#kenfett

Do you think that there are some variations of Mando weddings that involve adopting children as a part of their wedding ceremonies? Kind of like for a marriage to be “properly” fulfilled they need to umm… “lock it up” so to speak?

Just because Mandalorians (ok mostly Children of the Watch and True Mandalorians from what I have seen) seem to have a habit of adopting kids before they look for a romantic partner. It doesn’t seem like there is word for step or adopted parent in Mando’a. Jasper is as much Jango’s dad as his biological parents. In a Step to the Right Jango immediately sees himself as Anakin’s buir, and despite all of his concern and deep feelings of utter doubt in himself, he doesn’t try to take up a stereotypical step-father role where he isn’t going to be as involved with the kids. It gives me the impression that Jango doesn’t even consider that to be an option.

For some reason I feel like actually adopting your partner’s kid is probably a larger step for Mandos. If only because your partner is giving you permission to have as important of a role in their child’s life as they do. It would probably a huge sign of trust because I don’t think they have a concept of divorce or split custody. (In all honesty custody battles are probably more literal than metaphorical for Mandalorians…)

On the other hand, if both of parents have adopted the kid apart from each other then maybe they just repeat their vows to the kid or something?

What’s your take on it?

You ask the best questions!

Okay so I’ve actually done a stupid amount of reading on family dynamics of Mandalorians, because adoption is probably one of the more talked about aspect of their culture.

You’re right, there are no step parent roles in Mandalorian society. you either are a buir or you aren’t. Adoptive children are viewed as valid as children born into the clan. Jango is evidence to this fact, canonically. He was adopted by Jaster, and Jaster’s second (Montross) was pissed that Jaster was considering his adoptive child for a leadership role that he wanted and had been primed to take when Jaster stepped down. I’m getting off topic though. Oop.

So I’m pulling from multiple canon and fanon sources for my own worldbuilding.

In a Step to the Right, children in Mandalorian culture hold more power than children in most societies. For instance, children can disown their parents (making the parent a dar’buir). Also children can turn down an adoption if they don’t want a Mandalorian as their parent. So adoption is very much its own separate ritual and honor. Jango could ask Obi-Wan’s blessing to extend his offer to officially adopt Anakin. But the decision is ultimately up to Anakin on whether he would accept or not. (But it would be rude to offer without asking Obi first)

Jango immediately considers himself Anakin’s parent because he and Obi are soulmates. And Obi-Wan is by all rights, Anakin’s parent. Jango couldn’t imagine not offering to be Anakin’s parent once the time arrives (He damn well might’ve when he first met him and if he knew Anakin’s real last name). He couldn’t imagine not being supportive of Obi-Wan and his child. 

If a couple splits it’s usually amicable. The child has a say in who they stay with, or custody is shared. The Mandalorian culture very much feels like the kind of culture that kind of communally raises children. They most likely don’t mind having more than two parents.

I am drawing pretty heavily on some canon info and a lot of fanon info. But this is my take and how Mandos in my AU roll with adoptions.

Overall, Jango and Obi’s wedding vows would be a private affair, followed by a public announcement and a family celebration. Anakin’s adoption vows would be treated much the same.

Best question :)