Betrothal necklace



According to Water Tribe custom, when a girl turns sixteen, she is of marrying age. It is essential for a man to give a special necklace to whom they want to betroth. They are hand-carved from stone, and fastened to a choker, to be given to the woman on her sixteenth birthday, when she reaches marrying age.

History
Katara wore the necklace which previously belonged to Kanna and which was worn by her mother instead of one Hakoda would have made for her. Katara also seemed unaware of the meaning of the necklace when Yugoda asked her about it. This would seem to suggest that this tradition is exclusive to the Northern Water Tribe.

Princess Yue also wore a betrothal necklace, given to her by Hahn. She revealed her necklace to Sokka after the two shared a kiss on a bridge. Although she was wearing the necklace, Yue didn't seem thrilled about marrying Hahn as it was an arranged marriage, only benefiting the wellbeing of the Northern Water Tribe politics.

List of Known Necklaces

 * Katara's necklace has been a family heirloom, originally being a betrothal necklace carved by Pakku to Kanna.
 * Yue was given a betrothal necklace by Hahn, who became Sokka's enemy once he learned that she is arranged for marriage.
 * Kanna was given a new betrothal necklace by Pakku when he visited the South Pole to rebuild it; obviously she accepted this time.
 * Ummi was given a betrothal necklace by Kuruk.