Arenthian (Ethnicity)

Naming Traditions

Unisex names

All names are unisex, though some occur more commonly in males or females.

Family names

Rather than surnames, Arenthian people are identified by their mother and father's names, e.g. Rasilix son of Rasily and Ferux.

Other names

Names end in either an x, a y, or a t. When announcing a person, the father's name is said before the mother's.

Culture

Major language groups and dialects

Arenthian (Language)

Culture and cultural heritage

The son or daughter of a priest(ess) is thought to be invisible to the gods, and therefore cannot be the victim of their wrath (or their generosity).
A person becomes an adult at age sixteen.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Bonding: In the case of love between two (or more) individuals post (or in special cases, instead of) Union, the individuals may take part in a bonding ceremony. During this ceremony, prayers to the gods are spoken over the sleeping forms of those involved, lying in the woods, by five of their closest relatives or friends and a priest(ess). When they awake the relatives/friends leave and the priest(ess) watches as they make each other a memento out of the resources of the woods. The priest(ess) then leaves and the Bonding is consummated.
The Festival of the Gods: this runs for five days in the middle of the year, one day for each of the gods (Fertility, Health, Justice, Contentedness and Moderation). On each day a play is put on in relation to each god, and Unions are often chosen to begin on the first day of the festival, the day of the god Fertility.

Funerary and Memorial customs

The dead are burnt on a funeral pyre whilst the children of priests shout obscenities at the goddess Health. If the person has Bonded during their life, the memento(s) made by their partner(s) is/are hung up on the wall. If they are still a child when they die, a painting is commissioned to be hung on the wall - if deemed too poor to pay for this themselves by the Council, the city pays for the painting.

Common Taboos

Destroying the memento of a Bonding, as it is believed to be the physical tether between the Bonded.
Having a child before a Union takes place.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

Dark skin - whether natural or tanned from working in the sun - and muscular physique. Black or white tattoos covering the shoulders.

Courtship Ideals

There is usually little courtship between Arenthians. Unions are arranged by a parent or close relative (or, if none exist, a City Councillor), a child being the only purpose of the Union. The couple are not then expected to remain together, and may do as they please once a single child has been born. In the case of one finding love and wishing to commit to them, Bonding occurs - if before a Union has taken place, this can take its place if approved by the parents/relatives/Councillor, otherwise the Bonding must be delayed until after this has taken place and a child has been born.