Aufnahme
Aufnahme (Jarmenic: [ˈauf naː mə]), also known as die Aufnahme and Aufnahmentag, is a centuries-old public coming of age ceremony still observed in most Jarmenic countries today. Although there are regional and local variations to its practices, the event is customarily celebrated with traditional costumes, music and dance, along with proclamations, speeches and great fanfare. The day culminates in a solemn enrollment ceremony followed by a great public feast.
Unlike many such ceremonies around the world, which focus on the maturing individual and primarily involve the family, the Jarmenic tradition is very much a civic celebration of a community’s dignity, growth and prosperity, and annually marks the passage of its young people from childhood into adulthood and the ranks of common society. It promotes the dual purposes of instilling community pride in the individual and individual pride in the community.
The modern Aufnahme typically takes place on 15 Marts, and celebrates all young men and women who have reached the age of 20 during the previous year. In larger municipalities where a single ceremony might be unwieldy, local neighborhood celebrations take place throughout the city. In some communities, particularly smaller towns in eastern Agnomain, the day for the Aufnahme is the same as the feast day of the local patron saint.
Regardless of the date, the day begins with all twenty year olds donning a traditional Jarmenic costume typical of the region. The costumes are carefully selected to reflect the particular family heritage of the wearer, and are often hand made for the occasion (although most people living in cities opt to purchase theirs). Participants then march in a parade, accompanied by bands playing folk music and cheered on by the entire community as they make their way through the neighborhood or village or town to a place of assembly such as the town square or a public park or field. There local dignitaries recite speeches appropriate to the occasion, and local folk traditions such as singing and dancing are performed to entertain the crowds.
A modern civic component of the day is the official filing of the Anmeldung with the local Bürgerbüro, which formally registers the young adult as a resident and citizen of the town or city. All new registrants receive an ornately engraved document, known as the Anmeldebestätigung, signed by the Bürgermeister and bearing the seal of the city or town, officially recognizing their membership in the community, as well as specifically listing the obligations and entitlements that flow therefrom.
Unlike many such ceremonies around the world, which focus on the maturing individual and primarily involve the family, the Jarmenic tradition is very much a civic celebration of a community’s dignity, growth and prosperity, and annually marks the passage of its young people from childhood into adulthood and the ranks of common society. It promotes the dual purposes of instilling community pride in the individual and individual pride in the community.
Etymology
Aufnahme is derived from the verb aufnehmen (“to take in/up, admit, receive, record”), comprised of the prefix auf- (“up”) + nehmen (“to take), from Old High Jarmenic ūf- + neman, from Isthmic upp- + nemana.Origins
The roots of the modern Aufnahme ceremony reach deep into the Middle Age, as far back as the eighth century. It was originally an annual tradition that marked the days in the spring when the local knight or lord would ride circuit through his fiefdom, recording the names of all young men eligible for military service. Boys enrolling for the first time were afforded special privileges for the day to honor their new status as adult men.Modern Practice
Over time, with the rise of nation states and the modernization of military methodology, the martial component of Aufnahme diminished, while at the same time its role in welcoming young adults as new members of the community became more important. Eventually women were added, the customs formalized and the modern festival we know today took shape.The modern Aufnahme typically takes place on 15 Marts, and celebrates all young men and women who have reached the age of 20 during the previous year. In larger municipalities where a single ceremony might be unwieldy, local neighborhood celebrations take place throughout the city. In some communities, particularly smaller towns in eastern Agnomain, the day for the Aufnahme is the same as the feast day of the local patron saint.
Regardless of the date, the day begins with all twenty year olds donning a traditional Jarmenic costume typical of the region. The costumes are carefully selected to reflect the particular family heritage of the wearer, and are often hand made for the occasion (although most people living in cities opt to purchase theirs). Participants then march in a parade, accompanied by bands playing folk music and cheered on by the entire community as they make their way through the neighborhood or village or town to a place of assembly such as the town square or a public park or field. There local dignitaries recite speeches appropriate to the occasion, and local folk traditions such as singing and dancing are performed to entertain the crowds.
A modern civic component of the day is the official filing of the Anmeldung with the local Bürgerbüro, which formally registers the young adult as a resident and citizen of the town or city. All new registrants receive an ornately engraved document, known as the Anmeldebestätigung, signed by the Bürgermeister and bearing the seal of the city or town, officially recognizing their membership in the community, as well as specifically listing the obligations and entitlements that flow therefrom.
Aufnahme
Celebrating Aufnahme in Essenburg
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