Choosing of a Name

"With this breath, I choose my name. I choose this name to follow me in my travels, to tell the story of who I am. I trust this name to convey my character and to bear me through each moment, good and bad. I choose my name -" -Excerpt from the ceremony

the Choosing of a Name ceremony is a coming-of-age rite for the Kruilna folk, in which young folk choose their own names, to replace their birth name. These names will be used for the rest of their lives, so a great amount of thought is put into deciding what the chosen name will be.

History

This ceremony is an ancient tradition, and dates back to when the Kruilna first settled on Qopith. Because names were so important to the Kruilnas' identities at the time, many Kruilna would adopt a nickname or two as they got older, keeping their birth names as their official names but using the nickname(s) among family and friends. This got confusing, however, so eventually it was decided to change one's name entirely when they had found a suitable new name to use, one that was universal among their acquaintances and officially recognized in registries.

Over time, the age at which this name was changed became more regular among the Kruilna, and as this happened, the choosing of a new mane grew in significance. Because this name change occurred when the young folk began to grow into adulthood, the choosing of the name became recognized as the coming-of-age moment in each Kruilna's life. As such, the celebrations of the ceremony became more and more elaborate and grand, until it had become a ceremony in its own right.

Execution

In the time leading up to a Kruilna's twelfth birthday, they begin the process of choosing a name that fits them perfectly. Some do this privately, practicing signing their options or whispering to themselves. Others try out the name more publicly, asking others to try referring to them with each name to see which feel right. The name can be chosen up to the day of the ceremony, but the choice should not be shared until then.

On the day of their twelfth birthday, young Kruilna are woken by the singing of many of the Kruilna that live nearby, those who have already chosen their names and been through the same ceremony. The song is one that has been sung since the ceremony was first created, and describes the weight of the choice.

After the Kruilna has awoken, they emerge from the house and invite the singers in for a meal of porridge, ale, and flatbread, usually with gravy over it. They dine together in gaity, exchanging stories of the young Kruilna's childhood and of their own experiences choosing a name. After the food is all eaten, they leave for a while to allow the child's parents to prepare the home for the ceremony itelf. While out, they may visit other nearby homes for gifts of food, coin, and trinkets.

To prepare the home for the ceremony, it must be swept and the floor washed with fresh water. Strings of grass or seasonal flowers are hung along with posies of sweet smelling herbs on the walls or from the ceiling. A small table is laid with a bowl of water, a candle, parchment, and dry pigments. The child is brought back to the home, where the ceremony itself takes place.

In the ceremony, the child recites the ceremonial words, describing their experience with their birth name and then detailing their hope for the future, which they will face with their chosen name. They thank their parents for giving them the birth name, and write it on a small piece of parchment. Into a small dish, they add water and pigment, then use the candle to burn the birth name into ash, which they add to the dish as well. This is mixed to form an ink, which the Kruilna uses to write their chosen name. Before presenting this paper to the audience, the child swears an oath to bear the name with dignity and pride, and to trust the name to hold their identity. As they present the paper to the onlookers, they speak the name aloud, claiming it as their own.

After the ceremony, the audience sit for another meal with the family, one whose first dish is served by the newly named one. This meal varies depending on the household, but generally consists of traditional Kruilna food. The audience finally departs, and the newly named Kruilna may spend their first night with the new name.