Editing Customs

This article is about the known '''customs''' in the [[known world]]. Most information will reflect the customs as they are in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], though customs as they are elsewhere will be stated whenever possible.

==Monarchy and Nobility==
{{see also|Law and justice}}
In the [[Seven Kingdoms]], all authority derives from the [[King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men]],{{Ref|AGOT|20}} and his most powerful advisor serves as [[Hand of the King]]. When the king is sick, or unable to attend court sessions, the Hand can take his place and sit on the [[Iron Throne]] to dispense justice.{{Ref|AGOT|4}} Additionally, nobles are charged with keeping the [[king's peace]].{{Ref|AGOT|43}} In the king’s name, they can punish criminals.{{Ref|AGOT|1}}

It is possible for the king to redistribute lands and grant titles of nobility as he sees fit; He may also sign bills of [[w:attainder|attainder]] to strip lords of their lands and incomes.{{Ref|ASOS|72}} A lord can conceivably hold more than one title; However, it is unusual for noble holdings to be divided or combined.<Ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Land_Ownership_and_Marriage_in_Westeros/ Land Ownership and Marriage in Westeros], December 19, 1999</Ref> Younger siblings of a lord can become bannerman to their sibling, and hold a keep in his name.{{Ref|AGOT|1}} Territorial disputes between landowners are adjudicated, either by the liege lord{{Ref|TSS}} or the king or his Hand.{{Ref|AGOT|45}}

On extremely rare occasions, the lords of the kingdom may be gathered together to decide some great matter. The first of these [[Great Council]]s was convened in {{Date|101}}, when King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]] found himself unable to decide on who to name his heir. The last Great Council was convened was in {{date|233}}, when King [[Maekar I Targaryen]] died without having named a new heir.{{Ref|ACOK|8}}

===Social Ranks===
:{{Main|Feudalism}}
The Seven Kingdoms is a [[feudalism|feudal society]]. Below the king and the royal family ([[House Baratheon of King's Landing]] and historically [[House Targaryen]]) rank the [[Great Houses]] (Houses [[House Arryn|Arryn]], [[House Baratheon|Baratheon of Storm's End]], [[House Greyjoy|Greyjoy]], [[House Lannister|Lannister]], [[House Martell|Martell]], [[House Stark|Stark]], [[House Tully|Tully]], and [[House Tyrell|Tyrell]]), followed by other noble houses, both greater and small, [[knight]]s (including [[landed knight]]s, [[household knight]]s, and [[hedge knight]]s), and [[smallfolk|commoners]]. Nobles are addressed as "my lord" by other highborns, or "m'lord" by the [[smallfolk]].{{Ref|ADWD|32}} Commoners might be addressed as goodwoman or goodman.{{Ref|AGOT|41}}

Every noble house has a house motto, while a [[coat of arms]] can be used by both nobility and knights as a sign of status and identification (e.g. on the battlefield). Both nobles and knights can be ransomed, so in battle it might be preferred to capture them instead of killing them. Three hundred [[currency|golden dragons]] is considered to be a fair ransom for a knight,{{Ref|ASOS|44}} whereas a nobleman’s son might be ransomed for three thousand golden dragons.{{Ref|ADWD|19}} A noble prisoner can be treated with honor and be kept in isolation in rooms as his status requires. However, making offense can result in the loss of the right for such honorable treatment. 

At feasts, great honor can be given to a guest by seating him or her on the dais,{{Ref|AGOT|29}}{{Ref|ASOS|60}} with the place of highest honor being on the right side of the host.{{Ref|ADWD|38}}{{Ref|AGOT|53}}{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}{{Ref|ACOK|24}}{{Ref|ACOK|57}} Being seated at the far end of the hall, far from the dais, however, is regarded as a place of little honor and regard.{{Ref|ASOS|7}}{{Ref|AGOT|46}} When a lord presides over a feast, he receives first choice of all dishes. He might send some of the especially fine dishes down to specific guests, showing friendship and respect.{{Ref|ACOK|21}}

==Inheritance==
Inheritance laws in the [[Seven Kingdoms]] are not clear cut. According to [[George R. R. Martin]], 
{{Quote|The short answer is that the laws of inheritance in the Seven Kingdoms are modelled on those in real medieval history... which is to say, they were vague, uncodified, subject to varying interpretations, and often contradictory.<ref name=HW>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Category/C91/P210/ The Hornwood Inheritance and the Whents], November 02, 1999</ref>}}

Male-preference [[w:primogeniture|primogeniture]] is customary, but not binding, for most nobles.<ref>Ran at [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/120966-errors-in-the-woiaf/&page=4#comment-6801531 A Forum of Ice and Fire]: "Primogeniture is customary, but not binding... especially not to a king. We have other examples of people being passed over, or potentially passed over, for others."</ref> A man's eldest son is his heir, followed by his second son, then his third son, and so on. In theory, the youngest son is followed in the line of succession by the eldest daughter, after whom come her sisters in birth order.{{Ref|AGOT|63}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}}

[[Andal]] tradition holds that the rights of a trueborn son come before those of a daughter.{{ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} In most of the Seven Kingdoms, including the [[Iron Islands]] and the [[north]], a man's daughter inherits before her father's brother.<ref group="N">[[Asha Greyjoy]]: "[[Euron Greyjoy|The elder brother]] comes before [[Victarion Greyjoy|the younger]]. But I am the child of King [[Balon Greyjoy|Balon's]] body, so I come before you both." (''A Feast for Crows'', [[A Feast for Crows-Chapter 18|The Iron Captain]])</ref>{{ref|AFFC|18}}<ref group="N">[[Alys Karstark]]: "My brother [[Harrion Karstark|Harry]] is the rightful lord, and by law I am his heir. A daughter comes before [[Arnolf Karstark|an uncle]]." (''A Dance With Dragons'', [[A Dance with Dragons-Chapter 44|Jon IX]])</ref>{{Ref|ADWD|44}} Members of [[House Frey]], however, have omitted daughters when discussing their line of succession.{{ref|ACOK|35}}{{ref|ASOS|Epilogue}}{{ref|AFFC|44}} Additionally, no distinction is made between sons and daughters in [[Dorne]], where children inherit in order of birth regardless of gender, as per [[Rhoynish]] custom.{{Ref|AGOT|Appendix}}{{ref|TWOIAF|Dorne: Queer Customs of the South}} In the case of an inheriting female, her last name will be passed on to her children, instead of the name of her husband.{{Ref|ASOS|Appendix}}<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/The_Martell_Names_Inheritance The Martell Name’s Inheritance], June 13, 2001</ref>

