ya boy is SLACKING (I honestly thought I posted this but I guess not)
Text: (Kebørrzek) "The act of siphoning the essence from life" is the act of harvesting tree sap.
Once a year before first frost and under the glow of the moons during the highest peak, the Banuk'nan's will step out into the crisp night air all bundled up with tools in hand. Even in pitch darkness, the trees would radiant a pinkish haze all around. It's a sight to behold even if you've witnessed it a million times before. One by one, they will strip back the bark from the trees. The first drill starts with the first thump of the drums. Each hit echoes the pulse of the trees, encouraging the sweet elixir to flow freely through and out of the spile.
A quick prayer in courtesy and now the waiting game truly begins from here... The real party doesn't start until the 2nd cycle. Around the same time, The Banuk'nan's are out the door again; this time with their bellies filled with warm liquor and for the children, some (IW) to keep themselves from freezing entirely. They are dressed in their best wears from head to toe; performers of all ages wear a metal guard with fur puffs around their waists and have their finger tips painted in the same color as the sweet nectar from the trees.
After the first boil and a quick dip in the powdery snow, (Rammaj!) They cheer! The first taste is absolutely a delight worth waiting for! Could there be anything sweeter than this? Impossible for them to fathom. The Banuk people will continue their celebration until day breaks and the stars fade behind the twilight hue. A "thank you" is said and the syrup is prepared for storage along with another prayer for a bountiful season next year.
