A Dream: May 23, 2010
In a secluded forest somewhere there are trees greener than any other trees in the world. Their canopies create a roof over the head of wanderers and protect them from rain. When one step into this forest, nothing is visible but the deep emerald green and glowing, golden ornaments that hang from the branches like cocoons. These ornaments mark the territory of an elfin tribe that still clings to its old ways. Here, outsiders are welcomed to watch the birthing of a child.
First, a man and a woman dressed like manuscript Illuminations come to greet the outsider clad in pure white cloth decorated with intricate patterns of gold. "Welcome," they say. "Welcome, you have come at the perfect time. The child is about to be born." It is believed that this couple plays the role of the great God and Goddess who gave the entire world its life. The couple take the outsider by his hands and lead him to the mother.
The outsider is lead to the only open sky in the forest where sunlight pours through like gold. Here, there is a single tree in the center where golden leaves grow. The mother lies in a hammock made of the finest cloth representing the cradle of life that supports and comforts humanity even in the greatest of pain. Surrounding her are her closest friends and family. They gently push the hammock, rocking it back and forth as the mother is in labor to symbolize the function of others in life and how they can comfort and influence her.
When the child is born, the eldest - also known as the Nurse - takes the baby in her arms and removes evil spirits from its body by inhaling through pursed lips. This is the duty of the eldest for they have less time on earth to be in agony and removing evil spirits from the babe is the quickest way to rid the earth of them. Next, the umbilical chord is cut, ground into a liquid, and used to wash the baby from head to toe. This is to ensure that the child has a healthy body.
When the ceremony is finished, everyone but the mother and child disappear into the forest to begin their bonding. The outsider leaves as well... It is believed that the outsider's function is to bring spirits from the outside world to care for the newborn child and protect it from inward harm... Once the outsider steps back into the forest, he cannot find the elusive tribe or the same alcove ever again. He leaves the forest never to return for the rest of his life.
 Afflatus Divine · Thu Jul 22, 2010 @ 07:37pm · 0 Comments |
