Paratur'ion Rites
The Labors of Childbirth
It is time. Push!The Paratur'ion Rites are intimate and private in an effort to facilitate the comfort of mothers in childbirth, in contrast to the cheerfully crowded and family-centric celebrations found throughout Rol'nara culture. The Rol'nara believe that childbirth is a precious miracle, reserved for mothers and only to be shared at her express invitation. The remainder of the household and their friends celebrate with food and company at the house of the birthing mother, eagerly awaiting news on the health of both mother and baby. As is typical in Rol'nara traditions guests will bring food and ingredients for communal cooking and feasting, with the intent to prepare enough to sustain the happy family and any guests for the next week.
Execution
The Rites of Paratur'ia welcome the newborn into the world, and typically begin when a pregnant mother goes into labor naturally although they can be triggered intentionally if necessary due to health concerns. Once it is time to focus on the birth a pregnant mother will check into a birthing hut with her midwife and any other required or desired attendants, and the Paratur'ion Rites will begin.
As soon as those participating directly in the Rites are safely in the birthing hut the remainder of the family gathers back at the mother's house with their friends and neighbors to celebrate with song and food. The communal soup pot is filled with offerings from guests and visitors, and songs are sung to fill the day with joy in the hopes of encouraging the newborn to travel quickly through the birth canal. Enough food is prepared to allow the family of the child to eat well for the next week, with visitors bringing more meal offerings throughout the coming months until the child is at least three months old.
Components and tools
The Paratur'ion is held in special huts, well equipped to maintain the health of both mother and newborn, with various amenities intended to increase the mother's comfort throughout the process of childbirth. Circulators maintain airflow and a comfortable temperature, while soft blankets and pillows in various shapes and sizes are available to help with positioning. Most huts also contain birthing pools for those interested, while all provide a fountain and an assortment of wind chimes for mothers seeking soothing sounds to help calm their nerves. Cool water and shaved ice are both always readily available.
The huts are always decorated brightly, with multicolored patterns adorning the walls and ceiling in even the most simple of accommodations. Pillows and linens are adorned with the bright, cheerful patterns of color that have become standard among the Rol'nara. Birthing huts are specially designed to provide comfort and cheer during the process of childbirth.
Participants
Unlike most events within the family-centric Rol'nara culture, the entire Rite of Paratur'ion revolves around the birthing mother. Childbirth is considered an intimate affair, with only a select few in attendance and all tending to the needs of the laboring mother.
Each mother will be tended by at least one midwife, who is responsible for monitoring the health of both mother and baby throughout the process. Mothers with complicated pregnancies or those anticipating some trouble during labor will be tended to by two midwives, one each for the mother and baby, plus a Healer who assists as needed.
The mother may choose to allow others to tend to her as well and provide moral support or to help with non-medical needs, but this is entirely personal choice and varies by mother. Fathers and spouses are common choices, as are dear friends or parents, while some mothers choose to give birth alone with just their midwives. In all cases it is entirely based upon the personal preferences of the mother, and it is taboo to intrude upon the moment without an invitation.
Family and friends not invited to the birthing hut are still invited to participate through the celebration at the mother's house. These celebrants are responsible for preparing meals for the family, as well as assisting in other required tasks. House cleaning, clothing and quilt making, wood collecting, and even home repairs are all common activities during the celebration, all accompanied by song.
The Rol'nara culture revolves around family, food, and community. The Paratur'ion Rites are the only celebration where they believe in providing privacy for the subjects of their celebration.
I love the idea that celebrations are going on in the mother's house whilst she's giving birth - and that people are doing useful things like cooking and home repairs. The fact that meals are provided for up to three months from birth is really nice too. What happens if mother or child passes away during the birth? Is there some ritual way to let the celebrants at home know?
The Rol'nara are all about food and community. They are a lot of fun to write about. If childbirth did not go well, yes, the family would be told. At that point the party would likely morph into a Funeral Celebration. All events, both good and bad, are best spent with loved ones.
Rol'nara Funeral Celebration
The Rol'nara Funeral Celebration centers around the individual's value and impact on the community around them, and their continuing legacy after their death.
Necromancy is a Wholesome Science.