Blackened Hands

History

This particular Laeonesse tradition began shortly after the ravaging of Tyr Coll. Those who saw the smoke and flames from Gwyddard and Yns Draig mourned the tragedy by blackening their hands with charcoal and ash (the latter of which was omitted in later years as the tradition was refined).

Execution

Upon the death of a loved one--a spouse, child, relative, dear friend, mentor, role-model--or some other major, personal loss, Laeonesse mourners coat their hands, using charcoal from their hearth, past the wrist and about halfway to the elbow. The charcoal is reapplied each morning for four days, after which the mourner allows the blackness to gradually fade.

Components and tools

Charcoal from a hearth: used to blacken the hands of a mourner (applied partway up the forearm).

Participants

Individuals participate as appropriate.

Observance

It is recognized that the end of this ritual does not signify the true end of a person’s mourning. Time and family and purpose is a greater healer than the mere reduction of timber and a greater comfort besides. However, the heart of this tradition manifests the lingering pain that persists after a great personal tragedy. Charcoal is messy, after all, and the traces that are left behind--on clothes, dishes, tools, faces, friends--as one goes about their everyday life are physical representations of the way the death of a loved one casts a dim shadow over those they left behind.

Since the aim is to mourn, heal, and continue with life after death visits, it is looked down upon for a person to blacken their hands longer than the four prescribed days.

Primary Related Location

Isles of Laeonesse

Related Ethnicities

• Laeonessai