Tiefling Wedding Traditions
‘Indulgence’ is considered the norm within tiefling societies. There are no negative connotations with casual physical relationships, or extramarital affairs. Marriages constitute a more spiritual connection, due to the belief of passing onto the Nine Hells together. When a child is conceived outside of a marriage, they will typically refer to their parents as “bloodfather” or “soulfather” (shezmu-vizier or ba-vizier), as applicable. The suffix may also be “mother” or “parent” based upon gender. (Mammisi or rekhyt)
History
Marriage
Rather than spoken vows, tieflings sign contracts with their own blood. Every contract is different, but they each outline their promises to the other and expectations for the marriage. This functions much like a prenup, with specifics on how to annul the marriage, and what would cause an annulment. The contract is typically signed before a priest, but if none are available they will seek out an older family member as a witness. The couple also selects a virtue they would like to uphold, and marks the word onto their skin (usually through tattooing, and this occurs privately). Each partner selects the symbol’s placement for the other. In modern day, many also exchange rings to more clearly mark who is and is not married, as rings are a more recognizable tradition in society, and the symbols may be hard or unconventional to display in public. Rubies are the traditional gemstone, but other varieties are common to better match individual shades. Ceremonial gifts are also exchanged between the wedding parties, which usually consist of relatives and close friends. Aside from noble or wealthy tieflings, most ceremonies will be smaller and more private affairs between families. For the noble and/or wealthy, they are expected to emulate the more ostentatious weddings of archdevils and to hold larger ceremonies. As most tieflings do not have last names, it is common for one to change their name to better match their partner’s name.
Divorce/Annulment Culture
Divorces among tieflings are relatively rare. Before entering into a marriage, it is common for tieflings to spend several years in courtship before officially becoming married. With their longer than average lifespans, spending one to two dozen years in courtship is considered the norm. Cohabitation and having children are also commonplace before marriage, as tieflings do not tie physical relations to marriage and view them as separate bonds to have with others.
Divorce/Annulment Act
To begin a divorce, a tiefling consults with a respected spiritual or personal advisor. The advisor will lead them along a sixty day process, with the annulment officially occurring on the final day. The specifics of the process are pre-written on the marriage contract, and while they vary, they typically include physical and asset separation. Once the period is over, the tiefling will have a final meeting with their advisor and make their verdict.
Although this is the typical process for divorce, exceptions occur. Historically, instant annulment clauses existed within contracts. These usually involved a spouse committing a heinous act, to which the other would respond with immediate annulment; death to the perpetrator. With Aeris’s stricter policies regarding crimes, these clauses have fallen out of use as the government has killed the perpetrator instead.
Following the annulment, many tieflings choose to go through a “soul splitting” process. Although they are no longer married, this process helps an individual process and receive ongoing support.
Rather than spoken vows, tieflings sign contracts with their own blood. Every contract is different, but they each outline their promises to the other and expectations for the marriage. This functions much like a prenup, with specifics on how to annul the marriage, and what would cause an annulment. The contract is typically signed before a priest, but if none are available they will seek out an older family member as a witness. The couple also selects a virtue they would like to uphold, and marks the word onto their skin (usually through tattooing, and this occurs privately). Each partner selects the symbol’s placement for the other. In modern day, many also exchange rings to more clearly mark who is and is not married, as rings are a more recognizable tradition in society, and the symbols may be hard or unconventional to display in public. Rubies are the traditional gemstone, but other varieties are common to better match individual shades. Ceremonial gifts are also exchanged between the wedding parties, which usually consist of relatives and close friends. Aside from noble or wealthy tieflings, most ceremonies will be smaller and more private affairs between families. For the noble and/or wealthy, they are expected to emulate the more ostentatious weddings of archdevils and to hold larger ceremonies. As most tieflings do not have last names, it is common for one to change their name to better match their partner’s name.
Divorce/Annulment Culture
Divorces among tieflings are relatively rare. Before entering into a marriage, it is common for tieflings to spend several years in courtship before officially becoming married. With their longer than average lifespans, spending one to two dozen years in courtship is considered the norm. Cohabitation and having children are also commonplace before marriage, as tieflings do not tie physical relations to marriage and view them as separate bonds to have with others.
Divorce/Annulment Act
To begin a divorce, a tiefling consults with a respected spiritual or personal advisor. The advisor will lead them along a sixty day process, with the annulment officially occurring on the final day. The specifics of the process are pre-written on the marriage contract, and while they vary, they typically include physical and asset separation. Once the period is over, the tiefling will have a final meeting with their advisor and make their verdict.
Although this is the typical process for divorce, exceptions occur. Historically, instant annulment clauses existed within contracts. These usually involved a spouse committing a heinous act, to which the other would respond with immediate annulment; death to the perpetrator. With Aeris’s stricter policies regarding crimes, these clauses have fallen out of use as the government has killed the perpetrator instead.
Following the annulment, many tieflings choose to go through a “soul splitting” process. Although they are no longer married, this process helps an individual process and receive ongoing support.
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