Breaking of the Thread

In the Kingdom of Bannar, there is a popular ceremony to show that an adolescent has achieved freedom from their parents’ shadow and is ready to make their own way in the world. Those coming from economically disadvantaged families are less likely to follow the traditional ceremony often citing the expense of hosting a gathering of witnesses. When a child reaches a certain level of maturity and demonstrates responsibility, the parents will give notice that they have an announcement. This typically happens on the child’s nineteenth birthday unless something has happened to clearly show the child is ready to leave their parents and start their own life elsewhere. Witnesses may be family friends or those that have had dealings with the child such as neighbors, teachers, or shopkeepers. Occasionally, this ceremony will be combined with a celebration, particularly if the child in question is getting married. In this case it might be convenient for both families to have both Breaking of the Thread for their children and the marriage ceremony at the same time. Central to the ceremony is breaking a “thread.” It is symbolic of their connection to their parents. Usually, it is strands of loosely twisted yarn. Each member of the family will hold one end of a length of this thread and the child to be emancipated will hold the opposite ends. While holding the threads, the family gives small speeches about favorite memories and how they believe they are ready to take responsibility for themselves. After those speeches, the child will give a similar speech and begin backing away from their family until the threads they hold pull apart. When all the threads are broken, they are officially a fully emancipated adult. It is an ill omen if the threads do not break. A family member that lets their thread go or cuts it before the child can pull it apart is sending a clear message. It is usual for there to be gifts from the witnesses to the newly emancipated adult. These gifts are usually things that the new adult will need in starting their new life. It might be land, tools, beasts, money, servants, or anything else the witnesses think the new adult will need to establish themselves. It is assumed the parents have done well for their child and it would be unusual for them to give gifts. If they do, it shows the parents do not feel their child is ready to go off on their own.