Ingriðr's Ceremony

This ceremony was written for Countess Ingriðr Rauðkinn. 

The setting here is 12th century Rus, and a lot of the wording was based on how important people were described in that time period (see below). As with the others, please don't re-use the lines describing Ingriðr and other people present (spoken while she processed up). Those words were a gift, and belong to the people they describe. If you want to use this ceremony, you need to use words that describe YOUR people. 

This ceremony uses parts of multiple Kingdoms' Laureling ceremonies as a part of it, so if you are going to use it, make sure it is LEGAL in the Kingdom where it will be performed. 

WHY IS THIS LIKE THIS?

We used three types of sources: the standardized saint/prince-praise format which dates back to Greek philosophers, the primary chronicle and narrative history sources, and specific wording and oral styles from known sermons to understand what the public speaking style would have looked like.

The historical documents that we are basing much of this ceremony on are primarily arguing that the subject they are praising is an equivalent to a historical person (often in the context of sainthood). This is a highly Christianized culture, but often different from Catholic lens we may more familiar with.

These narratives often begin with setting the historical context, and reciting familiar history. They then follow a set progression through the subject’s history. We chose to highlight documentable sections such as: education/training, accomplishments, familial/fealty ties, and overcoming obstacles.

In the language style for this ceremony, we used heightened language appropriate to the culture, rhetorical questions, speaker/author humbleness, and the praise of the crown/audience. All of these parts were specifically important to the time period and area.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Herald: 

First was the law, then grace, first the shadow, then the truth.  Just as prowess does uphold the law, so dose expression through art and learning through science, show us grace.   Let us accordingly begin the narrative regarding the origins of the Order of the Laurel, and for what purpose this accolade had its beginnings.  After the known world came into being, Richard of Mount Royal was first to embody the law with Marynel of Darkhaven at his side, and did Fulk de Wyvern follow him supported by Mary of Tamar.  The crown then passed to Henrik of Havn and Wendryn Townsend.  Fulk and Mary did a second time sit the throne, then again stepped forward Henrik of Havn to glorify Leanne of Maywood.  William the Silent and Amina Sherana de Talavera did then receive the oaths of the people and the lamp of knowledge did show it’s light into the shadows to illuminate the truth of inspiration.  The skills of many were elevated that January day, both the chivalry glorified and the arts uplifted.  Honor and dignity shone forth as Beverly Hodghead and Alfonso de Castile were the first to be created Laurels, and from them many have been raised to such esteem.

The arts shine forth with the brightness of virtue.  They drive away the shadows.  The truth of the past is illuminated, we are enlightened by the knowledge of our forbearers.  A Laurel enriches the kingdom, generously giving of their skills and knowledge that others may grow.  Fruitful are the arts and bountiful the troves of science.  These stand as pillars of our society, thus is the tree stronger for its firm foundation.  The fruits of grace nourish us and flowers of courtesy sustain us.  These harvests delight us in ineffable glory.

The Crown, bearing the battle flag of the kingdom, do maintain the right, in consultation with the Order of the Laurel, to uplift those worthy of such accolades.  

The Crown now calls before them the Companions of Order of the Laurel here present:

(Members of the Order come forward and kneel, leaving an aisle.)

Herald: The Crown now calls Ingriðr Rauðkinn to come before this Court and Company.

Procession Herald:

Just and great Crowns of the Outlands, focus of mercy and receiver of reason, I come before you with my few and humble words, to tell you of Ingriðr Rauðkinn. The mountain soars over her birthplace in the West, and like a tree planted by the flowing streams, her skills and bounty flourish. Her lineage’s branches are heavy with greatness: wreathed foster sisters’ and stalwart Khalja and Olin, honored was Aldith in the West, Cecilia sang the sun’s praise, and under Obediah’s protection she flourished. Fairest Ingriðr learned from many, and enriched the lands of her birth, and the lion’s lands, and then she came to the Outlands where the hart leaps. Brave and unshakable, deflecting the storms and the waves that came upon her, she is as uncorrupted as iron. In the treasure chest of her heart, she stored knowledge and kindness as the labor loving bees store honeycomb. The word of her deeds and skills spread throughout the lands, and many spoke of her. What shall we call her? Learner and teacher, preceptor and maker, researcher and Countess, beacon of grace and flower of beauty, and as much as we may witness and proclaim, the things unsaid are many more. She comes before you clothed in excellence, her wisdom shining like the sun.

