Ceremony among the Otheiae

Part of Culture of Otheia
Within Otheiae culture, a high emphasis is placed on ceremony throughout their society. 
These ceremonies are almost always done in a fashion which places emphasis on the individual, as it may well be the first time the person in question is at the center of attention since their Name-Day.
Examples of such ceremonies are most often found in dates of religious, cultural and military significance, such as a holiday or a muster day.
=== Martial Gates ===
For example, the mustering of a new regiment will entail a ceremony called the Gate of War, which generally occurs in the center of a town, wherein a large gate will be constructed, generally of ceremonial pikes or large sword-staffs. 
The recruiting captain, or his deputy, will begin to call names. The prospective soldier will march to the center of the pike structure, called the Martial Gate, where they shall be at the center of the town’s attention for likely the first time in their memory. They shall then call out their name, and usually list the equipment they already possess.  Finally they are awarded a badge of their new office, commonly a military sash, as well as a traditional silver coin, usually by the recruiting quartermaster. 
They shall then march away from the Martial Gate, and into the awaiting company of their fellow soldiers. Once the ceremony is finished, the rest of the day is full of wild parties, before the recruits are hauled off to begin their training.
The recruiting ceremony is performed at each mustering, be it to begin a campaign, or in the desperate raising of a regiment for defense, with variation. It is the first, and likely the last, times a potential soldier will be at the center of attention for a city, and is designed to allow the recruit to feel as though they are of the greatest importance, even if it is for but a moment. 
Category:Culture of Otheia