Honeyed Tea Ceremony in Sijan

While there is no conclusive proof the ceremony does appease one's lower soul, there is a growing movement, among both the living and the dead of sijan, to partake in this activity.

The participants array themselves in groups of nine, and circle a table that's been laid with three different pots of tea, preferrably three differently aged teas, or different varietals.

The table also holds five different foods:

Three different types of cakes:

Oat pancakes called Dajemma, flavoured with a sticky-sweet tree sap concotion

A small, dense cake made with dried fruit added, called Gamuto

A light sponge cake, served rolled up, in the fashion of the west

One large serving bowl of oat or barley porridge

One serving bowl full of small, triangular pastry called Cornuc, with fruit filling inside

The participants reach for each type of food blindfolded, or are randomly chosen for each food. And each participant having been chosen for a cake can then drink the first tea, anyone chosen for a Gamuto can drink the second, and any who have been granted Cornuc can drink of their choice of tea, including the third type.

Most of the participants shun the third tea, finding it bitter, and that is no matter what varietal or aging is chosen, at least, if any undead participate in the ritual.

The cause of this is unknown for sure, but it is thought the regrets from the no longer living taint this tea especially. It's thought that this 'drains' somehow the bitterness from their Pō and reduces their chances of becoming a hungry ghost later, but remains controversial.

— The Honeytea Ceremony of Sijan, how to appease your Pō. Proceedings of the College of Philosophy, Nexus, 770.

Date of First Recording

713

Date of Setting

333