saining

A saining can take many forms, drawn from both ancient pagan traditions and the more modern beliefs of the individuals involved.

A saining is a Pagan or Neopagan ceremony or ritual analogous to a christening or baptism for an infant.

An old custom in the Highlands, which has survived to a small extent and seen some degree of revival, is to celebrate Hogmanay with the saining (Scots for 'protecting, blessing') of the household and livestock.

Fae are brought into faerie society (whatever their origin) first through a Fosterage, as they are cared for in "youth"-which may or may not be similar to childhood-and secondly and most importantly through a Saining, which is a ritual in which a fae chooses and is accepted into a Court.