A lord has the option of naming one of his younger sons heir, passing over his elder children,{{Ref|AGOT|59}} or to name the child of another as his heir.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} When a ruling lord dies and leaves no clear heir, his widow might lay claim upon his lands and rule until her own death (e.g., Lady [[Donella Hornwood]] and Lady [[Barbrey Dustin]]), and in such a case, might name an heir by herself.{{Ref|ADWD|37}}

A lord may lay out specific terms for inheritance or pass over their offspring in his will, which may invite legal wrangling after their death, and potentially violence during it. For instance, Lord [[Tywin Lannister]] preferred his elder son, Ser [[Jaime Lannister]], to be the heir to [[Casterly Rock]], and as such refused to acknowledge the claim of his younger son, [[Tyrion Lannister|Tyrion]], despite custom disqualifying Jaime due to being a member of the [[Kingsguard]].{{Ref|ASOS|4}} Another example is Lord [[Wyman Webber]], who declared in his will that his daughter and only heir, [[Rohanne Webber|Rohanne]], had to be wed by a specifically determined time in order to keep her inheritance. If she were to remain unwed passed the determined date, her inheritance was set to pass on to another relative.{{Ref|TSS}} Lady [[Jeyne Arryn]] also wrote a last testament stating that her rebellious cousin, Ser [[Arnold Arryn|Arnold]] and his son [[Eldric Arryn|Eldric]] should be passed over for her more distant cousin, Ser [[Joffrey Arryn|Joffrey]]. However, a war of succession in the [[Vale of Arryn|Vale]] ensued upon her death, between Arnold, Joffrey, and another claimant, [[Isembard Arryn]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

The role of legitimized [[Bastardy|bastards]] throughout the Seven Kingdoms is also unclear i.e., whether they follow trueborn children, or join the line of succession in order of birth as if they had been trueborn all along.<ref name=HW/> Legitimization, once made, is irreversible.{{Ref|ASOS|45}} The claims of legitimized bastards can present dangerous consequences for trueborn relatives, a famous example being the claim of the legitimized bastard son of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]], [[Daemon I Blackfyre]], whose descendants sought to claim the [[Iron Throne]] from Aegon’s trueborn descendants for five generations.{{Ref|ASOS|45}} While unlegitimized bastards have no legal claim,{{Ref|ASOS|45}} they may still threaten legitimate descendants' inheritance. The illegitimate [[Jon Snow]]'s decision to join the [[Night's Watch]] pleases [[Catelyn Stark]], because Jon will never father children who might contest her grandchildren's inheritance of [[Winterfell]].{{Ref|AGOT|6}}

Heirs born into a different house drop their birth surname when they come into their inheritance, adopting the name of the inherited house as their own. For example,  [[Joffrey Lannister|Joffrey Lydden]] adopted the name Lannister upon marrying the heiress of that house,{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Westerlands}} while the possibility of [[Beren Tallhart]] adopting the [[House Hornwood|Hornwood]] name upon inheriting the Hornwood lands is considered.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}

When there is no clear heir, claims can be presented to the king.{{Ref|ACOK|16}}{{Ref|ADWD|Epilogue}}

===Loss of succession right===
The right of succession may be renounced. A famous example is Prince [[Duncan Targaryen]], the eldest son of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]], who broke his betrothal to marry [[Jenny of Oldstones]]. When made to choose between his right to the throne and his wife, Duncan renounced his claim, making his younger brother, [[Jaehaerys II Targaryen|Jaehaerys]], the new heir.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon V}}{{Ref|ADWD|67}}

A king or lord can also name another as his heir. For example, King [[Aerys II Targaryen]] named his younger son, Prince [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]], as his heir over his grandson, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Rhaegar)|Aegon]], following the death of his eldest son, Prince [[Rhaegar Targaryen|Rhaegar]], Aegon's father.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Fall of the Dragons: The End}} Lord [[Walder Frey]] threatens to name his youngest son as his heir, passing over all other sons and (great)grandsons.{{Ref|AGOT|59}} However, even in such cases, claims might still be made later on.

Right of succession is also lost when someone becomes a member of the Night's Watch,{{Ref|AGOT|6}} a [[septon]], a [[septa]], a [[silent sister]], a [[maester]], or joins the [[Kingsguard]]. Traitors may be attainted, in which case even his descendants would lose their right to succeed.

===Inheritance of the Iron Throne===
Inheritance customs for the Iron Throne differ from the inheritance customs in the rest of Westeros. The inheritance rights of females with regard to the Iron Throne have changed over the years, as a result of several power struggles.

