Samiwashere
Legend
As one of the first clans to settle in the new world, the Strandir people have endured many winters and had plenty of time to grow and change as both a community and a people. As such, many new customs and traditions have formed, one such being the tradition of wearing face paint to mark certain occasions or life events.
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Colour
While a member of the Strandir may be seen wearing any colour, there are four that possess a stronger meaning.
Blue: A mark of the ruling family, this colour is worn primarily by the Chieftain, Chieftess and any other heads of the clan. When a baby is born, or a new member is brought into the family, they are christened with a single blue thumbprint upon their forehead as a mark of their belonging. While others are of course permitted to wear blue paint, it is considered inappropriate during ceremonies and formal gatherings.
Black: This colour is most often worn during conflict and primarily by warriors and protectors, however non-fighters also wear it in times of war as a symbol of solidarity.
Red: Red symbolises 'spilt blood' or mourning. It is worn by people who have lost someone dear to them. It is customary for all attendees of funeral processions in Strandir lands to wear at least some small amount of red face paint.
Green: Theodra's tenets still run deep in the roots of Stoltfar, as do her followers. In the past, green was most often worn by her followers and, as such, it has become synonymous with faith and spiritualism in general.
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Pattern
Once more, some patterns hold little meaning to the clan at large, but there are a few that are significant.
A swipe cross the eyes and nose
This pattern is used by someone who has intentions to fight, be it another person or a beast. It is a mark of a warrior, which is why it is often painted on in black. However, in cases of clan members lost by murder, grieving family members who seek revenge will often paint it on in red. Similarly, Theodrans may paint it on in green before a hunt.
Straight lines down from the eyebrows
This is often painted on for ceremonies. It is worn for wedding days, funerals or during sermons.
Tears
A symbol to be proud of, this is the pattern worn by someone who has done a great service to the people, and made sacrifices in some way to help them endure. The literal translation is 'the tears spared'. It is also worn in red by the widows and widowers of fallen warriors.
A straight line over the lips
Like a promise ring, this is a mark of someone who has promised themselves to another. The line sits over the lips near the mouth to mean someone is quite literally 'spoken for'.
━─━────༺༻────━─━
Colour
While a member of the Strandir may be seen wearing any colour, there are four that possess a stronger meaning.
Blue: A mark of the ruling family, this colour is worn primarily by the Chieftain, Chieftess and any other heads of the clan. When a baby is born, or a new member is brought into the family, they are christened with a single blue thumbprint upon their forehead as a mark of their belonging. While others are of course permitted to wear blue paint, it is considered inappropriate during ceremonies and formal gatherings.
Black: This colour is most often worn during conflict and primarily by warriors and protectors, however non-fighters also wear it in times of war as a symbol of solidarity.
Red: Red symbolises 'spilt blood' or mourning. It is worn by people who have lost someone dear to them. It is customary for all attendees of funeral processions in Strandir lands to wear at least some small amount of red face paint.
Green: Theodra's tenets still run deep in the roots of Stoltfar, as do her followers. In the past, green was most often worn by her followers and, as such, it has become synonymous with faith and spiritualism in general.
━─━────༺༻────━─━
Pattern
Once more, some patterns hold little meaning to the clan at large, but there are a few that are significant.
A swipe cross the eyes and nose
This pattern is used by someone who has intentions to fight, be it another person or a beast. It is a mark of a warrior, which is why it is often painted on in black. However, in cases of clan members lost by murder, grieving family members who seek revenge will often paint it on in red. Similarly, Theodrans may paint it on in green before a hunt.
Straight lines down from the eyebrows
This is often painted on for ceremonies. It is worn for wedding days, funerals or during sermons.
Tears
A symbol to be proud of, this is the pattern worn by someone who has done a great service to the people, and made sacrifices in some way to help them endure. The literal translation is 'the tears spared'. It is also worn in red by the widows and widowers of fallen warriors.
A straight line over the lips
Like a promise ring, this is a mark of someone who has promised themselves to another. The line sits over the lips near the mouth to mean someone is quite literally 'spoken for'.