-|Ceremonies - What To Expect and Words To Say|-
Kit to Apprentice Ceremony
The Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting to appoint a new Apprentice and assign a Mentor to him/her. The Kit is then called to the Highrock by the Clan Leader to sit on a white-rabbit's pelt, facing the Moon.The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: (Kit), you have reached the age of nine moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your Warrior Name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your Mentor will be (name of Warrior). I hope (name of Warrior) will pass down all he/she knows on to you.
The Clan Leader calls up the Warrior he/she has chosen as a Mentor.
Leader: (Warrior), you are ready to take on an Apprentice. You had received excellent training from (former Mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the Mentor of (Apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to (Apprentice).
The Mentor pounces up to the Highrock to touch noses with the Apprentice, and the Clan greets the new Apprentice by calling out his/her name. After this, the Apprentice will usually go greet their family, or go see to their Mentor.
Apprentice to Lead Warrior/Warrior/Patroller Ceremony
An Apprenticeship usually lasts nine moons or more. Once the Mentor is satisfied with the apprentice's progress and skills, he or she recommends them to the Leader of the Clan. Then, the Apprentice must pass an assessment, when their abilities as a Warrior are checked. In cases when an Apprentice has just made an important contribution to the Clan, the Clan Leader may decide that there is no need for an assessment (e.g. After Echopaw saved the Clan Kits, after Brackenpaw fighting courageously or Thistlepaw warning the Clan or nearby danger).
If the Clan Leader is satisfied, he or she calls a Clan Meeting and calls the Apprentice to step forward. The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: I, (Leader), Leader of NightClan, call upon my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend (him/her) to you as a Warrior in (his/her) turn.
Leader: (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Leader: Then by the powers of MoonClan, I give you your Warrior Name. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new Warrior Name). MoonClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full Warrior of NightClan.
The Leader rests his or her muzzle on the Apprentice's head, and he or she licks the Leader's shoulder. The rest of the Clan then greets the new Warrior by calling him or her by their new name. The Warrior will sit a silent vigil guarding the camp that night, except if that is not possible (such as when the Clan is not in its original base or camp).
Apprentice to Medicine Cat Ceremony
Apprenticeship for Medicine Cats usually lasts much longer than those for Warriors. The Cat must learn about all available Herbs And Remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries.
Once the Clan's Medicine Cat is satisfied with the Apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool). This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: I, (name), Medicine Cat of NightClan, call upon my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a Medicine Cat, and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons.
Medicine Cat: (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a Medicine Cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all Cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of MoonClan I give you your true name as a Medicine Cat., (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). MoonClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full Medicine Cat of NightClan.
The Medicine Cat rests his or her muzzle on the Apprentice's head, and he or she licks the Mentor's shoulder. The other Medicine Cats greet him or her by their new name.
Dying Apprentice to MoonClan Warrior Ceremony
When an Apprentice is on the verge of death and has proven him/herself to be worthy of a Warrior Name, there is a special ceremony used so that the Apprentice may take a Warrior Name to MoonClan.
Leader: I ask my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/She) has learned the Warrior Code and given up (his/her) life in the service of (his/her) Clan. Let MoonClan receive (him/her) as a Warrior. (He/She) will be known as (new name).
Deputy/Lead Warrior/Warrior/Patroller/Queen to Elder Ceremony
An aging Warrior, Queen, or Medicine Cat may retire as an Elder due to own initiative, when they feel they cannot help the Clan efficiently any more. A Cat may also retire if they are hindered from serving their Clan through old age, illness, or injury. They report this to the Clan Leader, who calls a Clan Meeting and addresses the Cat.
Leader: (Retiring Cat), is it your wish to give up the name of a (Rank) and go to join the Elders?
(Retiring Cat): It is.
Leader: Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon MoonClan to give you many moons of rest.
The Clan will call out the retired Cat's name and then he/she will go to the Elder's den. An Elder may receive a completely different name, with a different ceremony, than keeping their previous name. This ceremony is also used for other reasons, such as when a retiring Cat has his/her look completely changed (e.g. half of the retiring Cat's face got tore away by a Cat or predator).
Warrior to Co-Deputy Ceremony
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I say these words before MoonClan, so that the spirits of our Warrior Ancestors and (former Co-Deputy Name) may hear and approve my choice. The new Co-Deputy of NightClan is (chosen Warrior's Name).