Females have, over the years, been declared heir to the throne, both directly and indirectly. When King [[Aegon I Targaryen]]'s eldest grandchild, Princess [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Aenys I)|Rhaena Targaryen]], was born in {{Date|23}}, she was regarded as second in line to the throne (her father, Prince [[Aenys I Targaryen|Aenys Targaryen]], being King Aegon's immediate heir), placed before her father’s half-brother [[Maegor I Targaryen|Maegor]] in the line of succession.<ref name=sons>[http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/115696-spoilers-sons-of-the-dragon-reading-at-loncon-today/&do=findComment&comment=6134038 The Sons of the Dragon reading notes (August 16, 2014)]</ref> Upon the birth of Aenys's second child, Prince [[Aegon Targaryen (son of Aenys I)|Aegon Targaryen]], Aegon became the first in line after Aenys.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} When King [[Maegor I Targaryen]] was still childless in {{Date|47}}, he named his niece, Princess [[Aerea Targaryen]], as his heir.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maegor I}} And in {{Date|105}}, following the death of his newborn son, King [[Viserys I Targaryen]] named his daughter [[Rhaenyra Targaryen|Rhaenyra]], his only surviving child at the time, as his heir, had the lords of the realm swear fealty to her, and refused to alter the line of succession even after the birth of three sons in a second marriage.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

However, despite these examples, towards the end of the first century of the Targaryen Dynasty, the first hesitations towards female inheritance of the throne arose. King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen]]'s eldest son, Prince [[Aemon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Aemon Targaryen]], had been the king's heir until his death in {{Date|92}}. Aemon had only had one child, a daughter named [[Rhaenys Targaryen (daughter of Aemon)|Rhaenys]]. When naming his new heir, King Jaehaerys I chose his next eldest son, Prince [[Baelon Targaryen (son of Jaehaerys I)|Baelon]], over Aemon's daughter Rhaenys. When Baelon died in {{Date|101}}, a [[Great Council]] was called, in which the [[Westeros]]i lords voted on the succession. The lords voted for Baelon's son [[Viserys I Targaryen|Viserys]] over Rhaenys's son [[Laenor Velaryon]], by a vote of twenty to one. The lords felt that a male line was preferred over a female line, and believed that a precedent was set stating that the Iron Throne could not pass to a woman, or to the male descendants of a woman.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Jaehaerys I}} Ironically, it was Prince Viserys, by then crowned king, who later disregarded these precedents by naming his daughter [[Rhaenyra Targaryen]] as his heir despite having three healthy sons by a second marriage.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys I}} Viserys's decision would eventually lead to the civil war known as the [[Dance of the Dragons]].

This war began when Viserys I's eldest surviving son, [[Aegon II Targaryen]], claimed the throne after Viserys's death, dividing the loyalties of the kingdoms between Aegon II and Rhaenyra.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Blacks and the Greens}} Aegon II's sons, [[Jaehaerys Targaryen (son of Aegon II)|Jaehaerys]] and [[Maelor Targaryen|Maelor]], both died during the war, as did Rhaenyra's eldest three sons ([[Jacaerys Velaryon|Jacaerys]], [[Lucerys Velaryon|Lucerys]], and [[Joffrey Velaryon]]), while her youngest son, Prince [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys]], was presumed dead.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - The Red Dragon and the Gold}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon II}} In an attempt to end the war, Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]] ensured that Aegon II's only remaining heir, his daughter [[Jaehaera Targaryen|Jaehaera]], was betrothed to Rhaenyra's son, [[Aegon III Targaryen|Aegon the Younger]], and that both were named Aegon II's heirs.<ref>asoiaf.westeros.org: [http://asoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?/topic/139166-aegon-ii-and-aegon-iii/&do=findComment&comment=7552930 Aegon II and Aegon III (April 23)]</ref> While the king agreed to do so, he also arranged a betrothal of his own.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Baratheon }} Even though Aegon II died before fathering any more children, and the marriage between Aegon the Younger and Princess Jaehaera did occur, the marriage ended childless, and Aegon the Younger reigned as monarch as King [[Aegon III Targaryen]] after Jaehaera's death.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}}

The agnatic principle laid down in the Great Council of 101 AC was slightly modified after the Dance of the Dragons. Thereafter, according to a semi-canon source, ''women came after all men in the Targaryen succession,''<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Comic_Con_San_Diego_CA_July_20_232/ Comic Con San Diego (July 23, 2006)]</ref> i.e., women could only succeed if the entire male line of House Targaryen became extinct. Nonetheless, several females claims have since been considered. In {{Date|171}},  following the deaths of Aegon III's two sons  [[Daeron I Targaryen|Daeron I]] and [[Baelor I Targaryen|Baelor I]], both childless, the claims of Aegon III’s three daughters were considered. However, with the Dance of the Dragons still fresh in their minds, the claims of the three women were passed over and Aegon III’s brother [[Viserys II Targaryen|Viserys II]] ascended the throne.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Viserys II}} Another few decades later, King [[Maekar I Targaryen]] died without a clearly established heir. His simple-minded granddaughter [[Vaella Targaryen (daughter of Daeron)|Vaella Targaryen]], the only child of Maekar's [[Daeron Targaryen (son of Maekar I)|eldest son]], was seen as a possible claimant. However, her claim was quickly dismissed.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Maekar I}}{{Ref|ACOK|6}}

In {{Date|283}}, the [[Sack of King's Landing]] during [[Robert's Rebellion]] led to the death of King [[Aerys II Targaryen]]. His sister-wife, Queen [[Rhaella Targaryen]], pregnant with Princess [[Daenerys Targaryen|Daenerys]], was at [[Dragonstone]] with Aerys's surviving son, Prince [[Viserys Targaryen|Viserys]], who was declared king on the island fortress.{{Ref|AWOIAF|Rhaella Targaryen}} [[Robert I Baratheon]], however, acceded the Iron Throne by right of conquest,{{Ref|ACOK|22}} chosen as claimant by the rebels due to his Targaryen descent,{{Ref|AGOT|30}} as he was the grandson of Princess [[Rhaelle Targaryen]], the youngest daughter of King [[Aegon V Targaryen]], {{Ref|AFFC|35}} which gave him the better claim. Nonetheless, the exiled Viserys declared his sister Daenerys his heir, naming her [[Princess of Dragonstone]],{{Ref|AGOT|3}} and following Viserys's death, Daenerys has declared her own claim for the Iron Throne.{{Ref|ACOK|40}}

