Planting in Cold Ash

Ash Yams are an integral part of Dwarf culture, and the ceremony known as 'Planting in Cold Ash' deeply connected to this musty tuberous vegetable, as it is the main time and way they are planted in most areas.

Dwarves see Forges as cornerstones in their culture, and in this way they choose to include them in agriculture as well. In a similar way, dwarves that choose cremation for their remains are used to fertilize the Ash Yams, as a way to continue providing for and staying within the community.

Ash yams, once of an appropriate age and size, are harvested, sliced and roased, then eaten either in daily life or at grand festivals.

History

This tradition is nearly as old as Dwarven culture. Beginning somewhere around -700 CE, it was originally a practical way to use the otherwise carbon and metal-heavy ashes from a forge, as agriculture was difficult for the Dwarves in the deserts and badlands of their homelands.

Execution

'Planting in Cold Ash' occurs 6 to 10 times a year, depending upon the size of the populace involved. When the event occurs, dwarvish families from the surrounding area come to a central location and scatter the ashes of their forges and funeral pyres across a field. The following day a dwarf Forge-Cleric consecrates the land, and people begin planting Ash Yam cuttings or seedlings.

In areas where viable farmland cannot be spared, dwarven communities instead plant new seedlings in wooden boxes outside their dwellings, or beside the forges the ash originated from.

After 2 to 5 years these yams may be harvested, and the field used again for a following ceremony.

Participants

The common folk of a dwarvish community, bringing ashes from forge and funeral.

A Forge-Cleric, to complete the ceremony, blessing the land.

Farmers bringing Ash Yam starts.

Observance

Dates for the ceremony are typically decided upon by the community leaders 2 to 4 months in advance, and there are public notices put up in dwarf-heavy areas of the town.