dätsini

Dätsini is a traditional communal ceremony practiced by the coastal communities of the archipelago of Alsara in the fictional world of Valara. It combines weaving, song, and storytelling into a ritual that accompanies the harvest and the transition to winter. The term, from the Alsani language, is commonly translated as 'binding memory' or 'weave of memory.'

Etymology and origins: The word is formed from däts- 'to bind' and ini, a nominal suffix used for processes. Linguists place its earliest references in poetry from coastal villages dating to the early centuries of Alsaran writing, though the ritual likely predates written records. The practice varies slightly between islands, but the core meaning remains memory preservation through craft.

During Dätsini, participants gather at the communal loom square to begin weaving a large tapestry that tells the community's genealogies and legends. Elders recite verses in call-and-response form while weavers work, and younger participants perform simple stitches as signs of initiation. A procession carries the finished tapestry to the central hall for display through winter.

Materials and methods: The tapestry uses locally grown fibers such as hemp and flax, dyed with natural substances from seaweed, oak bark, and mineral pigments. Patterns mix geometric motifs with symbolic images representing ancestors and protectors. Craftsmanship is highly valued, and master weavers train apprentices over many seasons.

Modern status: Dätsini is maintained as a living tradition, with ceremonial dates published by regional cultural councils. It attracts researchers and artists who document its ritual speech and weaving techniques. Some communities stage Dätsini at festivals to preserve intangible heritage within and beyond Alsara.