Marans
Society
The terms family, household and dynasty, have delicately different meanings to Marans. A family traditionally consist of a husband, wife and their children. Further generations are considered to be the Kin of such family. A Maran household may consist of many families, but live under the same premises; house, farm, fortress, etc. A dynasty is the amalgamation of households under the same banner. These definitions reflect upon both the people and their Gods. In Maran society, people can be given multiple roles. These roles are not always officially assigned, instead, they are expected of the person to take up that role. For example, when a man is to legitimately father a child, it is expected of them to also act as the Head of their new family. Also, if the father or mother is incapacitated or has passed away, their partner is to take on the other's role. One thing to remember is everyone has a role and expectations for them to oblige.The Family
A family to a Maran are those who are closest to them. They are the parents, siblings and children, to an individual. Further generations are known as the Kin. Traditionally, families are loyal to each other; this is more so the higher in nobility a family is, especially of those whose household governs a village, fort or a whole nation.
The Head of the Family is commonly the father of the family. They take on the responsibility of looking after the family. They are often the ones who make the final decisions on the family. The father is also responsible for their families actions. If one of their children get into trouble, particularly if it is against the law, it is often the Head who takes the guilt. The Headmistress is the mother of the family. Their responsibility is the upbringing and nurture of the children. This is not to say the father has no role in their children's development, as Marans know a healthy, functional family is when everyone supports each other. However, it is the mother who decides on their children's future.The House
A household, or house, is a collection of families living within the same property, such as a homestead, farm, fort, manor or longhouse. Commonly under the same structure, though not uncommon if the homes are closeby.
The head of the household is in charge of the house. They are responsible for the house's decisions involving external affairs, like the house's businesses and relations with other houses. The inhouse decision making lays upon the Headmistress of the House. As many households can contain many families, the Headmistress' job is the manage them. If there are any quarrels which need to be addressed, it is the Headmistress who decrees the verdict of the disagreement.The Dynasty
A dynasty is a collection of households, often of the same kin but not exclusively so. A dynasty is often ruled by a governing household, which is then lead by the Head Family. This generally is the case for people of nobility, business or of some other higher status.
The Head of the Dynasty is often the leader of a village, fort or even an entire realm. They are the lawgivers of the land and ruler over their people. However, some dynasties may not be in the position of leadership over more than one household. The Headmistress of the dynasty, is also the Headmistress of the ruling household; therefore the responsibilities are the same. They are also the mother of the ruling family of the household too; this means it is the Headmistress who decides on their children's betrothals for when they are of age. The Head gives their wife options, but it is still the wife who makes the final decision. This is the same for determining their children's guardianship. In fact, it is customary to send their children to the family within the same household or dynasty of the same kinship; like their uncle/aunt.Culture
Traditions
Holidays & Festivities
The Day of Night
For one day each year, the 2 suns don't rise. This marks both the midpoint of winter and the night before the Turning. During this day of cold darkness, families and households gather. Many gather to eat large feasts to celebrate the year gone by, but these gatherings are not much about the food than they are the stories the people share. Many of the stories are retellings of the legends of the gods. Children find joy in the stories about Shaa, the Goddess of Youth as she too, for a period of time, is a child. Other stories tell the fall of Omjir, especially during the year of the Turning; when the Crimson Nights begin when the suns rise. It is a time of hope, union and preparation of the year ahead.
The Night of Day
During the summer, there is one day when the suns don't fall. Traditionally this is a day of relaxation. The heat during this time is unbearable to most; therefore rest and water are paramount for this long day. This does not mean this is not a day of fun, as families and households rejoice with carnivals, parties and other merriments.
Customs & Ideals
Courtship
To seek courtship respectfully, the male must gain the approval of the father of the potential partner. Even though this is not always necessary, not doing so may be considered dishonourable and disrespectful to the father. This may damage relations between families, households and potentially dynasties.
It is strictly forbidden and illegal for any kind of courtship within the same family and kinship. Many even ban courtship within the same household, so betrothals must be found externally. Doing so may stain the reputation of a family, which can prove costly politically and economically. The punishment is often the exile of the male involved in the forbidden relation.
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