————— LORE ————
We owls believe we all descend upon one singular owl named Oule. Oule was said to be an owl of all owls - he was big, he was small, even male and female in the same bird. Oule is every owl species you could imagine. A part of a legend commonly spread around the kingdoms told of how Oule created Owls.
"...On a clear night during a full moon, Oule roused himself suddenly. He was unable to go back to sleep like all the other creatures. So he flew off on his big wings, rising up higher and higher above the trees until his feathers touched the stars. Then, one-by-one, each star embedded itself into each of his feathers then fell from his body. As each feather fell, they changed colour and shape, then burst into flames as they hit the ground. More of Oule was developed from each of his feathers, but each of him was different. They were different sizes and different colours made for different climates, habitats and ways. Oule was no longer the only one. When the last feather fell from his body, he, too burst into flames. Except, he couldn't fall. He rose up further and further up into the sky and turned into a star..."
————— TRADITIONS ————
For Eggs
Naming Ceremony: Most parents name the egg regardless of knowing the gender or not. This is viewed as a sign ot charm of good luck, and possibly what they wish for their child to be. For example, if they name the egg something meaning longevity - they hope the owlet will grow and live a long and full life. To not name your egg is viewed as taboo and a bad omen. This egg name is usually used as a nickname throughout the life of an owl. To use this name in vain is said to bring upon a curse on you for shaming said owl, and the owl's wisp will have full authority to seek revenge on you.
Shattering: This is a extremely controversial action. This is referring to the act of destroying or crushing an egg with one's talons. Destroying the life of a unborn egg is thought to bring down a curse of madness or sterilty for the offender. And it's even more offensive if the remains of the egg or eggs isn't properly disposed of. When the Shattering is of a sterile egg then it is expected for the shell to be crushed into power and placed on a loctus lilypad and set upon the Pool Of Caxj located in the Cursed Forest of Try'zin.
For Hatchlings
Hatching Day Ceremony: The day the egg hatches is an exciting one. One must note the season and day of it. This is an occasion to remeber, the egg tooth is to be preserved and kept. Afterall, it's a symbol of life and prosperity - it is bad luck to lose it or not keep it. Every year this Hatching Day must be celebrated by gifting the young owlet trinkets and the parents prey items. And as the owlet matures so should the gifts for them. It is disrepsectful to not gift an owl on their Hatching Day.
First Prey: The first meal an owlet eats. This is to be cermonialized by the parents and close relatives to bear witness to, and the owlet is to be set around a ring of amber or amythest crystals while eating. To purify and cleanse the soul of the creature they're eating to make sure it doesn't harm the owlet and they're respecting the spirit of the creature. If one uses improper crystals or forgo the crystals at all it is viewed as horrid and pagan. Of course the crystal colors vary from Kingdom to Kingdom but amber and amythest are commonly used.
First Pellet: The first ever pellet that the owlet belches up. It is said to be a sign of good health, and the larger the first pellet - the healthier and stronger the owl will be. It is common for these first pellets to be kept as keepsakes for a memory of their youth. Keeping any other pellets besides the first one is atrocious. A small first pellet could indicate a serious underlying health problem within the young owet and it could be viewed as an ominous sign of misfortune.
Downy Feather Molting: Downy feathers are a sacred thing. These feathers are to be carefully stored and preserved. Most mothers may use a little of said down feather to line the nests of eggs or young owlets. These feathers are seen as a link to the Eöe, or Spirit Realm if you will. These feathers are rumored to bring the blessings of comfort along with warding off malevolent spirits. It is quite common to see these feathers used in spells and potions among the owls.
First Flight Feathers + Talons: These are the feathers needed for all birds to fly. It is a very special time for these young owlets once their flight feathers and talons begin developing. Flight feathers symbolize freedom and flight for the young creature. These feathers are to be stained with a small amount of powder on them to show their beauty. Talons are a sign of death and magic, the longer and sharper talons the deadlier the owl - meaning they'll be a good hunter or battler in the future. Shorter yet deadly talons could indicate a fierce and intelligent creature that's crafty and good with hunting anf flight. To have no talons or non-sharp talons is seen as odd, and it could mean you are a dark creature, one cursed with misfortune and to be shunned by society.
For Fledgelings
Branching Ceremony: This is the first time an owl begins to attempt gliding in their nest tree. An adult must be there to supervise and teach the owlet how to correctly branch. This is where the technique of silent flight and basic skills when it comes to hunting are taught. Branches that the owlets reach on the first day of hunts are to be marked by flowers or some sort of dye. The farther and quieter they fly - the chance of being a superb flyer are. Fledglings that have clumsy or noisy flight are to be made not of and if it doesn't improve then they should be worried about the future of said creature.
First Solo Flight: This is the first official flight not supervised by an adult. The tail feathers and wing feathers of an owlet are stained with the dye of crushed hydrangeas meaning luck and fortune, and then their talons are dipped in cool water with the buds of narcissus inthem to wish them good luck. With the first flight they are to fly as far as they can, and bring back a small bird of prey back alive possibly a canary of some sort. Owlets who find a golden canary on their first flight are said to bring good luck upon themselves and their family.
First Hunt and Caught Prey: Similarly on the first hunt an owlet is not supervised by an adult. The tail feathers and wing feathers of an owlet are stained with the dye of crushed purple irises meaning wisdom and compliments - this is to wish them the wisdom and wit needed for hunting. The talons are then dipped in cool water with the buds of narcissus and oriental lilies in them to wish them good luck and eternal life for the soul of the creature they kill. The owlet is to bring a creature they are capable of hunting and eating, and once they find such a prey item they bring it back to the hollow and kill the creature in front of their parents and other witnesses. This passage is perfermed two more times before they are soon deemed an official member of the parliment and will be assigned their rank.
————— BELIEFS ————
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