Cryria: Difference between revisions

 

=== Vihreäätaidetta ===

Vihreäätaidetta is a common Cryrian gardening tradition. Literally translated as "Green Art" from ancient Talveri, the practice trades its roots back to the Oshombrani Peninsula where it was first used as a form of Mlylthlaist worship. Vihreäätaidetta consists of complex and carefully sculpted topiaries, typically using perennial evergreens. In its most basic forms, Vihreäätaidetta is shaped into geometric maze-like patterns that incorporate the symbols of Mhuilka, the Mlythlaist aspect of life and fertility. The practice expanded into an art form in its own right. Talveri palaces hosted intricate topiaries depicting animals, mythological creatures, and humans. Royal Gardeners held an important and prestigious position within palace hierarchy which included both religious and artistic duties.

The arriving Cryrians adopted this practice from the Talveri. Cryrian nobility frequently intermarried with their local counterparts and Talveri art and artists were highly sought after. Under Cryrian influences, Vihreäätaidetta moved away from its original roots in order to depict imagery from both Cryrian legend and everyday life. Cryrian aristocrats often commissioned skilled craftspeople to construct and maintain gardens that reflected their households' rank and deeds.

 

Conflicts within the Kingdom saw the burning of many Talveri religious gardens by the Cryrian Church in what became known as the Cinder Inquisition. Despite this, Vihreäätaidetta persists as an important artistic style in modern Cryria. The Order of Royal Gardeners is now a part of the Household Ministry, and continues to maintain gardens on royal premises. The Order is considered to be the official authority on the art form and also runs a number of public competitions and cermonies for artists. It's website states that:{{quote|Vihreäätaidetta is first and foremost a form of sustained storytelling where scenes from myth and mortality are metaphorically and literally given new life through the artist's creations. The maintenance of a project is itself a continuation of that story.}}Vihreäätaidetta has also become an increasingly common part of public spaces in Cryria, particularly as formerly private gardens are opened to visitors. The Marching Gardens of Oshombran are considered to be the most important surviving example of Vihreäätaidetta and were first opened in 1893.