"In Seatia's Name" Tradition / Ritual in Uclandia | World Anvil

"In Seatia's Name"

Describe a tradition of gift-giving in your world — #WorldEmberGift   Seatia is the Goddess of the home and hearth.   Every year the day after the "winter" solstice, women take new candles, made by themselves and with great ceremony, and gift these candles and a variety of baked goods to others. The candles are imbued with the maker's prayers for Seatia to keep their family safe from harm, their families fed and their home warm. But these prayers can only be answered and the Goddess's protection given if these candles are then gifted, with pure hearts, to another woman.   The Goddess is said to favor those who dedicate themselves to the well-being of their family, and even more so, those who strive to excel at the domestic arts. So women who seek Seatia's protection engage in the skills that would bring their families comfort. Weaving, baking, sewing, gardening, knitting, and of course, candlemaking.   The candles, known as Seatia's candles, are made of beeswax, and are often decorated, but not always. Occasionally, a creative candlemaker will include small flower petals within the candle, usually pressed into the candle after dipping. In Luingern Province, it has become a mark of pride to press in herbs grown in the candlemaker's garden.   The candles are accompanied by baked goods such as sweet rolls, cakes, nut bread, and loaves of grain bread.   On the morning of Seatia's Day (the day following the Solstice), with their morning tasks done, women dress in their finest clothes and walk to the home of another woman. When the recipient answers her door, the giver presents her gift and says "In Seatia's name, I wish you abundance and good health."   It is generally understood that the recipient of these candles and baked goods should be those who have less than the giver. In this way, each of the women hopes to attract Seatia's attention through their generosity, and those who have little are assisted in providing for their families. As a further result, recipes are often later spread throughout a village as new flavors are introduced to families that might be unfamiliar with them. Especially if the woman was born in another province.

Cover image: by Johannes Plenio

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Dec 2, 2022 14:35 by Annie Stein

It's very evocative of the old archetype of Lady Abundance, with a healthy helping of magic and religion. Nice work! It does make me curious what the men are up to during this time.

Creator of Solaris -— Come Explore!
Dec 2, 2022 14:40 by Carolyn McBride

That's another article for another time *smile* Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts.

Magic, Dragons & Drama! Uclandia   If the real world is more your thing, come visit Sitka Cove A small town on the brink of explosive change fueled by secrets!