It is possible that some of the kingdoms of old practiced different customs regarding the inheritance of the throne. The heir of King [[Argilac Durrandon]], the last [[Storm King]], was his maiden daughter, Princess [[Argella Durrandon|Argella]],{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reign of the Dragons: The Conquest}} while on the [[Three Sisters]], Marla Sunderland was installed as queen shortly after [[Aegon's Conquest]].{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Vale}}

==Age of majority==
For both boys and girls, sixteen is the age of legal majority.<ref name=ageofsexualrelations>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Age_of_Sexual_Relations_in_Westeros Age of Sexual Relations], October 5, 1999</ref><ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Age_of_Majority/ Age of Majority], November 4, 1999</ref> From that point, there are referred to as a "man grown" and "woman grown".{{Ref|ACOK|55}}{{Ref|AFFC|40}}

However, for girls, there are exceptions. A girl who has had her first [[flowering]] (i.e. first menstruation) is considered to be fit for both marriage and consummation of the marriage.{{Ref|ACOK|52}} Most highborn girls have their first flowering at the age of twelve or thirteen,{{Ref|AGOT|67}} bringing them into a somewhat ambiguous position. They are considered to be "part child, part woman", and can be referred to as a "maid"<ref name=ageofsexualrelations/> or "maiden",{{Ref|AFFC|23}} and, even if she has not yet reached the age of sixteen, a "woman grown".{{Ref|ADWD|44}}

Young highborn boys can be sent away for [[fosterage]] to other noble families. While there are exceptions (e.g., [[Quentyn Martell]]), it appears that boys who have reached the age of majority are free to go where they like, thereby ending their fosterage.<ref name="SSM Some_Questions"/>

Ruling lords and ladies who inherit while still in their minority usually have a [[regent]], who serves as the decision-making ruler until they come of age.{{Ref|AGOT|47}}{{Ref|ACOK|36}}

==Gender and Sexuality==
:{{Main|Gender and Sexuality}}

The various cultures across Westeros, [[Essos]], and [[Sothoryos]] have diverse attitudes and social patterns regarding gender and sexuality.

==Marriage==
{{Main|Marriage}}
Marriages are frequently preceded by a betrothal. Betrothals are expected to be arranged by the head of a house, both for his or her children and any unwed younger siblings.<Ref name="SSM Some_Questions">[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Some_Questions/ Some Questions], March 16, 2000</Ref> There is no age limit to betrothals or marriages. Children might be as young as two years old when betrothed <ref group="N">For example, [[Baela Targaryen|Baela]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]]</ref> although generally children are somewhat older. Marriages to girls who have not yet reached their [[age of majority|majority]] or even their first [[flowering]] (i.e., has had her first menstruation) do happen, although not often.<ref name=ageofsexualrelations/> Usually, the bride has already reached her majority, or is even older, although marriages involving infants have also occurred, although this happens rarely{{Ref|ASOS|1}} and usually is only done for specific reasons.

===Marriage ceremonies===
[[File:Thrumugnyr theon and jeyne.JPG|thumb|300px|[[Jeyne Poole]] wearing her brides cloak while being escorted to [[Ramsay Snow|her groom]] by [[Theon Greyjoy]].]]
Marriage customs vary considerably between the lands and major faiths, though all appear to be religious ceremonies between one man and one woman (who should not be more closely related than first cousins). Wedding ceremonies involve the exchange of vows in the presence of particular sacred witnesses, and are followed by a feast, where the bride and groom eat and drink with everyone. Afterwards, the bedding takes place, where the marriage is consummated.

Wedding ceremonies differ between religions. While a priest is involved in ceremonies following the customs of the [[Faith of the Seven]],{{Ref|ASOS|28}} [[Lord of Light]],{{Ref|ADWD|49}} and likely the [[Ghiscari]].{{Ref|ADWD|43}} Ceremonies involving the Faith,{{Ref|ASOS|28}}{{Ref|ASOS|60}} the Lord of Light,{{Ref|ADWD|49}} and the [[old gods]]{{Ref|ADWD|37}} involve the exchange of a "maiden's cloak" and a "bride's cloak".

Wedding ceremonies are generally followed by a feast, which in turn is followed by the [[bedding]].{{Ref|AGOT|11}}{{Ref|ASOS|28}}{{Ref|ASOS|60}}{{Ref|ADWD|37}}{{Ref|ADWD|49}} For highborn weddings done by the Faith of the Seven, it is customary to present a wedding pie during the feast, filled with living birds.{{Ref|TMK}}{{Ref|ASOS|60}} [[Dothraki]] wedding ceremonies might last the entire day, during which the guests feast, drink, dance, and fight. Towards the end the bride is presented with her bride gifts, after which the marriage will be consummated.{{Ref|AGOT|11}}

===First night===
{{Main|First night}}
Lords in Westeros once had the right to the [[first night]], the custom of bedding newly-wed women before their husbands. Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen|Alysanne]] convinced King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]] to abolish it,{{Ref|TSS}}{{Ref|ADWD|43}} but it is still practiced illegally in some parts of the [[north]].{{Ref|ADWD|32}}

===Polygamy===
:{{Main|Polygamy}}
While most marriages are between only one man and one woman, polygamous marriages do occur in the [[known world]]. Before the [[coming of the Andals]] to [[Westeros]], kings from the [[Kingdom of the Reach]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: The Gardener Kings}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Reach: Oldtown}} and the [[Kingdom of the Storm]]{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Stormlands: House Durrandon}} practiced polygamy, as did the [[dragonlords]] and sorcerer princes in [[Valyria]], albeit rarely.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aenys I}} Polygamy is currently still practiced by some [[Dothraki]] ''[[khal]]s''.{{Ref|AGOT|46}} The "ancient ways" of the Dothraki stated that a ''khal'' might share his ''[[khaleesi]]'' with his [[bloodrider]]s, a custom still practiced in some ''[[khalasar]]s'' today.{{Ref|AGOT|36}}

