Rituals

First Breath A ceremony used by the Vilicate to induct new members into the faith. The person inducted must be at least 12 years of age to take part in the First Breath ceremony, it seen as the age which souls begin to bear the Burden of their current life. The ceremony involves anointing the inductee with the elements of the Four Sires: water, salt, ash and light. They must then recite the full rites of Selvas. Afterwards they drink from a chalice of white wine and are considered fully inducted into the faith.
Joining of Hearts The marriage ritual of Selvanism. It involves the couple first saying to each other their vows in the face of Selvas and then being bound together through blood. Traditionally this would entail cutting open the palms of the couple and then binding them together with linen, being forced to hold their bloodied hands together for the rest of the wedding. Nowadays it is typical to replace the blood with pouring red wine over the couple’s linen bound hands, but the traditional option still stands.
Monogamy is something highly valued in Selvanism, as it not only shows willingness to give new life to the world, but the Grace and Patience to care for it with a dedicated partner. Infidelity is considered both Gluttony and Deceit, and is immediate grounds for Divorce. Consensual Divorces are also allowed to happen, the couple being shaved of their hair and forced to live inside a Sacrosanct in solitude for a week before going their separate ways.
Last Breath The funeral rites of Selvanism. They can be done before or after death, for the soul does not need to be guided along to the Heavens, though it is in better taste if done before. The dying man or woman is anointed with salt, water and ash, then given their final sip of inspiration in the form of some alcohol, typically wine. It is said that the rites of Last Breath protects the soul from meddling and relieves some of the Burden that it carried with regrets and broken promises.
Days of Selvas A holiday which takes place in the week after the summer harvest. the first four days being periods of fasting and prayer which are meant to venerate the Virtues of Selvas. The final three days are grand celebrations of Selvas’ Bounty, that being Song, Love and Feasting. The particulars of the celebration vary depending on the Prelar it is taking place in, but it is usually quite the resplendent affair.
Ankouan’s Day A sacred day marked on the winter solstice. It honours the ending of all things as well as their eventual rebirth. During the day, an idol of Selvas is erected in a place of commerce, where people will leave offerings and praise the Lifebringer for his sacrifice. Hymns are sung until the night, when the idol is burned on a large pyre along with the offerings. Worshippers take care to eat early, as no food is to be eaten after the sun goes down.
Ease of Burden The chief duty of the Vicars of Selvas, though any believer is technically capable of it. It involves a repentant person to confess past wrongdoings to the receiver, deeds that they can no longer bear the weight of. The Burden of the Vice is shifted to the listener, and it is up to them to act virtuously in order to shed the weight from their soul. It is seen as a selfless act for those who Ease the Burden of others, and should not be taken for granted.
Confessors are free to omit any Burden that they feel isn’t necessary for them to pass on, something that they feel are obligated to shed themselves. In this specific instance, it is not seen as Deceit.
Acts of Penance A virtuous endeavour when one wishes to atone for sin that they feel great shame over committing. It typically involves travelling the land in poverty and offering help wherever it is needed in the name of simple kindness. Travelling into the wilderness and living in solitude or learning from a Druid Circle are also seen as noble Acts of Penance.
Prayer is not seen as something that inherently strengthens one’s soul, only through Virtue and noble deeds can it ascend.
Inspiration Alcohol plays a large role in Selvanism, having its place in most rituals. The faith views drunkenness and spirits as something that reflects the state of one’s soul unto the world, and that there is little shame in partaking. It is a good sign if one is a merry drunk compared to being a miserable or angry drunk. However, it must be remembered that over-indulgence is considered Gluttony; the faith does not abide constant drinking.