Ceremonies

There are many ceremonies recognized and practiced by the cats of the Clans. Each one important in its own way, and though the purposes and names are the same, they are observed and practiced in unique ways depending on the clan. 
== Apprentice ceremony ==
The apprentice ceremony is held when a kit is ready to become an apprentice. This is commonly held when the kit turns 6 moons old, though this can be much later for any number of reasons. There have been certain cases in history where the ceremony was held early, though this is generally frowned upon.
=== Process ===
When a kit is born in the clans, they are granted the "-kit" suffix. When they're ready to become an apprentice, their suffix is replaced by "-paw" and they are granted a mentor who will train them for another 6 moons - though some are trained for longer and others are trained for less. The "-paw" suffix is highly symbolic, as it shows the path their paws are now on.
=== In practice ===
The apprentice ceremony is largely the same across all clans. The words sometimes change depending on the leader, but there is a general script that's been passed down since the formation of clan life. It begins when the Clan leader calls a meeting in the main camp clearing.
Below is an example from TreeClan:
: Cloverstar: "Birchkit! You have reached the age of six moons and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Birchpaw! Your mentor will be Breezewhisker."
Breezewhisker steps forward.
: Cloverstar: "Breezewhisker. You have served the Clan faithfully and honorably while still maintaining a free spirit. It is my hope you will pass some of the lessons you learned onto Birchpaw - such as handling difficult clanmates."
The new apprentice and mentor then touch noses and the apprentice's name is cheered by everyone in the clan.
== (Medicine Cat) Apprentice ceremony ==
This ceremony begins when the clan medicine cat declares they are ready to take on an apprentice. The process is the same as the normal apprentice ceremony, but on the next half-moon the medicine cat and their new apprentice journey to the Spirit Nest - a sacred place where the living can commune with the Wildwalkers, the warrior ancestor spirits of the Clan cats.
Here, the apprentice confirms their wish to become a medicine cat. The following words are spoken with very little deviation, by tradition:
: Medicine cat: "(Apprentice), is it your wish to enter the mysteries of the Wildwalkers as a medicine cat?"
: Apprentice: "It is."
: Medicine cat: "Then come forward."
: Medicine cat: "Wildwalkers of the Realm, I present you with this apprentice. They have chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant them your wisdom and insight so that they may understand your ways and heal their Clan in accordance with your will."
The medicine cat and their apprentice then touch noses and lay down by the Starpool within the Spirit Nest. The apprentice then drinks from the Starpool and closes their eyes to have dreams that are often messages from the Wildwalkers.
== Deputy ceremony ==
The deputy ceremony is held when a Clan leader is ready to appoint a new second-in-command, or "deputy." This happens when the previous deputy dies, retires, is exiled, or is promoted to leader. According to the warrior code, a new deputy must be appointed before moonhigh that day. In the case of death, the new deputy must be appointed before moonhigh the day after the vigil is held.
=== Process ===
The Clan leader calls a clan meeting at the main clearing. The following words are spoken verbatim across all clans, in accordance with tradition:
:Leader: I say these words before the Wildwalkers, so that the spirit of (former deputy's name) may hear and approve of my choice. The deputy of (Clan) will be (warrior name).
=== Exceptions ===
* Occasionally, a Clan deputy is not chosen before moonhigh. This can be a result of illness, the Clan leader feeling physically or emotionally unwell, or they may be unsure if the previous deputy is alive. If the ceremony is not performed in time, it can sometimes be seen as a bad omen.
* If the previous deputy dies in battle, the Clan leader may appoint a new deputy on the battlefield whilst fighting, instead of waiting to return to camp.
== Elder ceremony ==
== Leadership ceremony ==
== Medicine cat ceremony ==
The medicine cat ceremony is held when a medicine cat apprentice is ready to earn their medicine cat name. Apprenticeship for medicine cats usually lasts much longer than those for warriors. The cat must learn about all available herbs and remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries. 
This is the only ceremony that is not officiated by the Leader or Acting Leader of the Clan.
===Process===
Once the Clan's medicine cat is satisfied with the apprentice's knowledge, they take a trip to the Spirit Nest. This is a special event that medicine cats of other Clans may attend, as it usually occurs on the half-moon. The following words are used, by tradition:
:Medicine Cat: "I, (name), medicine cat of (Clan), call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. (He/she/they) has trained hard to understand the ways of a medicine cat, and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons. (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all cats equally, even at the cost of your life?"
:Apprentice: "I do."
:Medicine Cat: "Then by the spirits of the Realm I give you your true name as a medicine cat. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). The Wildwalkers honor your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full medicine cat of (Clan)."
The medicine cat rests their muzzle on the apprentice's head, and they lick the mentor's shoulder. The other medicine cats greet them by their new name.
== Vigil==
For a new warrior, a vigil is something that they must perform after having received their warrior name. This process consists of staying awake the entire night and guarding the camp in complete silence. This event is also used to honor a fallen or lost Clanmate. In this instance, a cat stays up all night to honor the memory of their Clanmate.
===Warrior's Vigil===
During the warrior ceremony, the most important thing a cat is asked to do is hold vigil for the night. The new warrior enters the center of the main clearing and stays awake all night while the rest of the Clan gets a good rest. This time is meant for the new warrior to reflect on their new responsibilities, and witness firsthand how much their Clan relies on them for safety.
A warrior's former mentor will let them know when the vigil is over, which is when the sun rises the next day. The vow of silence is the most important aspect of the vigil, and is only broken in emergencies.
===Burial Vigil===
Please refer to Burial Vigils for information.
==Warrior ceremony==
Category:Information
Category:Clan life