Jerjanik, or Heartwood, is the annual tradition of presenting eligible young women to the court in order to secure a marriage. Coinciding with Vinetkälla, this six-week event takes place on the White Island of the Ice Court in a series of social events that result in a proposal.[1]
Description[]
The ritual of Heartwood is seen as absolute. At the end of the six weeks, women are expected to choose a husband if offered a reasonable proposal. A reasonable proposal in Fjerda would be a man of equal standing who can provide for a woman and her family as well as earn the approval of her father. Women are expected to dress extravagantly, be well versed in etiquette, and dance properly at each event. The women who enter heartwood are a few years younger than Hanne Brum, who is one of the oldest participants that year.
The first event of Heartwood is Maidenswalk, which takes place in a grand ballroom in the royal palace. During this afternoon event, the women are presented to the royal family. They walk up to Prince Rasmus who takes a pewter cup with the fountain's waters and they drink deeply from the cup before heading back down the aisle, never turning their back on the Grimjer family. Maidenswalk is meant to symbolize Djel's blessing over the season of balls and dances to come.
In between Maidenswalk are many parties and social gatherings. The next big event is the royal hunt, which takes place at the royal camp outside the Ice Court. Trinkets are a common craft that are made for riders of the hunt. They are made of ribbons and ash boughs.
Trivia[]
- The tradition's name is a reference to Djel's sacred ash.
References[]
- ↑ Rule of Wolves, chapter 7