Eliger

First appearance and context

Eliger is first referenced on the eve of Apert (gate-opening ceremony) as an imminent aut (ritual service) signaled by bells. All Tenners (ten-year cohort; see Decenarians) are described as gathering to witness a participant take a vow (binding oath) that binds them to one order within the life of the avout (cloistered scholar).

Role and function

Eliger is the decisive selection and initiation moment when members of the Tenner cohort publicly choose an order and are bound to it by vow. The bell team rings distinctive changes—the call to Eliger—followed by an interval before the aut begins. During the service, an officiant intones the names of those being inducted, and the receiving order conducts the rite (including chant and hymn) as part of the formal welcome.

Relationships and references

• Recruitment and counsel often precede Eliger; for example, an elder from the Order of the New Circle speaks with a prospective participant shortly before the ceremony, illustrating how orders may sound out candidates ahead of the formal choice.
• Usage as time marker: During the Convox (large convocation of avout), avout use the phrase “before Eliger” in conversation to place events relative to the ceremony, indicating its recognized place on the calendar of rites.

Descriptions and characteristics

• Signal: recognizable bell changes cue the community that Eliger is about to be held; after a short interval, the aut begins.
• Conduct: the receiving order leads portions of the service (singing and responses) while an officiant announces the names; specific chants may be used by particular orders.

Current status

Eliger is being celebrated repeatedly at the Concent (cloister community) of Saunt Edhar, with multiple members of the current cohort choosing among the Edharians, the New Circle, and the Reformed Old Faanians. The sequence of auts continues as remaining members make their selections.