The Burning Journey
The Burning Journey is an expedition into the barren and hot desert where the participant not only seeks its center and the stone pyramid shrine there, but also seeks to learn about themselves through the hardships of the journey. Those who search for this destination begin as adolescence and finish as adults.
History
This ancient tradition began many generations ago as a coming of age ritual. Ages ago, as a declaration of their place in the world, the first tribes placed "Naming Stones", inscribed with their names into a pyramid shaped shrine to honor their ancestors and deities. They buried a favored item here in reverence to their ancestors and prayed to their deities. The tribes eventually left for other parts of the desert, but created this ritual that lasts to this day. The ritual is designed as a way for the young to thank their ancestors, honor their deities, mature and improve themselves, and to prove their value to the tribe.
Execution
As the sun rises on the birthday of the participant, they will say their morning prayers, eat a favored meal prepared by their parents and then set off on their journey. They will take with them a favored item, a stone with their name inscribed onto it, and whatever supplies they deem necessary. They then meet with the village elders at the edge of the village and receive their blessing and prayers of protection, thankfulness, good fortune, and speedy return. The participant will then journey by themselves into the desert seeking the stone pyramid at its center.
If the participant reaches the shrine at the center of the desert, they are required to recite several prayers to their deities, place their rock on the pyramid, bury their favored item, and then dig up someone else's favored item and return with it to their village. The journey may take several weeks and the participants are expected to stay at the stone shrine for at least a day preforming the expected duties. Once they are finished at the shrine, they may then journey back to their home.
Upon arrival at home, the participant is welcomed by the village and taken to the elders for blessings and prayers. That night a feast is held in their honor and the participant is accepted and welcomed as an adult of the tribe. If they were the last child of a mated pair, then they are no longer considered mated and are free to search for new mates, if they desire to do so. The participant as a new adult, is now expected to build their own home or take over their former parents' home and become a full working member of the tribe.
Components and tools
The individual undertaking this journey is usually well trained by this time and makes great preparations for the difficult challenge ahead. They must bring with them their favored item, their naming stone, as well as any supplies that they can carry.
Participants
Friends, family, and village elders will escort the individual to the edge of the village and recite prayers and wish them well on their journey. The participant must make the journey by themselves no matter how long it may take and they may not return without completing the ritual.
Observance
This ritual takes place on the actual birthday of the individual.
Related Ethnicities
Comments