Followers of the [[Drowned God]] are allowed to take multiple "[[salt wife|salt wives]]" in addition to their "[[rock wife]]". Although only the children fathered upon the latter are considered trueborn, any children fathered on salt wives still hold more rights than a man's [[bastard]]s.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Iron Islands}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}}

==Funeral customs==
[[File:Aegon I Targaryen Funeral by Shen Fei (The Rise of the Dragon).jpg|thumb|right|400px|Funeral pyre of [[Aegon I Targaryen]] by Shen Fei for ''[[The Rise of the Dragon]]'']]
Funeral customs can differ between followers of different religions, but also between families following the same religion. The [[House Stark|Starks]] of Winterfell, followers of the [[old gods]], bury their dead in the crypts in the castle,{{Ref|AGOT|4}} where the [[King of Winter|Kings of Winter]] and Lord of Winterfell are given a statue.{{Ref|AGOT|66}} At many other places in the [[north]],  barrows of the [[First Men]] can still be found.{{Ref|AGOT|12}} The funeral rites of the [[House Tully|Tully's]] of [[Riverrun]] place the deceased members of their house in a boat which is sent downriver and lit afire.{{Ref|ASOS|35}} Followers of the Faith of the Seven can be buried with a crystal on their grave.{{Ref|ACOK|1}} The deceased of [[House Manderly]] have their bones placed in the [[Snowy Sept]] of [[White Harbor]], surrounded by burning candles.{{Ref|ADWD|15}}

The [[House Targaryen|Targaryens]] have the tradition of cremating their dead.<ref name=Asshai/>{{Ref|AFFC|35}}{{Ref|THK}} It is unknown whether this tradition was practiced in the entire [[Valyrian Freehold]], by all the [[dragonlords]], or by House Targaryen alone, but it was described as a custom since the days of Old Valyria.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} If a [[dragon]] is available, it is used to light the flame of the pyre.{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}} The ashes are traditionally interred on [[Dragonstone]],{{Ref|FAB|The Sons of the Dragon}}{{Ref|FAB|The Long Reign - Jaehaerys and Alysanne: Policy, Progeny, and Pain}}{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}<ref group="N" name="ashes">''[[The World of Ice & Fire]]'' and ''[[The Rogue Prince]]'' stated that King [[Jaehaerys I Targaryen|Jaehaerys I]] and Queen [[Alysanne Targaryen]]'s ashes were interred beneath the [[Red Keep]], but this was corrected to [[Dragonstone]] in ''[[Fire & Blood]]''.</ref> but some have been interred elsewhere or scattered on the wind.{{Ref|FAB|Jaehaerys and Alysanne - Their Triumphs and Tragedies}}

Mourning clothes are black of color.{{Ref|AGOT|38}}{{Ref|AGOT|51}} Some might tear up their clothes as a sign of mourning.{{Ref|AFFC|44}} Houses can show marks of mourning as well,{{Ref|ASOS|10}} though these remain unspecified.

When Lord [[Corlys Velaryon]], [[Hand of the King]] at the time of his death, died in {{Date|132}}, his body was placed beneath the [[Iron Throne]] where it remained for seven days.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon III}} Similarly, when Lord [[Tywin Lannister]], also Hand of the King in addition to being the grandfather of King [[Tommen Baratheon|Tommen I Baratheon]], died in {{Date|300}}, his body was placed in the [[Great Sept of Baelor]], where it was supposed to remain for seven days.{{Ref|AFFC|8}} Embalming the body of the deceased  involved removing the bowels, internal organs, and blood, and replaced with salt and fragrant herbs.{{Ref|AFFC|17}} During a funeral service lasting several days, prayers are held both in the morning and the evening; While the morning services are open only to nobility, the afternoon prayers are open to the smallfolk, and the evening prayers for all.{{Ref|AFFC|7}}

A great lord who dies away from home will usually be escorted back home. A funeral procession of a lord of high nobility can include an escort of knights, vassal lords, members of the household guard, and others.{{Ref|ACOK|39}}{{Ref|AFFC|16}} In any case, several [[silent sisters]] will accompany the body.{{Ref|AFFC|16}}{{Ref|ACOK|39}} Especially among the nobles, great importance is placed on returning the body to the family of the deceased,{{Ref|AFFC|33}} and failing to do so might be cause for resentment.{{Ref|ADWD|41}}

==Naming customs==
===First names===
:{{Main|Name day}}
In the [[Seven Kingdoms]], children receive a name at their birth, causing the day of their birth being called their [[name day]]. The [[free folk]] who live [[beyond the Wall]] name their children only after they reach the age of two, believing it to be bad luck if children are given a name at an earlier age, as child mortality is high north of the [[Wall]].{{Ref|ASOS|46}} They can, however, decide on which name to give the child while the child is still younger.{{Ref|AFFC|35}}

