Chapawee (Industrious)

Chapawee

(chap-uh-WAY) (Meaning: Industrious. Origin: Sioux) Colors: Blue (Sky, Wisdom), Red (Blood Energy, Strength), Yellow (Intelligent, Determined, Fight), Green (Harmony, Nature, Healing)
The Chapawee live among the vast grasslands and plains of Eshana, their lands stretch from the high northern mountains to the Segūegandé river that divides the continent. Not a single people, but rather an alliance of people under one banner, the Chapwee are governed by an elected council from among the various tribes. They are a peaceful nation overall but have a strong sense of justice and a desire to protect both the land and its people, particularly those unable to protect themselves. Their military forces are known as Fire-Dancers because of their fluid movements and the chemical mixture they coat their weapons in which ignites with a fire that cannot be quenched with water.

Naming Traditions

Other names

(Pretty much all the names I used came from https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-indian-names/ their website is well researched and very informative, please check them out. Any names I "made up" came from Cherokee words that I learned from https://www.manataka.org both of these websites are Native American owned and maintained.)

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Chapawee is the common language spoken among them, but it has many dialects. (based on a mixture of Native American languages, particularly Cherokee)

Average technological level

Hempcrete, Bladeless wind turbines, Hemp paper (including bath tissue), Chiropractic, Holistic medicine, Aromatherapy, Brightly colored dyes, Fire that can't be doused with water, Living roofs, Hemp and cotton fabrics.

Common Etiquette rules

Elders are shown great respect. They're usually called by their formal title unless permission has been given otherwise, and are served first at meals.
Inclining one's head slightly when greeting someone.
Gift giving: at festivals and ceremonies, when visiting someone's home, and as a sign of friendship.

Common Dress code

Greatly varied, largely practical, often with light embroidery or beading. Often, but not always, including some kind of symbology involving animals or nature that relates to the individual's personality. (Any feathers worn are worn as a hair-clip or braided into the hair with ribbons. Headdresses are for specific religious ceremonies and can only be worn by qualified people at specific times. Feathers are never worn on headbands or standing straight up.)

Art & Architecture

Art: Weaving and Embroidery., Woven baskets, Ceramics, Beadery. Stylized and Geometric are very popular. Architecture varies, but most buildings are made from bricks (a stone and hemp mixture) and wood. Some buildings are made from clay, and many have living or green roofs. All towns and cities are made to work with the land, using natural resources like wind or rivers to power them and leaving forests as intact as possible, replanting any trees they used for crafting or building.

Birth & Baptismal Rites

These vary between tribes but some that stand out are: a "Naming Ceremony" where parents (or other family members) choose a name for the baby, based on their disposition over the course of their first month or a family name that is passed down (When they're older they will have another name that fits the person they become, this first name is usually used only by family and close friends.) When the baby first laughs the family holds a "First Laugh" ceremony to celebrate. Some don't allow for the baby's hair to be cut until they say their first word. Some of the northern tribes create a cradle-board ( a cross between a baby carrier and a bassinet) It's meant to provide protective transport and sleeping space for the baby's first few months of life.

Coming of Age Rites

A night vigil under the moon of their birth month (preferably on the night of their 17th birthday, but circumstances may prevent this) alone under the stars in a remote area, where they contemplate their place within the universe and meditate upon their life and chosen profession. The next morning a chosen friend or family member will fetch them and bring them back to the town/village where their adult name is chosen for them (usually one name is chosen by them, and a second by their family and friends). Some take this more seriously than others, fasting for the day, or even for two days beforehand.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Bodies are cremated, and the ashes scattered in a place of significance (away from all water and food supplies), funerals are typically held at dusk and there is typically a fireside vigil under the stars.

Common Taboos

Public emotional outbursts. (They prefer to present a calm disposition in all situations), Disrespecting burial sites, Disrespecting elders.

Common Myths and Legends

The Raven, Kalanu, Bringer of Change, Light and Luck (kay-LAH-noo). Kawani, the Renewer (kah-wah-NEE). Duninvdi, the Shepherd (d00-NEEN-dee). Aleyesu, the Eternal (al-ey-ee-soo). Atsila of the Flame (at-SEE-lah). Kokyangwuti, The Weaver (koh-kyang-woo-tee).

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

There is a preference for long hair regardless of gender. They generally don't go for extreme modes of fashion, preferring a more natural look, but because of the many cultural identities kept throughout the various tribes under the Chapawee banner, as well as the vast difference in climate within their claimed territories, their modes of dress can vary greatly from one group to the next.

Gender Ideals

Although it can vary depending upon the tribe, they typically treat everyone the same, judging by skillset and temperament rather than gender.

Courtship Ideals

Exact customs can vary, but typically an individual looking to court someone is expected to take a great interest in their chosen's personal interests and attain (or preferably craft) an item that pertains to that interest, facilitating it in some way. (ex: blacksmith might be gifted a fine hammer or crafting materials.) These gifts may vary between entirely practical and largely decorative depending upon the individuals.

Relationship Ideals

Shared control and equal say, strong lines of communication, skills that complement each other. Household responsibilities are typically divided by individual skill.

Major organizations

The Fire-Dancers (Military), The Lunar Conclave (a representative governing council of Eshana, established by the Chapwee), various guilds of craftsmen.

Diverged ethnicities

• Qaceor (Turn it Gold ) (After 518AP)