Keeping traditions from their ancestors alive and well is a key feature here in Emerald Ranch. These remain unchanged, done the way the herd has for decades prior.
The Buttermilks here are proud of their heritage and past, unable to face the guilt of changing what has been done forever. Traditions are sacred and honored here.
If there is any sort of interference on the day, the herd will not stop to proceed as soon as possible. Even if this means waiting for the next day. Missing or avoiding a tradition is unacceptable to them and nothing will ever stop the herd from honoring them whenever they can. A Matriarch or council member who goes against their traditions is deemed as unworthy and may face ultimate removal from their rank. Every Buttermilk must be willing to honor these and research them if they are an outsider.
The Buttermilks here are proud of their heritage and past, unable to face the guilt of changing what has been done forever. Traditions are sacred and honored here.
If there is any sort of interference on the day, the herd will not stop to proceed as soon as possible. Even if this means waiting for the next day. Missing or avoiding a tradition is unacceptable to them and nothing will ever stop the herd from honoring them whenever they can. A Matriarch or council member who goes against their traditions is deemed as unworthy and may face ultimate removal from their rank. Every Buttermilk must be willing to honor these and research them if they are an outsider.
Naming CeremonyNames are one of the many things sacred to the herd. They are rightfully earned, never given freely. Because of this, a couple cannot name their own calf. A newborn calf in Emerald Ranch will not receive their name until they are six months of age in a ceremony. Until the day they receive their forever name, the calf will be referred to as "sister", "brother", or "sibling" by the herd, whereas the parents will refer to them as "my child."
Usually, these occur at midnight, under the first new moon of the month. The Matriarch will perform this ceremony before the herd and the council, calling to the gods to bestow a worthy name upon the calf. Typically, the herd finds that the god(dess) most aligned with the calf from birth will give the favored name. These names can be anything, as it is the Matriarch who reads the fire and signs for what they mean. BirthdaysAnother year lived is seen as a true gift from the gods. Birthdays are sacred to Emerald Ranch, viewed as one of the most important traditions to uphold. The herd will never forget a birthday nor will ever miss one. They will drop anything and everything to make sure the Buttermilk-in-question's birthday is celebrated, honored, and most importantly: fun. Gifts are typically handmade or baked, but should never be something poorly made.
Each and every birthday ends the same way: a massive bonfire in the middle of Emerald Ranch with singing and dancing, thanking the gods for another year with the Buttermilk who they celebrate. The bonfire arches to the heavens, popping and crackling in its own way of celebration. Not only do they provide presents for the Buttermilk, but offerings to the gods to ask for more years to spend with said cow. |
Crystal CeremonyEvery Buttermilk has to go through this ceremony whenever they hit a certain age (roughly about when they turn one year) or whenever an outside Buttermilk comes to join the herd of Emerald Ranch, no matter their age. This is a required tradition to be honored and should never be skipped. Crystals and gemstones are sacred here. Refusal to accept the tradition means immediate exile from herd and its land.
Usually, these occur at midnight, under the first full moon of the month. The Matriarch will perform this ceremony before the herd and the council, calling to the goddesses the Buttermilk honors to choose a crystal 'totem.' This crystal will best represent the Buttermilk and their character. From that moment, the Buttermilk is then required to wear jewelry or other trinkets bearing what they were given. MarriageThe union of two souls in marriage is a joyful time in Emerald Ranch. Weddings are not just one day, they last an entire week, with the actual marriage happening on the final day. Each day is a festivity in honor of the two Buttermilks, where feasts are prepared, gifts are given, and parties are held. These festivities last from the moment the sun has risen on the first day to the moment it has set on the last.
On the day of the marriage, silk cloths are wrapped around the shoulders of the Buttermilks, a knot tied in the middle to symbolize their union and the love that binds them together. While bound together like so, the two will present each other with their own gifts. These gifts are usually jewelry or a trinket with the Buttermilk's gemstone meant to be worn by the other to symbolize the union. |