first Friday of spring, coinciding with the Ukom Bear's mating season. This ceremony tests whether the bear will trust one of the candidates. Durruals accepts applications from individuals aged twenty to sixty-five. Anyone wishing to apply has one month to submit their application before the ceremony begins. Late applicants must wait until the next Turu Ceremony, which could be months or decades away.
If you submit your application on time, you must be present on the first Friday in spring near the capital, in . The Durruals will check in with all applicants for the vacant Durrual position. If your documentation is in order, you can participate in the ceremony; however, you will be sent home if you lie about your age or any other details in your paperwork. Durruals are strict about their rules.
After the initial checks, participants must not bring weapons or items that could harm the bears. They will then be reminded of the rules: participants must never harm the Ukom Bear and should not disturb their habitat too much. Staying safe, avoiding unnecessary risks, and accepting the bear's choice is crucial.
Once everyone has committed to following these rules, they will follow the Durrual into the Ukom Bear's territory, marking the beginning of the ceremony's trial. Participants must walk through the bear's territory, waiting for a bear to approach them. If a bear leaves or acts aggressively, that applicant will not be selected as the next Durrual. The current Durruals observe from a distance, ready to intervene if necessary for the bears' safety and the applicants' well-being. If a bear approaches and bows, and the participant bows back, they can ride the bear, indicating they have been selected as the next Durrual. If the bear bows but does not allow the participant to ride it, this shows trust but suggests that the participant is not yet fully designated as the bear's protector.
Once the Ukom Bears select candidates for the position of Durruals, the Turu Ceremony concludes. The newly appointed Durruals are considered to hold a rank similar to that of the Leader of the Clans.
After the selection process, a celebratory event is held, during which female bears are given the opportunity to choose their Durrual, or guardian, from a group of newcomers. This selected Durrual will serve as the protector for the female bear and her cubs for seven years.
The role of the Durrual extends beyond protection; they are also vital in assisting pregnant females in gaining acceptance within the bear community and helping newborns acclimate to their environment by familiarizing them with their scent.
Upon being appointed, the new Durrual receives the clothing and equipment necessary for their role and mentorship from an experienced Durrual for their first year, who provides guidance for any questions that may arise. Their name is officially recorded as part of the Durrual lineage, marking their essential status within the community.
The Ceremony
The Turu Ceremony occurs on the first Friday of spring, coinciding with the Ukom Bear's mating season. This ceremony tests whether the bear will trust one of the candidates. Durruals accepts applications from individuals aged twenty to sixty-five. Anyone wishing to apply has one month to submit their application before the ceremony begins. Late applicants must wait until the next Turu Ceremony, which could be months or decades away.
If you submit your application on time, you must be present on the first Friday in spring near the capital, in . The Durruals will check in with all applicants for the vacant Durrual position. If your documentation is in order, you can participate in the ceremony; however, you will be sent home if you lie about your age or any other details in your paperwork. Durruals are strict about their rules.
After the initial checks, participants must not bring weapons or items that could harm the bears. They will then be reminded of the rules: participants must never harm the Ukom Bear and should not disturb their habitat too much. Staying safe, avoiding unnecessary risks, and accepting the bear's choice is crucial.
Once everyone has committed to following these rules, they will follow the Durrual into the Ukom Bear's territory, marking the beginning of the ceremony's trial. Participants must walk through the bear's territory, waiting for a bear to approach them. If a bear leaves or acts aggressively, that applicant will not be selected as the next Durrual. The current Durruals observe from a distance, ready to intervene if necessary for the bears' safety and the applicants' well-being. If a bear approaches and bows, and the participant bows back, they can ride the bear, indicating they have been selected as the next Durrual. If the bear bows but does not allow the participant to ride it, this shows trust but suggests that the participant is not yet fully designated as the bear's protector.
Once the Ukom Bears select candidates for the position of Durruals, the Turu Ceremony concludes. The newly appointed Durruals are considered to hold a rank similar to that of the Leader of the Clans.
The Ceremony After
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