Alterian (culture)

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Elizabeth, Victoria, Abby, Asche, Alderose, Aletha, Cecilia

Masculine names

Quincy, Robert, Adam, Ferdinand, Roland, Henry, Gerald, Thomas, Jon

Unisex names

Sam, Terry, Alex

Family names

Westmanor, Goldenrock, Silverlock, Thesslemen, Chambers, Altranon,

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

The majority of Alterians speak Alterian

Average technological level

The Alterian people pride themselves are their love of technology. Always striving for the next big invention many boys spend their nights dreaming of being the one to create the next big sensation to take the capital. The steam engine is currently the mot impressive of their technological advancements but there have been many recent promising inventors lately.

Common Dress code

To an aristocratic Alterian there is nothing more lovely than a good suit or dress. for the upper class the cultural rules for clothing are very strict. Men must wear long suit jackets and vests. They must also have a multitude of hats with which to greet any event. the ladies are no different. They must wear long elegant dresses with hooped skirts. The lowerclasses where variations of these same styles with more freedom. As they cannot afford the rich fabrics there clothing is simple in design and color.

Coming of Age Rites

Upon an Alterian's 17th birthday or name day those who are of the middle or upper class are presented to the Royal academy for a minimum of three years service. In the villages and farming communities of the lower classes they hold a celebration each year during the summer festival where people are encouraged to meet a partner. Those in the lower class of the cities have no rites for the coming of age.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Upon the death of an Alterian their body is wrapped gently in cloth. Those of the upper classes wear cloth showing their family colors or religious symbols. Alterians have no specific burial customs. Each one chooses to be buried based on their religious beliefs.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Dark skin is considered beautiful for both men and women. The fashion of dying one's hair has also been started recently in the upper class due to new trade relations with Ziti-Orna .

Gender Ideals

The Alterians are a patriarchal society. Though some progress has been made to give women more rights most are still seen as lesser to their male counterparts. Women in Alterian society are to bee seen. they are to rely on their beauty and are to be in charge of the household affairs. Men are seen as protectors and decision makers. Women have recently been granted the right to own land but are still not allowed on the House of Lords. There have been growing tides of change on this front however.

Related Organizations

• Kingdom of Alteria

Languages spoken

• Alterian (language)