Rite of Everlasting Union

The Rite of Union, also known as the Rite of Everlasting Union was an ancient Jaffa rite that was thousands of years old that united male and female in a marriage ceremony. As part of the ritual, an animal such as a goat was used to be sacrificed in the union. During the rite, a fear was used to bear witness to the ceremony that was intended to keep warm the souls of those that were before them. In addition, the Jaffa asked spirits to bless the union and protect it through each day of its existence. During the vows, a Jaffa took the vows where a horn was sounded whereupon the male placed the circle of fidelity upon his betrothed's head. The female Jaffa in turn placed the totem of bravery medallion around the male's neck that was kissed first before doing so. Finally, the bride was required to kneel before her husband as a sign of respect.

After the Hak'tyl Resistance was forced from Hak'tyl, Ishta moved her female Jaffa warriors to Stargate Command on Earth to hide from the attentions of the Goa'uld Moloc. During this time, Rya'c of Chulak met and fell in love with the Hak'tyl warrior Kar'yn. Upon being relocated to Earth, the pair intended to marry on the planet though this union ceremony was not approved by Teal'c of Chulak. This in turn angered Ishta who believed that his disapproval meant he did not approve of Kar'yn thus believing her teacher being inadequate. Jaffa Master Bra'tac of Chulak was to officiate the ceremony which broke down during the vows as Kar'yn did not believe in bowing to Rya'c as she believed it as a sign of weakness which the archaic Jaffa traditions used.