Bolian Ocean Day Celebrations

The anchor point of all Bolian life ceremonies is the Ocean Day. Some number of days after being born, Bolian babies are taken to the nearest body of water, traditionally at a high tide, and as part of a ceremony, their names are publicly announced for the first time and they are given their first swim.

Origin

Bolarus IX is a place where water is always nearby and it plays a huge element in Bolian culture, language, and art. Being natural swimmers, the first introduction of the Bolian baby to the home waters is a pivotal event, permanently attaching the baby to that place. Many parents would commission a Water Sculpture to commemorate the occasion.

Timing

There is no set time period between birth and the Ocean Day. It is more a calculation of practicality. How long the Mother needs to recover is an essential element, especially since twins and triplets are very common for Bolians. Also if there are family and friends traveling, this would also be considered. Ten to twenty days would all be considered normal. In the interregnum, the babies stay in the birthing room with the Mother and whoever is assisting in care.

Ceremony

The Ocean Day ceremony would be open to all, including friends and even acquaintances. The events begin early in the day with the consultation of the tide tables. Even though the time of the high tide is known well in advance, this ancient practice is kept for tradition.

At the appointed hour, the family begins a processional to the nearest body of water. Despite the name, lakes, rivers, even streams can be used. The processional is traditionally done on foot, and for the most authentic experience, barefoot. The procession is timed to arrive at the highest tide of the day. Any and all siblings born together would have the same ceremony.

Upon the waters edge, the parents issue a welcome and an invited orator gives the lineage of the children. When arriving at the end, the orator asks for the names to be given and the parents respond. Some Bolians give their babies temporary names until the Ocean Day, while others use the names that the parents had already selected. However such names are never shared outside the immediate family until the Ocean Day ceremony.

After receiving their names, the babies are slowly introduced into the water and they take their first swim. It can be very brief, only a moment or two. If the weather is good and waters still, the babies can be let to frolic longer. Bolians are natural swimmers and take to the water easily and with safety. This introduction to the water is counted by Bolians as their moment of birth and their age calculations are taken from this time.

After the first swim, the family and friends are invited in for a communal swim and frolic as well. Food, drink, and singing commence thereafter until late in the day. Sundown would be the traditional end of the ceremony.

Adaptations

As Bolians went into space, several adaptations were made to keep the tradition alive. A pool or other similar construct may be used for the ceremony. Holodecks also are an appropriate adaptation.