Editing Criada

The Criada or Handmaidens are the personal servants to the Priestesses. They are not officials of the religion although they follow it. They have a similar hierarchy based on colours.

They are principally involved in the day-to-day running of [[Cregan]]s and the land outside. The Priestesses make the decisions, but the Handmaidens ensure those decisions are carried out.

==Titles==

Handmaidens are addressed by all lower status individuals (including lower-ranked Handmaidens) by the title "Doncella". When using their name, they are called "Doncella Laritza" or  their rank "Criada Velada Laritza". They are never addressed by their name alone, even by Priestesses; the most they might do is called her "Criada Laritza".

Handmaidens always have names of three syllables or more.

==Clothing==

Handmaidens wear robes of dark grey, with cowlings which are usually worn over the head at all times. Rank is indicated by coloured trim: either hems and cuffs, or a stole.

All Handmaidens carry a switch in their belt, the colour of their rank, with a leather handle.

==Jewellery==

The Handmaidens wear a ring with a candle on the ring finger of the right hand called ''La Sortija de Amparo'' ("The Ring of Protection").

They have no jewellery for the head.

[[File:Ring_criada.jpg|thumb|center|250px|''La Sortija de Amparo'']]

==Ranks and Colours==

====[[Criada Sabia]] (Wise Handmaiden)====

The name comes from "Wise Maid". This rank is reserved for Handmaidens who have reached an advanced age. The age is determined by the Arcipresta Suprema so the number will vary and sometimes there are none at all. Because of their age, they do little work apart from giving advice. The time colour is light grey.

====[[Criada Mayor]] (High Handmaiden)====

The name comes from "Senior Maid". They serve the Arcipresta Suprema and Alta Sacerdotisa, usually one Handmaiden to one Priestess. The trim colour is blue.

====[[Criada Velada]] (Veiled Handmaiden)====
The name comes from "Veiled Maid". There are usually only two or three in each Cregan. The trim colour is green.

====[[Criada Jurada]] (Sworn Handmaiden)====
The name comes from "Oathbound Maid". Each Criada Velada will have one or two Criada Jurada as assistants. The trim colour is red.

====[[Criada Novicia]] (Novice Handmaiden)====
The name comes from "Novice Maid". A Handmaiden in training. Unlike Priestesses, Handmaidens are trained in Cregans, acting as apprentices to a Criada Jurada or Criada Velada. They normally begin as young teenagers and take 7–8 years. The trim colour is brown.

==Images==

{| class="wikitable"
| [[File:Criada_standard.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''Standard robes'']]
| [[File:Young_criadas_robes.jpg|thumb|left|300px|''Young Criada's robes'']]
|}

{{CasteNavigation}}

[[Category:Caste System]]