Wedding Statues

== Overview ==
It's traditional among the peasants and other small folk of The Arbor to make a small, simple, and plain carving out of wood to gift to a newly wedded couple. Carvings vary differently, from depictions of local folk heroes to assorted plants and animals important to the family. The carving is traditionally kept on the mantle, and is said to provide good luck to the couple so long as it remains intact. 
It is considered a tremendously bad omen if the statue is damaged or knocked off the mantle. This signals a potential death of one of the newlyweds or one of the couple being unfaithful. Wood carvings are destroyed upon the death or separation of one member of the union, or kept by the widow/widower if they do not wish to marry. 
It is a milestone in the grieving process for a widow/widower that previously kept their carving to burn it, marking their acceptance of their loss and their renewed desire to move on.
Category:Folktales & Ballads
Category:Library