Phekhamud

General introduction

The Phekhamud is probably the most important drink a Dzel Luak consumes in his or her entire life. It is prepared about one year after a Dzel Luaks' birth, a time by which the infant death rate decreases significantly, so only by then do they recieve a name and become recognized as an actual individual. This marks the time of a ritual called mekakh, that is basically the birth ceremony for the child. The birth ceremony for the mother is held shortly after birth, as she is of course seen as a full being and thus can be subject to a ritual.

Process of production and use

The mekakh involves, besides the bestowal of a name to the child, the preparation and blessing of a special scoby culture by the Priest of the Mushrooms and a special kind of sweetened infusion of herbs, both of which put into a capsule made of Elkhankhadz. This is then stored in special storages on a very low temperature. After a certain period of time, when the Dzel Luak is mature enough, so between 15-18 years, the capsule is brought forth again for the marriage ceremony. By that time the scoby has slowly fermented the herbal infusion, turning it into Phekhalamud (literally 'half-Phekhamud'). The individual Dzel Luak's Phekhalamud is mixed with the partner's Phekhalamud to make Phekhamud. This is then drunk for the marriage ceremony. This is their equivalent for what for example exchanging rings means in other cultures.

Cultural significance

The importance of this long-lasting and compound ritual cannot be underestimated. The preparation of the fresh Phekhalamud marks the time when the individual is actually recognised as such and takes a place as a full fledged being in its tribe. Then, during its second employment, the ferment affirms the transition from a mere individual in the tribe to a grown up and mature member of society, able and entitled to take on meaningful tasks, roles and responsibilities.