Aria the Natural #8: The Day Of Festa Del Bòcolo…

Traditions are said to be a way of connecting with the past. But really, it’s more about connecting with the people around you. You’re celebrating your common heritage and the feelings you share. The story of the dying soldier’s wish may not even be true. That’s not the point. When you see red roses spread throughout the city, you realize that you are surrounded by like-minded people. The tradition is a visible sign of the community you live in.

The affinity for traditions on Aqua goes as far as recreating the annual flooding of Neo Venezia. On a terraformed planet where the weather is regulated, what good is it to allow a city to be inundated by the tide? In Venice, the acqua alta is a minor nuisance that can even be dangerous. (It is also not particularly impressive, as the high tide only persists for an hour or so.) But because it was a characteristic of the city on Manhome, the architects of Neo Venezia insisted on maintaining the tradition.

The down-side to traditional events is when they become too common. What meaning does a rose have if everyone receives one? Giving a present out of a sense of obligation is not without meaning. Athena smiled most warmly at Alice’s rose. But that is because Alice herself has a special relationship with Athena. The rose was just a way of communicating their appreciation for each other. The meaning of the exchange was more than just the rose, and more than any of the other roses Athena received. If those special feelings could be given a form, what would it look like? It would have the significance of the tradition, but uniquely so. Such as giving not a rose blossom, but a gemstone in the shape of a rose.

Next week I will be watching Aria the Origination #5.5: That Little Secret Place… Also known as the season 3 OVA.