Marriage Customs: V'rok'sh Tah'lj (Patreon)

Marriage is one of the world’s longest standing traditions, and one that exists in almost every culture - that is just as true on Terra as it is Earth. Of course, we are well aware that it historically was not an equal partnership, with the “bride” being considered little more than the property of the groom. But as time has evolved, so too has marriage.

The orcs of V’rok’sh Tah’lj are no different, having developed their own customs of the years. There’s were less focused on gender - though that still played its part - and more on showcasing their value as a spouse. Specifically the ability of the one doing the proposing to provide for their wanted mate.

Traditionally this would be done by presenting their chosen with the spoils of a hunt - the bigger and more dangerous, the better. Should the proposal be accepted, a celebratory feast would be prepared that very night - using the results of the hunt, when appropriate. In the following weeks, the fur, bones, and teeth of the creature will be used to craft jewelry and other accessories for the happy couple to wear at the wedding.

As times have evolved, things have changed. Though many still try and hold on to the old traditions, things are now done in a much more modern way: asking. Some people will still attempt to make a show of all they have to provide, but that is less a matter of displaying your survival skills than it is your wealth and privilege.

A typical Tah’lijan engagement period lasts around six months to a year. During this period, the betrothed will each wear a token that displays to all their intent to join their families together. This could be a bracelet, necklace, or other accessory, or even a piece of clothing, adorned with the crest of their chosen’s clan or any sort of symbol that may represent them.

The families of the engaged will take on the duties of planning the wedding as well as other events. Though not thought of in the same sense as we might, bachelor & bachelorette parties are usually thrown by  surprise. Typical activities include a night of hunting, fishing, and drinking - for both the soon to be bride and groom.

The wedding itself typically starts at midday, in a public ceremony presided over by the Temple of the Three’s High Priest - currently High Priest Bhok Azkosot. A fire is lit at the start of the ceremony, to symbolize the long lasting nature of their marriage. This fire will be fed throughout the ceremony, and is to be kept burning until the final guest has left, a task left to the friends and family of the newlyweds.

The ceremony begins with those to be wed, each being presented to those gathered by the parents and other family, after which the High Priest will speak. The betrothed will then exchange words, each making their own promises to care for and provide for the other. As their hands are then joined and bound by rope, the priest consecrates their union and declares them wed.

A feast is held afterwards, during which the newlyweds are required to keep their hands tied together, representing their newfound reliance on one another - and providing something humorous for their guests to witness as they are forced to assist each other with eating and drinking throughout the night.

A honeymoon of sorts will typically follow, with the couple venturing out for days or even weeks before returning home. In the past, it was common for each of the newlyweds to have the the crest of their spouse’s clan tattooed on their bodies, though this has also changed as time as gone on. These days an increasingly common choice is for the two spouses to create a new symbol. This could be made by combining aspects of their old, or designing something entirely new that they feel best represents them together. A public symbol for their connection, which is all marriage is really about. To love and be loved, and let the whole world know it.