Co-Deputy to Deputy Ceremony
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I say these words before MoonClan, so that the spirits of our Warrior Ancestors (or former Deputy Name) may hear and approve my choice. The new Deputy of NightClan is (former Co-Deputy Name).
Warrior to Medicine Cat Ceremony
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I, (name), Leader of NightClan, call upon my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Warrior. He/She has claimed to believe to walk the path of a Medicine Cat, and heal sick or injured Cats, no matter NightClan or not.
Leader: (Warrior's Name), is it your wish to give up the name of Warrior and become a NightClan Medicine Cat?
(Warrior): It is.
Leader: Then by the powers of MoonClan, you will become the Clan's Medicine Cat, and look to the Medicine Cat Code. You will heal sick or injured Cats or the Clan, or others whom isn't a member of NightClan. At midnight, you will go to the Moonstone to receive your training from your Warrior Ancestors. You will now be known as (Warrior's Name), NightClan's Medicine Cat.
The newly-appointed Medicine Cat will then bow his/her head. At midnight, he/she will travel to the Moonstone to receive his/her approval from MoonClan.
Name-Changing Ceremony
This ceremony is usually performed when a Cat would like to change his/her Clan-Name to a completely new one (e.g. Lostsoul to Ashfoot).
The Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting and brings the Cat who will be changing his/her name onto the Highrock, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: Spirits of MoonClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the Cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he/she is. By my authority as Clan Leader, and with the approval of our Warrior Ancestors, I give this Cat a new name. From this moment he/she will be known as (new name).
The Clan Leader looks straight into the Cat's eyes. The newly-named Cat will then give the Clan Leader a lick on the forehead.
The Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting to appoint a new Apprentice and assign a Mentor to him/her. The Kit is then called to the Highrock by the Clan Leader to sit on a white-rabbit's pelt, facing the Moon.The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: (Kit), you have reached the age of nine moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your Warrior Name, you will be known as (new name, ending with "paw"). Your Mentor will be (name of Warrior). I hope (name of Warrior) will pass down all he/she knows on to you.
The Clan Leader calls up the Warrior he/she has chosen as a Mentor.
Leader: (Warrior), you are ready to take on an Apprentice. You had received excellent training from (former Mentor), and you have shown yourself to be (quality) and (quality). You will be the Mentor of (Apprentice), and I expect you to pass on all you know to (Apprentice).
The Mentor pounces up to the Highrock to touch noses with the Apprentice, and the Clan greets the new Apprentice by calling out his/her name. After this, the Apprentice will usually go greet their family, or go see to their Mentor.
Apprentice to Lead Warrior/Warrior/Patroller Ceremony
An Apprenticeship usually lasts nine moons or more. Once the Mentor is satisfied with the apprentice's progress and skills, he or she recommends them to the Leader of the Clan. Then, the Apprentice must pass an assessment, when their abilities as a Warrior are checked. In cases when an Apprentice has just made an important contribution to the Clan, the Clan Leader may decide that there is no need for an assessment (e.g. After Echopaw saved the Clan Kits, after Brackenpaw fighting courageously or Thistlepaw warning the Clan or nearby danger).
If the Clan Leader is satisfied, he or she calls a Clan Meeting and calls the Apprentice to step forward. The following words are used, by tradition:
Leader: I, (Leader), Leader of NightClan, call upon my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend (him/her) to you as a Warrior in (his/her) turn.
Leader: (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the Warrior Code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Leader: Then by the powers of MoonClan, I give you your Warrior Name. (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new Warrior Name). MoonClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full Warrior of NightClan.
The Leader rests his or her muzzle on the Apprentice's head, and he or she licks the Leader's shoulder. The rest of the Clan then greets the new Warrior by calling him or her by their new name. The Warrior will sit a silent vigil guarding the camp that night, except if that is not possible (such as when the Clan is not in its original base or camp).
Apprentice to Medicine Cat Ceremony
Apprenticeship for Medicine Cats usually lasts much longer than those for Warriors. The Cat must learn about all available Herbs And Remedies, and the treatment of diseases and injuries.
