Veldani

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

Daniyah, Nasira, Sabella, Athalia, Tikva, Rivka, Zahava, Aviyah, Atalie, Luana, Jessa, Lilah, Reyna, Katrielle

Masculine names

Kadin, Karam, Khalil, Nasir, Rahim, Aviv

Unisex names

Seraiah

Culture

Culture and cultural heritage

While the Veldani have lost a lot of their culture through their invasion by Teraco and subsequent sale into Eilis, they've retained as much of it as they can. They've kept their faith in Arba and memorized as much of The Veldan-Arba Creed as they're able, as well as keeping to their moral code.
While in Eilis, the Veldani keep verses of the Creed hidden in henna, which passes so long as it’s in a different language than Eilisian (e.g. Veldani). This is a common practice, and it applies to multiple parts of the body, including the head/forehead (in reverse, so it can be read in mirrors), hands, and feet. Arms and legs, also, though the latter are always covered and the former are also, in many cases.
Beyond henna, the Arban Creed is retained in the Veldani language and is conveyed that way also. In short snippets, it can be spoken in groups of Veldani without arousing too much suspicion. Too much Veldani at a time and the Eilisians get annoyed, but little enough and it’s assumed to be a greeting… or curse, as the case may be. There’s little danger seen in it unless it goes on too long. So individual verses can be shared, or even a few if there’s a group to take turns reciting. Thus, the creed is preserved even in a hostile environment.
A copy or two of the transcribed Creed are actually kept, though closely safeguarded and frequently passed around. Either keeping them in one place or passing it around pose challenges, as frequent inspections would get them found in short order if they stayed in place or there’s a decent chance of an Eilisian seeing a transfer and catching those responsible when it moves, but the former is seen as a greater threat.

Common Dress code

For women, cleavage and midriff are unacceptable to show in public. Back, however, is acceptable to show as long as the gap stops at least an inch from the base of your upper garment. No one cares if you show your shoulders unless you’re being explicitly suggestive with it (e.g. pointedly allowing a sleeve/strap/etc. to slip down). Skirts often extend to the ankle or longer and pants are only worn by women if they're under a skirt.
Men don't often go bare-chested in public, and to do so is generally frowned upon.

Common Customs, traditions and rituals

Veldan’s new year occurs when the planting season begins (roughly February’s equivalent) and it’s a time spent thanking Arba for his provision over the winter and for the beginnings of spring. It’s a time of thanks for new life and a time of prayer for continued prosperity. It’s a time of planting preparations and reflecting on the blessings of the past year. It’s rather quiet and peaceful and there’s a heavy emphasis on community and family.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

Men are expected to carry all heavy physical labor in Veldan, as well as to lead their households. Women are entrusted with the primary care responsibilities for children, and they're expected to remain under male headship (that of a father, husband, or trusted mentor depending on the context). Women may not work outside of the home, but many Veldani women have thriving crafting businesses from home.

Courtship Ideals

Veldani marriages are often arranged by the couple’s parents and are always overseen by Arban priests. Parents always have the final say in a daughter’s match, but they may be influenced by existing relationships (as more of a courtship situation than an arranged marriage situation). These are for life and those who violate unions are treated as pariahs, though they’re not cast out entirely.