(Their Majesties stand.)

Herald: We summon Cecilia to dissolve the apprenticeship bond. 

King: Ingriðr Rauðkinn, will you give your oaths today, sworn on this sword, and become a member of the Order of the Laurel?

Ingrið: I will. 

Queen: Bring forth the medallion.

(Medallion bearer hands it to Her Majesty and may explain the significance or history of it.)

Let this Medallion pass from hand to hand among the members of the order gathered here, to symbolize the bond you shall have with each of them.

(Her Majesty hands the medallion to the nearest Laurel.)

Queen: I call for witnesses to the oaths we exchange today

Sir/Master/Mistress _______________________ (Chivalry representative),

Master/Mistress ____________________, (Laurel representative), 

Master/Mistress ___________________, (Pelican representative),

Master/Maestra ___________________, (Defense representative),

<OPTIONAL> _______________________, (Royal Peer representative),

As members of our honored Peerages, do you now affirm that Ingriðr Rauðkinn is a Peer as described in our law, and will be true and faithful?

Peers: I affirm these truths and swear

King: We thank you for your wise counsel and witness. 

Bring forth the Sword of State.

(Swordbearer hands Lightning to His Majesty, who holds it so Her Majesty and the Ingridr can support it.)

King: Ingriðr Rauðkinn, do you now swear, upon this sword and that which you value, a lawful oath to honor and defend the Crown and Kingdom of the Outlands?  

Ingriðr: I will.

Queen: Do you now swear, as far as is within your power, to continue to learn, to teach, and to lead?  

King: Do you now swear that you will deal honorably and courteously with those of every degree, bringing glory to your peers, of the Chivalry, and of the Laurel, of the Pelican, and of the Defense?

Ingriðr: I will.

Queen: Do you now swear that you will conduct yourself in all matters as befits a Peer, continuing to practice the virtues of chivalry, nobility, and personal integrity, to the benefit of your own good name and the greater glory of the Outlands?

Ingriðr: I will. 

King: Then having sworn these solemn oaths, know now that We, Bela and Nerissa, by right of arms, King and Queen of the Outlands, do proclaim you to be a Companion of the Order of the Laurel.

(His Majesty hands Lightning back to the swordbearer.)

Queen: 

Let the medallion be brought forward.

(Medallion is handed to Her Majesty.)

Take from Our hands this medallion, which bears the laurel wreath that is the symbol of your Order. Wear it always with great honor; wear it always with humility.

(Her Majesty places the medallion around Ingriðr’s neck.)

King: 

Bring forth the wreath, this wreath represents the noble plant from which your Order takes its name. It was, in ancient times, the preeminent mark of excellence. Wear it then, in token of the merited opinion of your companions in the Ancient and Honorable Order of the Laurel.

(His Majesty places the laurel wreath upon Ingriðr’s head.)

King: Ingriðr, will you now swear a binding oath of fealty? 

Ingriðr: Yes Your Majesties, at this time I would swear fealty to the Crown of the Outlands.

King: Bring forth the sword of state

(Swordbearer hands Lightning to His Majesty.)

Ingriðr: 

This day do I render

homage and fealty

to my Sovereign Lord and Lady,

Bela and Nerissa

by Right of Arms,

King and Queen of the Outlands,

who will, from this day forward,

Be my Liege Lord and Lady.

I will remain true in all ways,

serving them faithfully.

This do I swear,

by my honor and the high ideals

which I hold as a Peer of this Realm.

So say I, Ingriðr Rauðkinn.

King: 

We accept your homage and fealty

and pledge to you that from this day forward

until the end of Our Reign

you are Our Liege woman

that We will honor your order

and defend your rights as a Peer,

and that We will protect the trust

that you have placed in Us,

mighty with justice, tempered with mercy.

King:    

Let the scroll be read!

Herald: Reads the scroll

Queen: : Take these symbols with joy, tokens of your Order. Give proof though your deeds, for all shall give you honor.

King: We have sworn lawful and witnessed oaths on the sword, and proclaimed them through words, writing, and seals. Arise Mistress Ingriðr, go now and greet your Peers.

Herald: For Mistress Ingriðr, HIP, HIP,..... (3 cheers).