Traditions and Rites of Passage

Txalion · May 15, 2010, 12:24:08 PM

Now I went as far back as April on the board and I didn't see anything about this. I've been thinking about possable traditions and Rites of Passage since I joined the Tribe and have been thinking about createing a thread on brainstorming. I have several ideas that I will put bellow, but I wanted to hear other peoples thoughts as well on the subject. So let's have a conversation about what traditions and such we want to have such as hollidays, cerimonys and so on.

Now I had an idea for a cerimony that I think everyone will love. When a person takes their place among the people, we give them a tribe name, a name only the tribe knows and can use. Their new and true name. I also like the concept of everyone in the tribe getting a mark, like a tattoo or a brand of some kind that shows they are part of the tribe. I dunno, just some suggestions.

(Note, I cannot spell well for I am using my iPod ^_^.)

Txontaw · May 15, 2010, 07:04:35 PM

I think that we can't really decide on any rites of passage or anything yet, because most likely they'll evolve in the tribe over time.

Although I do kinda like the idea of each member getting a unique tattoo or something that's kind of like their personal symbol. It can also be used for identification in the outside world.

'Itan Atxur · May 15, 2010, 09:33:24 PM

I agree with both of you. Good idea, just too soon. I also support the tattoo idea.

Eawnyu te Tisorina'Srusiyu'ite · May 16, 2010, 02:34:16 AM

i think its a good idea. any ideas for designs for the tatoos of the different tribes, or ceremony for when a person takes their place among The People?

Ikranä mokri · May 16, 2010, 02:26:44 PM

i prefer teh tattoo over a brand

Eana Tanhì · May 16, 2010, 02:31:50 PM

like the ideas, but I thought that we are going to call each others with na'vi names, not the real ones... or I'm wrong?

Sayprìsä · May 16, 2010, 05:33:20 PM

I like the idea of having a tatoo, but we should probably focus on location before we start hammering out details.

'Itan Atxur · May 16, 2010, 06:03:52 PM

Nothing wrong with talking about a few other things but your are right, we still need a location.

Txontaw · May 16, 2010, 08:05:34 PM

Quote from: Ikranä mokri on May 16, 2010, 02:26:44 PM
i prefer teh tattoo over a brand

Why would we ever brand someone? That was usually considered the mark of shame in the 1600s.

'Itan Atxur · May 16, 2010, 08:54:21 PM

Lol. Yeah, branding is... um... harsh. Let's stick with tattoos.

Esmond · May 17, 2010, 01:41:05 AM

I love the idea of a tattoo. It proves also that you are strong enough to resist the pain when being tattooed. Also regarding the design of the tattoo, I think we should first take into consideration reflections from other tribe members and also from the bearer as the tattoo will reflect the bearer's personality. We don't want people to choose designs just beause they're cool and whatnot.

Anyway thumbs up for the idea.

Tonbogiri · May 18, 2010, 04:44:20 PM

I was wondering about the development of small "family" groups within the tribe. These could either be task specific (all carpenters, all hunters etc) or perhaps one person suited to each task. If this were true, then the tattoo could work something like this:

Image representing family group
Image representing either profession or position in tribe (i.e. novice, initiate, distinguished)
Image representing individual.

I wish I had a decent paint program on my computer to show you all what I mean <silent plea for artists!!>

Either tattoos or some kind of decorative clothing. brands are bad!

Txontaw · May 18, 2010, 06:25:30 PM

Nah, I think that each person should have a completely unique design. Besides, having "families" wouldn't do much but segregate the tribe.

Fnua Atxkxe · May 18, 2010, 07:33:24 PM

Depends what you mean my "families" I think. It is undoubtable that certain indivuduals will become closer to each other *cough hint cough* than others so that would be a family group. If you mean that we should enforce smaller groups within the tribe then yes it would segregate us however if you try and prevent such family groups as I mentioned before then you will also create segregation. I don't think that it is realistic to say that we will all be equally close to each other in the tribe. the fact of the matter is that although we all work and relate well with each other, inevitably it will emerge that some will relate better to each other than the rest if the tribe, this not being a reflection on the rest of the tribe, simply life ^_^

Txontaw · May 18, 2010, 09:48:20 PM

Quote from: Fnua Atxkxe on May 18, 2010, 07:33:24 PM
Depends what you mean my "families" I think. It is undoubtable that certain indivuduals will become closer to each other *cough hint cough* than others so that would be a family group. If you mean that we should enforce smaller groups within the tribe then yes it would segregate us however if you try and prevent such family groups as I mentioned before then you will also create segregation. I don't think that it is realistic to say that we will all be equally close to each other in the tribe. the fact of the matter is that although we all work and relate well with each other, inevitably it will emerge that some will relate better to each other than the rest if the tribe, this not being a reflection on the rest of the tribe, simply life ^_^

Even so, I don't think their tattoo should be based on predetermined factors.

Fnua Atxkxe · May 18, 2010, 10:12:52 PM

True, I wasn't really making a comment about tattoo's as i don't see the need to think about them right now, I just noticed a thought that was relevant to the pregression of how the tribe would function so I was really only commenting on that. I think anybody should be allowed what they want tattoo-wise or even not have one if they prefer. I mean if everyone wants to have unified symbol then great but then what about those who do not want a tattoo? Could they not feel segregated and left out if they decide not to have one done? Then we are alienating them... To me it is not that important a factor right now ^_^

Eana Tanhì · May 20, 2010, 10:34:19 AM

QuoteInsert Quote
True, I wasn't really making a comment about tattoo's as i don't see the need to think about them right now, I just noticed a thought that was relevant to the pregression of how the tribe would function so I was really only commenting on that. I think anybody should be allowed what they want tattoo-wise or even not have one if they prefer. I mean if everyone wants to have unified symbol then great but then what about those who do not want a tattoo? Could they not feel segregated and left out if they decide not to have one done? Then we are alienating them... To me it is not that important a factor right now ^_^

you're right... I would deffinatly want a tattoo, but if I wouldn't like it I would feel as you said I think

The old Uriuujìn · May 22, 2010, 12:32:22 AM

This is a really interesting thread. I have to say that I agree that for the most part these traditions and such should develop over time, not be all created beforehand- however, I think that maybe a couple ideas could be thrown around here, just to see what we come up with. Who knows, maybe some of them will be remembered well enough to try and actually integrate them into the tribe ^_^

Gaia ayngahu

-Uriuujìn

Eywayä lì'u · May 22, 2010, 01:09:35 AM

I'm all for the idea of having something to as a mark of tribe, but I'm personally really not big on the idea of tattooing or anything as permanent as that, I'd much rather an item, like how a ring is in marriage. Maybe a bangle or something...

Dani · May 22, 2010, 04:04:00 AM

just throwing in an idea...
I'd use an amulett that ALL members get. Whoever wants a tatoo may risk having one done. You know, you need to do clean work with that and it might turn out pritty bad if you get an infection. Also, a symbol that everyone of the tribe wears might strengthen the idea of a group that is ONE, not a group that consists of this individual and this individual and this individual etc. I am not saying you should give up your individualities etc. because you will be an individual. BUT, if you are going to survive out in the wild I suggest you change your way of thinking into one that places the community at first and then the individual. You'll have to survive as a unified group, not each one alone working with others - if I can make clear the difference that I'm thinking about.

The thought of tatoos that show each persons individual traits is something thats sounds (to me at least) more like the latter: each one alone working with others. The Na'vi name can already be something that represents your strongest character trait. It may even change over time, if you want to have it so. A tatoo cannot change, so what if your 'best' character trait changes and you'd wish to have a change?

Just some thoughts here.