Letting Your Feathers Show - Saying

"Look at you, letting your feathers show."

— Macran saying, c100PT

Background

The importance of feathers, particularly those of the Vont Hawk, has been long embedded in Macran culture. They are symbols of impressive predators, gifts from a wise and generous bird, and something to be treasured by any who find them.
However, while a bird wears their feathers on the outside, it was believed for a long time that people wear their feathers on the inside. So to let someone know their feathers are showing is to announce that you feel you can see the real them.

Usage

The phrase is used in different ways based on the person saying it and the time period in question. Up until around 220s PT seeing someone's feathers was considered a good thing. It was a joy to see other people's feathers, something that added a level of intimacy to the relationship. Later, when there were more secrets, people were more inclined to keep their feathers hidden.

Examples

• Careful of letting your feathers show.
• It's lovely to see your feathers.
• Will you show them your feathers?
• Don't let your feathers show.

Significance

During The First Micro Rebellion and The Second Micro Rebellion, the rebels used the feather of the vont hawk as a symbol to unite them. This was the point at which the phrase took on a whole new meaning. Instead of delighting in seeing others' feathers, if someone said something too risque they would be warned against letting their feathers show.
"We'll let them see our feathers" became the cry of the rebels before they entered into a battle or skirmish, meaning they were going to show them a side of them they hadn't seen before... a violent one.

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Related Articles

Locations	Ecosystem of Nuskan Swamps, 271 PT, Nuskan, P'Ache Micro, P'Ache Solar System, Peacekeeper Territories
Species	Macran, Vont Hawk
History	Ecosystem of Nuskan Swamps, 271 PT, The First Micro Rebellion, The Second Micro Rebellion
Culture	Vont Earring, Hometree - Fenfolium Abordormusia

Type

Saying

Origin

P'Ache Micro

Original Language

Macra

Subsequent Language(s)

Pache

First Recorded Use

-366 PT

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