[The glance towards the Monument makes Zulf stiffen slightly and he thins his lips before giving a slight shake of his head.]
I suppose I hadn't noticed my own habits. It's an Ura tradition- you won't find any of the Caels here indulging in it. To be more specific, it's a funerary tradition.
When we send away our dead, we dress them completely in gray like the stone. It's a way to help them accept their death and move on towards Micia's light. In contrast, those who are living always wear colorful clothing. Red in particular.. It is meant to symbolize our blood, you see. When you're still alive, your blood is fresh crimson. But when you cut the dead... The life in them is lost.
That is another reminder, for both us and the souls of the departed. It reminds us that we still are alive, and it reminds them that they are not. To keep the dead stuck in the land of the living is seen to be a sad thing... So we do our best to ensure there isn't anything trapping them here or slowing them down in their journey to the Lorn Mother.
However, there are times when Micia's guiding light is said to be strongest and the Harvest Festival is one of those times. It is her and Pyth's festival, overall, although all the Gods partake in it. During such a time, her star heart is clearer than anything. The spirits of the dead can travel from their land to ours without losing their way and see what has changed in their absence.
The living use this time as remembrance for what they have lost, and the red helps the dead find us so that they might see that we are still well.
You'll see many of the other Ura wearing red as well, but it's best not to inquire too much. It is a sensitive topic. [A smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.] I'm used to answering such questions, so I don't mind as much. I wear the string about my neck simply from habit in living in Caelondia for so long. I didn't wish to draw too much attention to it.
The ring is... [A pause, not able to fake the smile for any longer.] Well. Many were lost in the Calamity. As I said- it's good that you've managed to find someone to be with during these times.
no subject
I suppose I hadn't noticed my own habits. It's an Ura tradition- you won't find any of the Caels here indulging in it. To be more specific, it's a funerary tradition.
When we send away our dead, we dress them completely in gray like the stone. It's a way to help them accept their death and move on towards Micia's light. In contrast, those who are living always wear colorful clothing. Red in particular.. It is meant to symbolize our blood, you see. When you're still alive, your blood is fresh crimson. But when you cut the dead... The life in them is lost.
That is another reminder, for both us and the souls of the departed. It reminds us that we still are alive, and it reminds them that they are not. To keep the dead stuck in the land of the living is seen to be a sad thing... So we do our best to ensure there isn't anything trapping them here or slowing them down in their journey to the Lorn Mother.
However, there are times when Micia's guiding light is said to be strongest and the Harvest Festival is one of those times. It is her and Pyth's festival, overall, although all the Gods partake in it. During such a time, her star heart is clearer than anything. The spirits of the dead can travel from their land to ours without losing their way and see what has changed in their absence.
The living use this time as remembrance for what they have lost, and the red helps the dead find us so that they might see that we are still well.
You'll see many of the other Ura wearing red as well, but it's best not to inquire too much. It is a sensitive topic. [A smile, but it doesn't reach his eyes.] I'm used to answering such questions, so I don't mind as much. I wear the string about my neck simply from habit in living in Caelondia for so long. I didn't wish to draw too much attention to it.
The ring is... [A pause, not able to fake the smile for any longer.] Well. Many were lost in the Calamity. As I said- it's good that you've managed to find someone to be with during these times.