Tav Ninnetae Ceremony

Blankets and Burritos

Gather around and take out the blankets. The Tav Ninnetae walk will start as soon as everyone is ready.

— Matteas Allakoi

Every year on a summer holiday called Tav Ninnetae, a special ceremony is held in Ambrelian communities. It's a day dedicated to celebrating relationships, whether they be platonic, romantic, or familial. People go out in small groups and enjoy a quiet and relaxing time in parks, forests, and gardens. The most popular designation are the Hertiswett Woods, the large parks in Stallvern, and the public gardens in the Retji Ridge. It is a tradition to carry a blanket on the journey as the weather can be unreliable. Being covered in a blanket is said to bring good luck, and it keeps the wearer dry in case it starts raining.

The Activities

Burrito by samuelfernandezrivera

For those who live near a forest, park, or garden, the day's activities start at around nine o'clock in the morning. Those who live further away have to get up early in the morning, or a few days before the event, to get there on time. It's generally wise to bring a meal on the trip. The popular destinations have people who sell food, usually burritos, but since the Tav Ninnetae Ceremony takes up all day, an extra meal can come in handy. Other than the food, the participants also bring blankets and staffs for walking and protection.

Should we take a look at the pond and see if we can spot the ducks or should we go eat? I heard that there's a burrito cart nearby.

— Johanea

Once a group or couple have arrived, they are free to do whatever they want. Some look around for a place to sit down, talk, eat, and relax, while others enjoy walking around and seeing the sights. While walking around, people cover themselves in blankets. The blanket tradition is somewhat strange as the territory where the walks take place is rather warm. During heatwaves, most people choose to ignore the peculiar tradition.

The hours can go by quickly when spending time in good company. Some sing together, others go and look at the wildlife, but what everyone on the walks does is talk. The day is dedicated to forming stronger bonds between people and getting to know each other.

Public Gardens

Private landowners who own impressive gardens open them for the public to enjoy on Tav Ninnetae. They usually profit from their generous deed by selling the guests food and drinks. Most landowners also sell exclusive access to more secluded parts of their gardens, perfect for wealthier couples.

These gardens are only open to the public on Tav Ninnetae. During the rest of summer and early autumn, the guests have to pay a hefty sum to marvel in the gardens' splendour.

Brown Duck in Body of Water by Billel Moula

Date

Ilisiavar 14

Primary Related Location

Hertiswett Woods

Related Ethnicities

• Brelish

The path among the trees by Kaboompics.com

The First Walk

The origins of the Tav Ninnetae Ceremony date back over a hundred years. According to the Ambrelians, a woman from Danea, a small town near the Hertiswett Woods, travelled to far away lands. On her journey, she made met girl from Sveira, a village in the Cinnamon Pass.
Together they sailed north to Rükenland. Wondering through the streets of Eekberge, the two ran into a Saralian man from Ranta. For some unknown reason, the Saralian followed them. On the next day, the three met a man from the faraway Lorati Grassland. He too decided to follow the group.
Together the four went south towards a town called Mainen. On their way, they travelled through Kentrall Forest. The group decided to spend a few days in the forest instead of going to the settlement. From there, their bonds grew strong and when they finally had to return home, they all departed as friends.