Suuha Kienkii (Rough transl. 'Friend's Share')

Public socioanthropological record
Property of the Royal Atheneum of Hövnís, Eörpe

This is an ancient tradition that encourages tribes to share any excess they might have, both as an act of compassion to those that aren't as fortunate and as a way to ensure as little as possible of Soha Biegjun's gifts are wasted. This is especially true for certain foodstuffs where methods of preservation may be limited or nonexistent.  

Etymology & Definition

'Suuha' is a variation of 'suuh' (3rd sin./pl. pronoun for 'they/them'), that's used the same way as 'tuuh' (2nd sin./pl. pronoun for 'you') but only when addressing bieggjan from another tribe. It could be contextually translated to 'friend'.   'Kienkii' is the verb for 'to gift' and 'to share', but in this context seems to rather be treated as a noun referring to a quantity (a share of something).  

Definition of 'Excess'

Having 'an excess' was originally defined as having more food, water, or raw material than the tribe can use up before it spoils/expires.   Over the last few decades it's become common to also include crafted goods in this definition. Several tribes have been observed creating sets of clothes, tools, clayware, and other necessities if they have the time to spare for the sole purpose of leaving them at a Lamass they know they'll pass by or to offer them to another tribe they anticipate crossing paths with.

Anthropological Data

Cognate Practices
It's possible that parts of Oama Oskisuu stems from this tradition.
 
Practiced By
Nomadic Bieggjan

Observance

The tradition is still widely practiced by the nomadic tribes, but the tribes that have chosen to settle in a static location appear to be more isolated and rarely see the opportunity to be neither giver nor receipient of Suuha Kienkii.   As it's exclusively meant to combat wastefulness, there's no expectations or metrics dictating when, where, or how much should be given away. There's a baseline trust embedded in the tradition that every tribe will give to other tribes when they are capable, and that if they don't it's because they don't have anything to spare.

Execution

Suuha Kienkii doesn't appear to include any formal ritualistic components and only encompasses the act of giving away objects the tribe has no need for or can't use. It can either be done directly by offering them to another tribe as you cross paths, or indirectly by leaving them at a lamass.   Trading supplies is considered a part of this tradition in the sense that it's an exchange of gifts/offerings. There's no expectations that the exchanged supplies should have a perceived 'equal value', and there's no bartering or haggling involved.


Cover image: by RÜŞTÜ BOZKUŞ

Comments

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Dec 1, 2023 20:02 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

This is such a lovely tradition/expectation. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy, particularly the bit about crafted goods.

Dec 2, 2023 23:20 by Nimin N

Thank you, it's turned out my favorite so far of the biegglan traditions. <3