The First Mast

A coming of age ceremony for the islanders of Khiji. Failure lowers one's class.

On the eve of their 15th birthday, boys from Khiji undergo a trial to be declared adults. They must sail to a nearby island and bring back a specific fruit: an orange star fruit not found on Khiji. If they succeed, they are named men and become fully fledged members of society. If they fail, they may undertake the test again one year later. With a second failure, adulthood is closed from them and they are declared landworthy, never again allowed to sail upon or swim in the sea.

Since the split and resulting war between the two countries of Khiji, this tradition has become more dangerous. Not only do participants need to manage the natural hazards and supplies but it is now not unheard of for boys to go missing, captured or killed by raiding parties.

History

Khiji has been practicing this tradition for many years; records show that it was being performed as early as 54AA. It has remained relatively unchanged, although the island of Khiji devolving into two countries at war has complicated the ceremony.

Execution

The ceremony is broken into three parts at specific times around a participants 15th (or 16th) birthday.

1. Preparation - One week before their birthday, participants are excused from their other duties and must build a boat with which they may traverse the seas. They may not receive direct help with this from others outside of sourcing materials. It is expected that, during this time, a participant will also be studying sea charts to prepare. Only a small quantity of provisions is allowed - the participant is given three days worth of fresh water and only a single meals worth of food.
2. The Sea - At sunset on the eve of their birthday, participants are sent to sea alone with little fanfare. The must navigate to a nearby island to harvest an appropriate fruit before making their own way back. There is no time limit, although the ceremony is viewed as auspicious if the participant manages to return before the sunrise of their birthday. Parents mark their door with charcoal to show that a son is away.
3. Celebration - If successful, a participant is met with celebration and joy, culminating in a feast at next sunset. They eat the fruit and burn the remains to symbolise that they have taken in the stars during their journey. The ash from this fire is daubed onto their forehead where it remains until they next enter the sea.

Summer Camp 2021

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This was an article originally written as part of the 2021 Summer Camp challenge. I have edited the article since then, so what appears on this page no longer reflects the original competition entry. - Theoclymenus