Planting of the elements

Oftentime, especially when the times are hard people lean towardss the old, forgotten ways in hopes of turning the fates to their cause. It is not common to see, but when it surfaces it tends to surprise people of the cities. A reminder that there are many cultural gems hidden under that supposedly common patch of earth.

General description

There is a peculiar tradition dating back to the oldest tribes of Ašu, holding to the old ways and connected to the farming habits of their ancestors, commonly refered to as planting of the elements. Depending on the previous season and the need for sun/heat or water/rain, people either take the first embers/ashes from the fireplace or a handful of soil/sand from the first uncovered patch of spring ground and plant it on the spot that would become their farming land for the upcoming season. It is typically accompanied by a prayer and a small offering to the element to be pleased.

Varieties

Often the ritual has several forms. The most common is to refer to the element as a deity and provide it an offering and a short plea or prayer. There are no written rules to obey and people usually follow their gut feeling. A younger version of the tradition mixes in the elements of the cult of the beasts of seasons, predominantly to either Ithrós (connected to Winter and water depths), Svîs (connected to the Spring and brooks) or Tílíâr (connected to Summer and fire).

Malicious intent

When it comes to prayers and needs there is nothing stopping people from lending a "helpful hand" and offering a prayer counter to the actual needs of their neighbours. It serves as one of the many reminders that good relations are key to a peaceful and bountiful life.