May (deity name) offer their guidance and strength to you so that you may return to us in one piece.
This short ceremony is a common practice among the Aizuni people. It's used as a means to bestow good luck and other blessings to members who need to leave their homes for various reasons. The blessing is often bestowed upon sailors and hunters.
Components
The elders performing the blessing use items connected to (deity name). There is also a table or surface used as an alter along with a ceremonial cloth. Typical items used include:
A wooden bowl with spiritual carvings on the outside
Incense
Drums
Juice of a native fruit
A paste made from dried berries and flower petals
Procedure
The ceremony is broken up into two portions, each roughly thirty minutes long. The first half is the blessing itself. It's then followed by a small feast before the blessed members leave.
First Half
A village elder gathers the materials and sets up the alter. It usually takes place outside near a protection statue or other religious site. Before summoning the travelers, they prepare the materials.
The incense are lit and set on each side of the table. The elder then prepares the paste and scoops it into the bowl. This is set at the center of the alter. Juice is then poured into cups and the other members are brought over.
During the ceremony another elder plays traditional songs dedicated to their deity on a set of drums. The travelers stand before the main elder as they commence. The elder reads out a blessing from a holy book and then all members sing a related song.
This portion is ended by the elder gently smearing the travelers' foreheads with the paste using a finger. They are then offered the juice and drink it as the drumming ends.
Second Half
The group sits together and eats a meal full of traditional and hearty food. Usually the feast is prepared by loved ones while the ceremony takes place. This is meant to keep their spirits raised and provide a full stomach to set out on their travels with.
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