===Surnames===
Upon marriage, most women take their husband's surname.<ref name=SF>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/SF_Targaryens_Valyria_Sansa_Martells_and_More SF, Targaryens, Valyria, Sansa, Martells, and More], June 26, 2001</ref> However, usage can vary. For example, while Catelyn is referred to most frequently as [[Catelyn Stark]], she is also referred to as "Catelyn Tully"{{Ref|AGOT|35}}{{Ref|ADWD|41}} and "Catelyn Tully Stark".{{Ref|AGOT|10}}{{Ref|AGOT|34}} A married noblewoman ruling in her own right retains her house name (e.g., [[Anya Waynwood]], [[Arwyn Oakheart]]), though sometimes it is uncertain whether her husband was also of that house (e.g. [[Tanda Stokeworth]], [[Shella Whent]]). The consort of the reigning monarch retains her surname (e.g., [[Cersei Lannister]], [[Margaery Tyrell]], and [[Alyssa Velaryon]]), as does the spouse of a royal prince (e.g., [[Laena Velaryon]]).{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}} Conversely, a royal princess may take on the surname of her husband, but may prefer using the name of their royal house (e.g., [[Baela Targaryen]] and [[Rhaena Targaryen (daughter of Daemon)|Rhaena Targaryen]], or Baela Velaryon and Rhaena Corbray).{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} If the family of the woman is significantly higher born than the family of the husband, the wife might chose to use mostly her maiden name, and her husband's name little, or not at all.<ref name=SF/>

In [[Dorne]], customs vary from the rest of [[Westeros]]. As firstborn children inherit in Dorne, following Rhoynish customs, females more frequently inherit their family's lands and titles. In such cases, they do not take the name of their husband.<ref name=SF/>

Bastards with at least one noble parent can be given surnames by their parents. There are also traditional bastard surnames, which differ per region. These include "Waters" in the [[crownlands]], "Sand" in [[Dorne]], "Pyke" in the [[Iron Islands]], "Snow" in the [[north]], "Flowers" in the [[Reach]], "Rivers" in the [[riverlands]], "Storm" in the [[stormlands]], "Stone" in the [[Vale of Arryn]], and  "Hill" in the [[westerlands]].

When a male bastard has legitimate children, these children receive their father's bastard name, though a later generation might adjust the name as to remove the taint of [[bastardy]],<ref name=SF/> (e.g., [[House Longwaters]]). When a male and female noble-born bastard from a different region (i.e., with a different surname) marry, the child will most likely take the surname of the father.<ref>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Bastards_Offspring Bastard's Offspring], January 20, 1999</ref>  Parents can also decide to give their bastard a surname different from the "usual bastard surnames",<ref name=SF/> e.g., [[Tyrion Tanner]], or no surname at all.<ref name=SF/> Men who receive lands and knighthood might also take a (new) surname. [[Daemon I Blackfyre|Daemon Waters]], the bastard son of King [[Aegon IV Targaryen]], took the name "Blackfyre" as his surname after having been knighted and having received lands of his own, even though he had not been legitimized.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Targaryen Kings: Aegon IV}} Smuggler [[Davos Seaworth|Davos]], after receiving both knighthood and lands, took the name "Seaworth" for his newly-made house.{{Ref|ACOK|Prologue}}

The bastards of two [[smallfolk|common born people]] do not receive a surname.<ref name=SF/>

==Holy days==
In Westeros, in custom to the [[Faith of the Seven]], each of the seven gods have their own holiday.<ref>[[Not a Blog]]: [http://grrm.livejournal.com/451915.html?thread=22952267#t22952267 Books for Brains! (October 31, 2015)]</ref> However, only three are currently known by name. [[Maiden's Day]], a day on which maidens of noble houses are required to go to the sept to light tall white candles at the Maiden's feet and hang parchment garlands about her neck. Mothers, [[whore]]s and widows are barred from the sept along with men. Those maidens who enter the sept sing songs of innocence.{{Ref|AFFC|39}} The [[Feast Day of Our Father Above]] is considered to be the most propitious day for making judgments.{{Ref|FAB|Under the Regents - War and Peace and Cattle Shows}} There is also the [[Smith's Day]].{{Ref|FAB|The Lysene Spring and the End of Regency}}

==Blood sacrifice==
[[Blood sacrifice]], including human sacrifice, is practiced in some cultures of the known world.{{ref|ACOK|50}}{{ref|ASOS|54}}{{ref|ADWD|2}}{{ref|ADWD|29}} In the [[Free City]] of [[Qohor]], the [[Black Goat]] is given a daily blood sacrifice. Though [[animal]]s (calves, bullocks, and horses) are usually used to this end, on holy days condemned criminals are sacrificed instead by the Qohorik.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The Free Cities: Qohor}}

==Hospitality==
:{{Main|Guest right}}

The custom of [[guest right]] is both sacred rule and ancient.{{Ref|ASOS|7}} Hospitality can be offered by a lord upon the arrival of the host. The most common way of receiving guest right is by eating "bread and salt".{{Ref|ASOS|49}} Once guest right has been offered and accepted, the guests and hosts are protected from harm by one another for the length of the stay.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} Guest gifts can be given on the day the guests depart,{{Ref|ADWD|29}}{{Ref|ADWD|46}} possibly as a means of ending the protection of the guest right. Guest gifts are no longer given by all lords, however.{{Ref|ADWD|29}}

The obligations of hospitality are taken very seriously, both [[beyond the Wall]]{{Ref|ACOK|23}}{{Ref|ASOS|7}} and in the [[Seven Kingdoms]], although more dearly in the [[north]] than in the southron kingdoms.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} Breaking guest right is rare in the north, but is punished similarly to the direst of treasons.{{Ref|TWOIAF|The North}} Besides Westeros, guest right is also practiced in the [[Free City]] of [[Pentos]].{{Ref|ADWD|1}}

==Pastimes==
Nobles and [[smallfolk]] alike can participate in a variety of pastimes for their entertainment.

