The Mamet's Tea
A Planting and Harvest Rite
House Ursanaa and the Dyodians have been performing this planting and harvest rite from Dyodian Tradition for as long as anyone can remember. The requirement for participation is generally to have celebrated thirteen of one's Feast Days. However, there is an exception for an Ursanaa woman who is "marked" and is expected to be in line to inherit the title of "Mother" (see Ordination of the Mother. As soon as she is physically capable of participation, generally between the ages of three and five, she is expected to fully participate, even lead the ritual alongside the current "Mother". This ritual is performed on the official annual planting and harvest days, which also mark the celebrations of the First and Second Days of Alcides and Iviarin. Such timing means the celebrations meet the letter of the laws of The Divine Duality, if not entirely their spirit. The Dyodians commonly refer to it as "the festival".
The festival is considered a rite of passage for Dyodians, who take on adult responsibilities after their first time participating. It is quite a simple affair, with those qualifying community members gathering together in an obscure, but natural, out of the way location, then consuming a special tea brewed by the village Mamet, and sharing a meditative experience. Further details are held tightly by the Dyodians, but some information about the Mamet's Tea has been released to us, thanks to the efforts of Nestor Yaromir of Greenhaven. The tea, after all, is the star of this particular tradition.
Components and tools
While the Mother and any heirs in line for the role are decorated over to immerse themselves and other participants in the spirit of the rite, the most important component of this ritual is the Mamet's Tea. The tea kettle and cups are all made of the classic stoneware for which Dyodia is known (see Katafiyo). The Mamet guards the secret recipe for the tea itself closely, so we have historically needed to rely upon our own senses to try and discern its composition. Now, we have more information about its main ingredients, via Nestor Yaromir.
Each ingredient is locally harvested in or near Greenhaven. Some are foraged from the wilds, some are grown. The primary component is a powerful hallucinogenic fungi that is foraged in certain forests in Dyodia, then sun-dried for eight months and cellar-aged for twelve more. Unfortunately, the Dyodians will not part with further details about its location, appearance, or other qualities. It is ground into a fine powder before steeping. Several other ingredients are added to the powder to refine its taste and smell. The two of which we have detailed knowledge are spices commonly known as cinnamon and pepper, and both are grown commercially in Dyodia and Myrea. One other ingredient is a flowering herb of which we have only heard the rumor that it has the most beautiful, vividly purple, flowers.
Overall, the Mamet's tea is said to have a strong, earthy scent, and a sweet but spicy flavor profile. But it is not the taste which earned it its place of importance in Dyodian Tradition.
by Klara Avsenik
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