Declarations (Kasshi)
The Declarations (wafPazgalai in Classical Kasshian, singular waPazgala) were part of the rite of passage in classical Kasshian society, associated closely with Kasshi Paganism. The Declarations marked ones transition from childhood to adulthood or, less commonly, from one role in adulthood to another role.
Typically beginning at around the age of 17 years[1], a child would be taken under the guidance of the local priestess to be taught the ways of adulthood, and would be encouraged to ask older adults about their roles in society. The priestess would guide them in rituals involving meditation and entheogens to discover their True Self, and find their tonçimili, a sort of guardian spirit or patron deity. Upon reaching the age of 20[2], they would be encouraged to formally declare the role they intended to take in society, the gender they would take, and to choose a new name. It was expected that the Declaration would be made some time before the 21st birthday, though it was permitted to wait longer. Though, if one waited more than two or three years, there would tend to be a great deal of pressure to choose something. Once a role was accepted, it was difficult, though not impossible, to change that role. It was considered especially understandable if the role initially chosen was the same as one's parents and the new role was significantly different, as it was understood that it could be hard to break away from one's childhood experiences. The term Declaration was used for any such declaration of a new role. In the case of a later change in adulthood, they were distinguished simply as "First Declaration" and "Later Declaration"
Once one had made their Declaration, the new role was formally marked through a number of symbols. Clothing changed from childhood styles to styles associated with the new adult role, or from styles associated with the old role to styles associated with the new role in the case of a later-life change, and the old name was no longer used[3].
In the case of a First Declaration, it would also be followed by tattooing. There were certain tattoo patterns associated with every societal role, with two exceptions: slaves and priestesses were not tattooed. Slaves did not undergo the Declaration ritual. In the event of a slave gaining or being granted their freedom, they would then make a Declaration within a few years of being freed. Immediately after being freed, their new status would be marked with a specific tattoo, and their clothing would change. In a Later Declaration, there would be further tattooing to indicate the change of status. Certain other life events were marked by tattoos. A basic summary of one's life history could be seen by tattoos.
