[Sonhex]

Originally Posted by Secca

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Spoiler for ending:

After watching the last few episodes, I think the Haibane are children that commited suicide. And that place is their last chance to attain salvation. The dream itself describe how they died. The tradition to be named after their first dream it's like a sin name that will be reborn when they can overcome their sin and move on.

I'm stil not sure exactly what to interpret the black wings. I think maybe the black wings are symbol for those who do not wished to move on or attain salvation, because they are bound by a sin that they themself cannot let go. In Rekki case, in the end she stil blaming herself and thinking that she's not worthy to be saved.

Spoiler for about the Haibane:

Certainly for Reki and Rakka that seems to be true. Rakka threw herself down the well thinking she would not be missed. Reki, perhaps through manic depression, allowed herself to be hit by a train. For the other Haibane I think it is closer to what Xris mentioned. The Haibane are souls of the departed children that have not attained the necessary spiritual level to enter Heaven (or the next phase of extinstence). In Glie they spend their time reaching this level or in the case of 'sinners' they must atone for them. On the Day of Raising, if they fail they become the Toga if they succeed they ascend over the wall and to eternity.