- For other uses of the word "green," see Green.
The Green is a common name for the communal gathering area present in many villages throughout the Westlands. Due to the cultural differences between countries and regions, village greens can serve a multitude of purposes, most notably celebrations of the end of winter, the gathering of a harvest, and weddings.[1]
The Green in Emond's Field
The Green in the village of Emond's Field is a broad expanse covered with thick grass in the middle of the community. On its western boundary, visitors will notice the Winespring flowing forth from a low stone outcropping. The spring is the headwater for the Winespring Water which meanders eastward through the Green where it is spanned by two low railed footbridges. The Winespring Inn sits on the west side of the Green next to the Wagon Bridge and the North Road. The Old Road lies nearby on the other side of the bridge.
Economics and Trade
The Green is an important location in Emond's Field where local farmers sell their harvests, usually wool and Tabac, to visiting merchants from Baerlon. Jon Thane the miller, Abell Cauthon a horsetrader, and Haral Luhhan the blacksmith also use the Green to buy and sell items related to their trades when caravans arrive. As a function of his office, Mayor Brandelwyn al'Vere observes all commerce that occurs on the Green to ensure a fair marketplace is provided for all parties.
Weddings
The Green is the location where all weddings are held in Emond's Field. When a betrothed couple is prepared to be married, they will kneel before the Women's Circle in the center of the Green and the Wisdom will lead a ceremony to wed the pair.
Bel Tine
The Green is the focus of the annual Bel Tine celebration marking the first day of spring. The day before the festival, village women old enough to wear a Braid will erect in the mddle of the Green a trimmed ten foot tall trunk of fir called the Spring Pole. Village men who pass by the Green will pretend not to notice what is occuring. On the morning of Bel Tine, village men will act suprised to find the Spring Pole and at noon women will dance around it while decorating it with ribbons as unmarried men sing. In the afternoon villagers will feast while contests of archery, sheepshearing, rope tugging, weight tossing, dancing, singing, fiddle playing, puzzle solving, and riddling are held on the Green. In the evening young girls with newly braided hair and young men of marriageable age are invited to dance together around the Spring Pole.