Children play with toys (e.g., puppets,{{Ref|AGOT|29}} barrel hoops, blocks, carved wooden statues,{{Ref|ADWD|18}} and dolls){{Ref|ASOS|29}} or play a variety of games. Noble born children, especially when they grow older, are expected to train in several skills for their entertainment as well as general education. Both boys and girls learn to ride horses.{{Ref|AGOT|7}}{{Ref|AFFC|28}}{{Ref|ADWD|68}} Girls are taught womanly arts, which include sewing,{{Ref|AFFC|24}} embroidering, dancing, singing, writing poetry, or playing musical instruments (e.g., the [[harp|high harp]] or the bells).{{Ref|AGOT|7}} From a certain age and onwards, boys begin to train in martial skills. Usually starting at a young age, boys are trained with spear, sword, and shield.{{Ref|ADWD|25}} Younger boys train with wooden swords.{{Ref|ACOK|4}}{{Ref|AFFC|31}} By the time boys are twelve, they have often been training at arms for years.{{Ref|ADWD|21}}

Places adults might like to visit for their entertainment include [[:Category:Inns|taverns]] and [[prostitution|brothels]]. Most nobles are literate, and therefore might prefer to spend their times reading books.{{Ref|AFFC|24}} Nobles might prefer to sail for their pleasure,{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|AFFC|28}} or simply take a horse ride, sometimes to pick flowers or feast outdoors.{{Ref|AFFC|28}} Both adults and children, noble and smallfolk, enjoy swimming in lakes, rivers, pools, and moats.{{Ref|AGOT|4}}{{Ref|ACOK|14}}{{Ref|ACOK|16}}{{Ref|ACOK|35}}{{Ref|ASOS|2}}{{Ref|ASOS|41}}{{Ref|AFFC|2}}{{Ref|TMK}}

===Games===
:''See also: [[:Category:Games|List of known games]]''
[[Westeros]]i children's games include [[come-into-my-castle]], [[monsters-and-maidens]], [[hide-the-treasure]], [[hopfrog]], [[spin-the-sword]], and [[rats and cats]].{{Ref|AGOT|22}}{{Ref|ACOK|4}}{{Ref|ASOS|22}}{{Ref|ASOS|68}} Popular among children from [[House Frey]] at the [[Twins]] is the game [[lord of the crossing]],{{Ref|ACOK|4}} named for the title held by the head of House Frey.

Children in [[Meereen]] play a game involving sitting in a circle and taking turns to spin a dagger. When it stops, they cut off a lock of hair from whoever the dagger is pointing at. [[Barristan Selmy]] recalls a similar game he played with his cousins at [[Harvest Hall]] in Westeros when he was a boy, except it involved [[w:spin the bottle|kissing]].{{Ref|ADWD|70}}

The [[finger dance]] is a game played by the [[ironborn]] of the [[Iron Islands]], and involves throwing a [[Armament|hand axe]] which must be caught or leaped over without missing a step. The game is named for the fact that it usually ends with a dancer losing one or more of his fingers.{{Ref|ACOK|24}}

[[Cyvasse]] is a board game of military strategy originating from [[Volantis]].{{Ref|AFFC|13}}{{Ref|ADWD|47}} It is also played in [[Lys]],{{Ref|ADWD|6}} and since roughly {{Date|299}} has been present in [[Westeros]], after a trading galley from Volantis introduced the game in [[Dorne]], from where it was spread.{{Ref|AFFC|13}} The game came to [[King's Landing]] in {{Date|300}}.{{Ref|AFFC|36}}

===Hunting===
Both male and female nobles might hunt for sport. Men might like to hunt a large variety of animals, like [[boar]],{{Ref|AGOT|47}}{{Ref|ACOK|8}} [[aurochs]],{{Ref|AGOT|15}} or [[deer]].{{Ref|AGOT|45}} Hunting hounds might be used.{{Ref|AGOT|27}}{{Ref|ACOK|23}} When hunting [[boar]], a boarspear is needed, as well as [[horse]]s and [[dog]]s, and men to flush the boar from its lair.{{Ref|ACOK|19}} Women do not generally join such hunting parties.{{Ref|AGOT|8}}{{Ref|ASOS|19}}

Both men{{Ref|AGOT|47}}{{Ref|ACOK|11}} and women{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|ASOS|16}}{{Ref|AFFC|24}} can practice a more specific form of hunting: [[w:falconry|falconry]] (frequently called "hawking"), "the sport of hunting with [[falcon]]s, [[hawk]]s, [[eagle]]s, or other birds of prey".<ref>Definition of "falconry" from [http://www.dictionary.com/browse/falconry Dictionary.com]</ref> Nobles might own a falcon (e.g., [[Jon Arryn]],{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|AFFC|10}} [[Ardrian Celtigar]],{{Ref|ASOS|54}} [[Robert I Baratheon]],{{Ref|ACOK|10}} and [[Margaery Tyrell]]),{{Ref|ASOS|16}} an eagle ([[Willas Tyrell]]),{{Ref|ASOS|18}} or a hawk ([[Stannis Baratheon]]){{Ref|ACOK|10}} of their own.

Hunts can be dangerous, and accidents during a hunt are common enough that they might be faked in order to assassinate someone.{{Ref|AGOT|34}}{{Ref|AFFC|24}}{{Ref|AFFC|32}} Although hawking is much safer, deathly accidents still occur. Lord [[Luthor Tyrell]] rode off a cliff whilst hawking,{{Ref|ASOS|6}} while Lady [[Rhea Royce]] suffered a lethal wound when she was thrown off her horse whilst hawking.{{Ref|FAB|Heirs of the Dragon - A Question of Succession}}

===Combat===
{{Main|Tourneys|Martial games|Fighting pits}}

Popular in [[Westeros]] are [[tourneys]], chivalrous competitions where men compete against one another either in a [[w:jousting|joust]], a [[w:melee|melee]], an archery competition. The format and rules used during a tourney can vary between different regions in Westeros, demonstrating the desires of the hosting [[lord]].<ref name=TR>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Tourney_Rules Tourney Rules], April 29, 1999</ref> Westerosi additionally participate in [[w:bear-baiting|bear-baiting]]{{Ref|ACOK|50}}{{Ref|ASOS|44}} and [[boar]]-[[w:Boar-baiting|baiting]].{{Ref|AFFC|33}} [[Rat pits]] are also popular in the slum districts of major cities such as King's Landing and Oldtown, though bulls and dogs also often fight in the pits.{{Ref|FAB|The Dying of the Dragons - Rhaenyra Overthrown}}

