ji (uŋiˈɾagu)

Ji, directly translated to "family", is a widely accepted, if uncommon, marriage tradition of the Yibiduri. In it, two or more adults, pledge themselves to each other as pengumi, which roughly translates to "life partners". Ji describes the actual union, and, in general, the process of pengumi joining a ji, whether first creating it or joining an existing ji.
Ji is not just the final ceremony of joining. It begins before that and continues long after. As such, there are several formal components and many informal. While the formal components are dictated by Gitchyi va Tsadza traditions, there is room for variation within each ji.
One of the reasons ji has gained the acceptance it has is that it promotes pengumi providing emotional comfort and love to all the other pengumi in the ji. This love and compassion, while not necessarily equal among each pengumi for a given pengu, is usually equally distributed across the ji. It is more than a physical attraction, although that is a component of ji.

History

Ji is a relatively new form of marriage among the Yibiduri, having been introduced a few hundred years ago by the Brides of Shözö. However it was quickly embraced by a few communities had has since spread across Vidapa.

Execution

Courtship

As in many other marriage traditions, a ji, or joining an existing ji, is preceded by a formal (or informal) courtship period. When a ji does not yet exist, this proceeds along similar lines to other marriage traditions, with two people courting one another until eventual marriage. Unlike other traditions, courtship with an existing ji involves the whole family. However, it often begins with a single pengu.
When a pengu meets someone, spends time with them, and grows close to them, as people are wont to do, they can request permission from the ji to begin courting this person as a potential pengu. The begins with making a request of the most senior member or members of the ji, making a case for the inclusion of the potential member.
If the seniors approve, the potential is invited to a family function, generally something informal. During this first encounter with the ji, the potential is evaluated by the existing pengumi, for likability and compatibility with the family. Afterwards, the family will discuss the potential. After several of these events, the senior will either make a decision or call for a vote for the possibility of engagement. In most jimi, this vote must be unanimous. However, the results are not shared with the potential if it is not.
At this point, if the potential has not yet been accepted, and there is only one or two nay vote, the seniors and the initiating pengu will discuss the issues with the dissenters. If a resolution can be made, all is well. If not, then the potential will not be invited to join. However, they are generally allowed to continue to participate in family events, if none are opposed. Eventually, the dissenter may change their mind and the potential invited in.
Regardless of when or how the descision is made, the ji, usually represented by the seniors, formally proposes to the potential.

Engagement

If a potential is accepted, the seniors of the ji invite the potential to a private meeting. In this, the formal proposal is made. The rules and expectations of the ji are shared with the potential and a formal and legally binding agreement is made between the two parties. This agreement generally provides that for some period of time, the engagement, the potential will be accepted as a provisional member of the ji, afforded all rights and priviliges that entails, with the exception of not having a vote (but having a voice) in family business. After some period of time, if no irreconcilable incompatibilities are found, the engagement will end and the marriage consumated.

Marriage

The details of the actual marriage ceremony varies from ji to ji. However, a Gitsupa from the nearest temple of Gitchyi va Tsadza generally presides over a formal ceremony and blesses the binding of the ji to the pengu. This followed by consumation intercourse with either a senior or a designated second.

Separation and Divorce

As with any long term relationship, the compatibility between pengumi may sour. If it gets to the point that the family cannot resolve the problem internally, the seniors may request a temporary separation. If the differences still cannot be resolved, a Gitsuya may be brought in to formally separate a pengu from the ji.

Participants

A pengu is one of the partners within the ji.

Most senior pengu or pengumi (need a name) are considered the head(s) of the family. They are often the originating couple, but for jimi which extend beyond a single generation, often either the eldest member or the ones who has been pengumi to the ji the longest. On occasion, the seniors may designate "heirs".

A gitsupa performs the formal joining ritual.

In the case of separation, a Gitsuya performs the formal separation ritual.

Related Organizations

• Gitchyi va Tsadza

Related Ethnicities

• Yibiduri