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Today our social reporter brings you an exclusive insight in the ceremony and symbolism involved in arranging a wedding in Fyros. She interviewed Menla Pyron, a bride who will be getting married next week.

Interviewer: So is the Fyros wedding ceremony religious-based? Are the Kami involved?

Dexius Apokos: No, – it is not like that really.

Our weddings are steeped in historical tradition but they do not have any religious undertones. Weddings are civil acts and although devoid of any spiritual ritual, are celebrated by the whole community as we understand that marriage enhances the solidarity of the community so increasing its capacity to contribute to the state.

Well, that is what it says in the book I was given but basically we get married because we love each other and we want to become part of the community as a couple.

Interviewer: Tell me a little bit about the build up you have just come through?

Dexius Apokos: Oh this is really fun! .The engagement period usually lasts for about two months during which we had to overcome a certain number cleverly thought out difficulties together. This allowed us to find out if we actually got on together and could work with each other. The tasks were set by a mutual friend of our parents, if you like an elder of the community. And boy did she come up with some tough challenges for us. But we made it through and now we are more in love than ever! After this the banns were published and the invitations sent out asking our guests to share our joy next week.

Interviewer: And the wedding itself?

Dexius Apokos: Here, traditionally the celebrations can last an entire week, from Holeth to Holeth. According to our best warrior traditions, it is technically my husband who marries me, but that’s so old-fashioned now and the law has recently been changed to reflect this making sure that we both give typically, we choose to get married in spring or autumn. As the days are more clement and it is not so hot for the dancing and partying.

We prefer a wedding set around a sacred fire, to bring us closer to our roots in the past, I have picked Pyr gate for mine! This is quite a popular spot and sometimes you will even see wedding parties waiting their turn here, but I have made an arrangement. Oh and we mustn’t see each other all the day up until the ceremony – that would bring shocking bad luck so the two processions of relatives, friends and witnesses will assemble in different places.

Then we all sit around in two semicircles with on the left hand the females, and on the right the males, and the wedding ceremony begins. Of course we exchange rings as a symbol of our love as an unbroken circle and my husband will wear his best uniform and weapons. In fact, in the ceremony itself he pledges me his sword – It’s a lovely moment and I can hardly wait! Me? Oh my finest dress and jewels, I’ve managed to talk daddy into a very nice new outfit!

The guests too of course will all dress up to the nines in an attempt to outdo each other, and the pictures are always a splash of colour.

My mother’s old friend will be conducting the ceremony, we normally have someone of status in the community to do this and it will be lovely to be married by someone who has known me since I was a baby in a carved crib.

Hmm what else? Oohh I know, presents! Well the guests used to give money, but it is also becoming increasingly customary to give finely crafted objects instead.

This bit is really funny, in the evening I am “sold” by my best five female friends who put on their finest medium armour and dance for the assembly collecting money and gifts for me and my new husband. This is always a riot!

Then we have fireworks and singing and dancing and sometimes people compose special poems and songs to perform in the evening. I am really hoping some of our more creative guests will do this for us!

Interviewer: Menla, thank you very much for sharing your big day with us, we wish you all joy and happiness for the future.

  interview with Menia Pyron, a young engaged Fyros.