The [[Ghiscari]] cities in [[Slaver's Bay]] prefer to watch gladiatorial combats in the [[fighting pits]]. These pits can be found in at least [[Astapor]]{{Ref|ASOS|23}} and [[Meereen]].{{Ref|ADWD|70}} Within these pits, the both male and female [[pit fighters]] battle either one another, or an animal, until one dies. Additionally, children might be made to fights against wild animals.{{Ref|ASOS|23}}

===Gambling===
Other pastimes include gambling,{{Ref|ACOK|8}} like playing at [[dice]]{{Ref|AGOT|19}}{{Ref|AGOT|26}}{{Ref|AGOT|34}}{{Ref|ADWD|37}} or [[tiles]].{{Ref|ACOK|8}}{{Ref|ACOK|15}} The latter can be three-sided.{{Ref|ACOK|34}} However, bets can be placed upon anything, including the outcome of a tournament.{{Ref|AGOT|28}}{{Ref|TMK}}

===Mummers and music===
{{See also|Mummers|Songs}}

Mummers,{{Ref|AGOT|26}}{{Ref|AGOT|58}}{{Ref|ACOK|44}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}} singers,{{Ref|ACOK|12}}{{Ref|AFFC|10}} and puppeteers{{Ref|THK}} often travel from place to place in [[Westeros]] and [[Essos]]. While singers often travel alone,{{Ref|AFFC|10}} mummers and puppeteers travel in troupes, performing their acts wherever they go.{{Ref|THK}}{{Ref|ACOK|44}}{{Ref|ADWD|33}} Places located more remotely, like Winterfell{{Ref|AFFC|10}} or [[Bear Island]],{{Ref|ACOK|12}} might not be visited by traveling entertainment for years or seasons on end. Traveling singers, called "wandering singers", rarely travel far north.{{Ref|AGOT|28}} Tourneys{{Ref|AGOT|32}}{{Ref|ASOS|42}} and weddings{{Ref|ASOS|59}} can attract mummer troupes and singers. Additionally, mummers, singers, and puppeteers can find service with a lord or lady.{{Ref|ASOS|6}}{{Ref|ASOS|68}}{{Ref|ASOS|80}}{{Ref|AFFC|28}}

Some mummer groups prefer to perform from a fixed location, such as the [[Blue Lantern]] and the [[Dome]], two playhouses in [[Braavos]],{{Ref|AFFC|32}} or the mummers' hall in [[White Harbor]].{{Ref|ADWD|15}} At least in the mummers' playhouses in Braavos, the mummers play out written stories, instead of making up farces.{{Ref|AFFC|15}}

In [[Essos]], mummer troupes might contain enslaved mummers.{{Ref|ADWD|33}}{{Ref|ACOK|44}} These slaves can buy themselves free once they have gained enough wealth.{{Ref|ADWD|33}}

==Idioms and sayings==
===Westeros===
*''[[Raven|Dark wings]], dark words.''{{Ref|AGOT|25}}
*''Words are wind.''{{Ref|ASOS|54}}
*''What the king dreams, the [[Hand of the King|Hand]] builds.''{{Ref|AGOT|12}}
*''The king eats, the Hand takes the shit.''{{Ref|AGOT|12}} <small>(a cruder version of the precedent saying)</small>
*''A [[Lannister]] always pays his debts.''{{Ref|AGOT|56}}
*''[[Oak]] and [[iron]], guard me well, or else I'm dead, and doomed to hell.''{{Ref|THK}} <small>(an old shield rhyme)</small>
*''A naked man has few secrets, but a flayed man has none.''{{Ref|ACOK|56}} <small>(a [[House Bolton|Bolton]] saying)</small>
*''What is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger.''{{Ref|AFFC|1}} <small>(an [[Ironborn]] saying)</small>
*''How many eyes does Lord Bloodraven have? A thousand eyes, and one.''{{Ref|TMK}} <small>(a [[Westeros]]i riddle)</small>
*''The [[Wall]] has more moods than Mad King Aerys.''{{Ref|ADWD|53}} <small>(a [[Night's Watch]] saying)</small>
*''[[King]]s and corpses always draw attendants.''{{Ref|ADWD|19}}
*''Half of the [[House Uller|Ullers]] are half-mad, and the other half are worse.''{{Ref|AFFC|40}} <small>(a [[Dorne|Dornish]] saying)</small>
*''Bleed a cold but feast a fever.''{{Ref|ADWD|69}}
*''Never drink with Dornishmen when the [[moon]] is full.''{{Ref|ADWD|69}}
*''Summer friends will melt away like summer snows, but winter friends are friends forever.''{{Ref|ADWD|69}}

===Essos===
*''The [[Iron Bank]] will have its due.''{{Ref|AFFC|17}}
*''Bricks and blood built [[Astapor]], and bricks and blood her people.''{{Ref|ASOS|23}}{{Ref|TWOIAF|Ancient History: The Rise of Valyria}}
*''A [[warlock]]'s house is built of [[bone]]s and lies.''{{Ref|ACOK|27}} <small>(a [[Qarth]]een saying)</small>

==See also==
* [[Bastardy]]
* [[Kinslaying]]
* [[Science and technology]]

==Notes==
{{Notes}}

==References==
{{References|2|refs=
<ref name=Asshai>[[So Spake Martin]]: [http://www.westeros.org/Citadel/SSM/Entry/Asshai.com_Interview_in_Barcelona/ Asshai.com Interview in Barcelona], July 28, 2012</ref>
}}

[[Category:Culture]]
[[Category:Westeros]]

[[pt:Costumes]]
[[zh:习俗]]