Once the Clan's Medicine Cat is satisfied with the Apprentice's knowledge, they go to the Clans' sacred place (such as the Moonstone or Moonpool). This is the only ceremony that is not performed by the Leader. The following words are used, by tradition:
Medicine Cat: I, (name), Medicine Cat of NightClan, call upon my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/she) has trained hard to understand the ways of a Medicine Cat, and with your help (he/she) will serve (his/her) Clan for many moons.
Medicine Cat: (Apprentice), do you promise to uphold the ways of a Medicine Cat, to stand apart from rivalry between Clan and Clan and to protect all Cats equally, even at the cost of your life?
Apprentice: I do.
Medicine Cat: Then by the powers of MoonClan I give you your true name as a Medicine Cat., (Apprentice), from this moment you will be known as (new name). MoonClan honors your (virtues), and we welcome you as a full Medicine Cat of NightClan.
The Medicine Cat rests his or her muzzle on the Apprentice's head, and he or she licks the Mentor's shoulder. The other Medicine Cats greet him or her by their new name.
Dying Apprentice to MoonClan Warrior Ceremony
When an Apprentice is on the verge of death and has proven him/herself to be worthy of a Warrior Name, there is a special ceremony used so that the Apprentice may take a Warrior Name to MoonClan.
Leader: I ask my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Apprentice. (He/She) has learned the Warrior Code and given up (his/her) life in the service of (his/her) Clan. Let MoonClan receive (him/her) as a Warrior. (He/She) will be known as (new name).
Deputy/Lead Warrior/Warrior/Patroller/Queen to Elder Ceremony
An aging Warrior, Queen, or Medicine Cat may retire as an Elder due to own initiative, when they feel they cannot help the Clan efficiently any more. A Cat may also retire if they are hindered from serving their Clan through old age, illness, or injury. They report this to the Clan Leader, who calls a Clan Meeting and addresses the Cat.
Leader: (Retiring Cat), is it your wish to give up the name of a (Rank) and go to join the Elders?
(Retiring Cat): It is.
Leader: Your Clan honors you and all the service you have given to us. I call upon MoonClan to give you many moons of rest.
The Clan will call out the retired Cat's name and then he/she will go to the Elder's den. An Elder may receive a completely different name, with a different ceremony, than keeping their previous name. This ceremony is also used for other reasons, such as when a retiring Cat has his/her look completely changed (e.g. half of the retiring Cat's face got tore away by a Cat or predator).
Warrior to Co-Deputy Ceremony
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I say these words before MoonClan, so that the spirits of our Warrior Ancestors and (former Co-Deputy Name) may hear and approve my choice. The new Co-Deputy of NightClan is (chosen Warrior's Name).
Co-Deputy to Deputy Ceremony
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I say these words before MoonClan, so that the spirits of our Warrior Ancestors (or former Deputy Name) may hear and approve my choice. The new Deputy of NightClan is (former Co-Deputy Name).
Warrior to Medicine Cat Ceremony
The Leader calls a Clan Meeting, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: I, (name), Leader of NightClan, call upon my Warrior Ancestors to look down on this Warrior. He/She has claimed to believe to walk the path of a Medicine Cat, and heal sick or injured Cats, no matter NightClan or not.
Leader: (Warrior's Name), is it your wish to give up the name of Warrior and become a NightClan Medicine Cat?
(Warrior): It is.
Leader: Then by the powers of MoonClan, you will become the Clan's Medicine Cat, and look to the Medicine Cat Code. You will heal sick or injured Cats or the Clan, or others whom isn't a member of NightClan. At midnight, you will go to the Moonstone to receive your training from your Warrior Ancestors. You will now be known as (Warrior's Name), NightClan's Medicine Cat.
The newly-appointed Medicine Cat will then bow his/her head. At midnight, he/she will travel to the Moonstone to receive his/her approval from MoonClan.
Name-Changing Ceremony
This ceremony is usually performed when a Cat would like to change his/her Clan-Name to a completely new one (e.g. Lostsoul to Ashfoot).
The Clan Leader calls a Clan Meeting and brings the Cat who will be changing his/her name onto the Highrock, and performs the ceremony by announcing these words:
Leader: Spirits of MoonClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the Cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he/she is. By my authority as Clan Leader, and with the approval of our Warrior Ancestors, I give this Cat a new name. From this moment he/she will be known as (new name).
The Clan Leader looks straight into the Cat's eyes. The newly-named Cat will then give the Clan Leader a lick on the forehead.