The Pinning Ceremony

In Rideis nobility, a youth's transition to manhood is marked by the Pinning Ceremony, both a ritual to mark the subject's coming of age and achievement of full social status, and equally an opportunity to display that new social rank and a family's position and wealth.
This ritual is typically performed when the subject is 14, but it can vary depending on era or political need.

History

For three thousand years, the cream of Rideis youth have marked their ascent to adulthood with the pinning of their hair. In ancient times, this indicated a young man's preparation for war, winding the hair about the head and pinning it out of the way so that it could not be used to hold him (and provided additional padding to protect the skull). As the Rideis became more powerful and more wealthy, and less involved in frequent combat, men's hairstyles became more elaborate, displaying status with an excess of twists and coils. More pins were needed for hairstyles that were, if wholly impractical for battle, highly effective at showing off.
In modern times, hairstyles have become simpler, and dramatic styles are considered old-fashioned at best. They are not disdained for their perceived showing-off; the Rideis of today are still very much engaged in conspicuous consumption. But complicated styles are considered too fussy for today's hedonism.
Occasionally references or callbacks to older styles may be seen in Virilos, who are closest to maintaining the ostentatiousness of previous eras.

Execution

With guests seated in a semi-circle to observe, the child kneels with a dagger and sword lying on the carpet to his right. (A sword-bearer walks to his master's left, carrying the sword on his right, to be ready to his master's hand, so a sword on the right indicates one who is not yet a full warrior.)
The pinner, usually a grandfather or uncle, stands behind him and partially or completely pins the hair in place. When it is finished, the child moved the sword and dagger to his left, symbolically ready, and then he rises to his feet, a man.

Components and tools

A comb is required, carved of fine wood or shell, and then hair pins. These may be simple sticks of wood or iron, or they may be elaborate artistic works of jewelry set with precious stones.

Participants

The man who does the pinning is usually a paternal grandfather or, failing his presence, an uncle. He will wind the hair and then pin it in place. With more complicated styles, he will place the first pin, and then hired professionals will move in to finish the complex task and set additional pins.