Magna Aenilia Ecclesia/Ceremonies

Aenilic Ceremonies

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Weddings

Strictly speaking, for a couple to be legally wed under Aenilic law, they need simply exchange vows pledging themselves to live with each other, under the sight of the Aenil, a priest and at least 4 other people. Frequently this is all that commoners have for a wedding.

For nobles, and in particular royalty, much more is usually required to give the occasion its due solemnity and importance. First of all, in the Ceremony of Light, three nobles for each of the couple are picked to represent the Aenil's guidance, and to speak about the virtues of those to be wed. They speak the words, "(Bride or groom), the Aenil have guided you on the path to (Wisdom, Stoicism or Honour)" and then speak about the bride or groom's respective virtues. As they do so, they each uncover or light a candle, representing the Aenil's light.

The Ceremony of the Twin ships is also popular. A miniature ship is carved for each of the couple, and their initials sewn into the sails. These are then allowed to sail along grooves cut around the temple's interior, ending in a stone basin cut in the floor of the center of the temple. The water that carries the ships around should be holy water; preferably blessed by an elder member of MAE, for nobles, or taken from the Holy Spring of Sasat, for royalty. When the Ceremony of the Light has then been conducted, the masts are removed from each of the twin ships and placed in a larger wedding ship. This is a sign of the joining of the married couple, to weather the storms that may assail them.