Today, our roving reporter interviews a newly-wed Matis bridegroom, to gain some insight into the customs and ceremony that surround a Matis wedding.

Reporter: Hi there, Viero, I understand that you were married a few weeks ago, and I would be very grateful if you could share your big day with our readers.

Viero: Yes, I would be happy to do that – but the first point to remember is for us Matis, getting married is as much a religious as a civil occasion and indeed, during the ceremony we affirm our commitment to Jena as well as to each other. It is not an event to be taken lightly or frivolously.


Reporter: I understand, could you explain a little of the background please?

Viero: Because of the social, financial and economic implications of getting married, our courtship is a very formal and stylized affair, normally conducted in the presence of a chaperon. This formality surrounding our meetings allows the lady Homin to send someone to make an excuse if she does not wish to be seen or if she wishes to curtail the relationship. Of course my Gini never did this, but it does happen.

At this stage of courtship it is also common for the groom to secretly send the bride gifts of jeweler and such like, to show that his intention is serious.

The agreement to the engagement from both parties is publicly announced and ritualized through the exchange of gifts which symbolizes the mutual joining of the two Matis.

Courtship and marriage can be costly and is unthinkable before a Homin is economically sound. Apprentices and common homins are advised against getting wed until they have sufficient experience and means. I, myself, had to wait almost five years before I could contemplate such a course of action.

Moreover, divorce is severely frowned upon. However, if proved absolutely necessary, it can be pronounced by a senior ranking citizen after the payment of 500 000 dappers. Many Matis therefore prefer a separation rather than an official divorce, unless a second marriage is envisaged. Should you be divorced, the stigma is such that you will no longer be invited to official ceremonies, or indeed, the best parties.


Reporter: And the Wedding itself?

Viero: The wedding month is traditionally the month of Harvestor, a time when resources are plentiful in our forests. The wedding takes place on a Holeth, to establish communion with Jena and pray for her benediction.

The master of ceremonies is generally a respected married member of society, having traveled the length and width of Verdant Heights. We were married by an official of the Queen’s court, my mother having important friends. Who you know is still very important in Matis society.

Our guests received a formal invitation which invited them to honour us by their presence during the ceremony and throughout the festivities held afterwards. Of course we received many gifts; normally these are items rather than cash which used to be seen as a rather brash gift, effectively giving the couple the means to divorce

Our wedding day was gorgeous! Our vows were exchanged in Jena’s name and were not spoken lightly by either of us.

The whole ceremony is a very solemn and religious occasion, and we could really feel Jena’s blessing on us at the final moments. It was almost….emotional.

Of course, after all this we had a very expensive party which I believe went on all night. We led the dancing with the traditional circle dance of Jena, and after that the eating and drinking started in earnest. Some people suffered for it the next day, I believe!


Reporter: Thank you for explaining that for us, Viero, may I wish you a long and prosperous married life together.

  interview with Viero, a young married Matis.


The Chronicles of Atys  
HistoryChronicles Overview
Before the Great Swarming  
Fire of Coriolis

The Fever of DiscoveryThe Siege of KaraviaThe Company of LoriaThe Youth of LoriaThe Assassination of LoriaThe Liberation of the Trykers

Chronicles of the Great Swarming - From 2481 to 2484 (JY)  
Massacre and flight

A Kitin StoryMonsoon SunsetMy Karavan GuardianThe Kitin Song

The return of Hope

First ChronicleNew DayOpportunity Awaits

Chronicles of the New Beginning - From 2484 to 2525 (JY)  
Chronicles of Aeden Aqueous

The Secrets of Tryker engineeringA Flyner EscapeThe Story of a Young Corsair

Chronicles of the Verdant Heights

A Little Lore at BedtimeCiochini learns of His HeritageChrysalisScreaming Shadows

Chronicles of the Witherings

Tears of SerenityThe Crying MektoubThe Stance of DaïshaMabreka

Chronicles of the New Beginning - Since 2525 (JY)  
Erlan's Chronicles

Preface to ChroniclesRevelation of TrytonThe Call from the PowersThe Dunes of AeliusForgotten PlacesKitins Stir... Homins! Prepare!Spring, when tents blossomedAnnex to Spring, when tents blossomed

Chronicles of Aeden Aqueous

Ardan KealeA Tryker wedding storyWirell Aelan, Decent TrykerThe Traveller returnsTryker ConstitutionLady Chiabre's Social Diary

Chronicles of the Burning Desert

Story of a Young FyrosIbian Peldix, bark SculptorDexius Apokos, Fyros GenadierMenia Pyron, engaged FyrosInterview with Lekos DaraanThe Mystery of the RenegadesMeeting with the new Senator Dios ApothepsA New Face

Chronicles of the Verdant Heights

An Interview with Cuiccio PeriniaBebi Cuirinia, royal EmbalmerViero, young married matisTo fight to exaltAutumnFoul FruitsThe TearMelario Estriano, history of a Matis

Chronicles of the Witherings

Cioi Ba-Nung, Tattooist for HominsA Zorai WeddingYi Be-Pian, Old Zoraï of the Company of the Eternal TreeUnfortunate NightEqual to AtysThe Story of Sian Gai-Lua: A Fateful HuntTribes of the Witherings and GooTeleportation Sickness

Trytonist chronicles

In The BeginningA new Seeker of EliasHiaoi, seeker of Elias

Marauders chronicles

Stabre Sicco, Marauder PrisonerThe misadventures of Arty Mac Keaggan

Chronicles linked to the Temple War

The Call from the PowersThe Dunes of AeliusForgotten PlacesWirell Aelan, Decent TrykerAnnouncement of the construction of the Karavan TempleFao the ZoraïTales of Mac KeagganIn Jena's light

Chronicles linked to Spring, when tents blossomed

Spring, when tents blossomedAnnex to Spring, when tents blossomedFor a Few Dappers More

Diverse chronicles

Out of SlaveryThe Mektoub AffairThe Memoirs of Kedgy Be'CaunyThe Legend of the Blue OcyxWhen Jena ComesA Very Special DrinkThe Circle of DarknessClandestine AttackAn Ancient ConflictBloody DuskThe Kami of the Lost SoulsThe Followers

Special chronicles

The Legend of the Ghost YuboThe Gingo Who Ate the Sun

Retrieved from "https://en.wiki.ryzom.com/w/index.php?title=Viero,_young_married_matis&oldid=24276"