Kuwakk xi Kaluvander

An infamous Viniktarian tradition involving suicide of a spouse who's partner is close to death, or already deceased.

Definition

Kuwakk xi Kaluvander, translated to "Wife/Husband of Death", is a Viniktarian tradition involving an individual who commits suicide directly after the death of their spouse, who usually has just died prematurely. The practice is common in young Viniktarian couples who are torn apart by war, uncommon disease, or a sudden freak accident.
In present day, it is estimated that 5% of the Viniktarian population will attempt Kuwakk xi Kaluvander at some point during their lifetime, and that 68% of them will be successful. The Viniktarian Empire's current front to counter this deadly tradition has improved over the years (with the attempt rate lowering from 27%), but many agree that there is still a long way to go in order to decrease the likelihood of such a suicide attempt from being successful.
Viniktarian emphasis on the concept of "soul mates", or lovers for life, is often blamed for keeping the practice of Kuwakk xi Kaluvander alive and well, even in this advanced day and age. Most Viniktarians agree that they would risk everything for their spouse, and even go so far as to end their own lives for them despite having children to take care of. Many agree that this "toxic" love for one's spouse, and potential disregard for one's children, is exclusively common in Viniktarian culture. Dielkaire himself commented on the rumor that his mother, Shei Mei, committed Kuwakk xi Kaluvander in an interview, thus:

"What an unfortunate fate, if that's truly the only reason for her downfall. Assuming that this was the case, while I will always admire her love for my father, I will forever question her love for myself and my brothers. Did she intend to make our hearts ache so heavily? Was this another one of her many life lessons? Regardless, no, I would never follow such foolish footsteps. I would never want to have my own children wallow in the despair that I, and my brothers, experienced all those years ago. Never." -14th Quailarian, Dielkaire Amu A'aabara xi Eveiliria

Notable Deaths

One of the most infamous possible participations in Kuwakk xi Kaluvander involved the Terrarrorian-born Quailaria, Shei Mei Ooilis xi Eveiliria of the 13th Monarchy. While it is concrete that she and her husband, Ankorra Yatiq Amu xi Eveiliria, perished to Stage 4 Eid, many conspiracy theorists believe that it would have been impossible for Shei Mei to come into contact with Eid naturally directly after Ankorra, seeing as he was quickly guarded through containment. Therefore, many speculate that she intentionally exposed herself to Eid in order to participate in Kuwakk xi Kaluvander.
A recorded instance of Kuwakk xi Kaluvander was during the 11th Monarchy, after the death of Quailaria Geoil Kakitan Lovre xi Eveiliria. While it is said that she died of heartbreak after the death of her 8 children in childbirth, her husband, Quailarian Rogunvua Yatiq Skene xi Eveiliria, partook in Kuwakk xi Kaluvander centuries after her death once his only son, Keilkosaan Kakitan Rene xi Eveiliria was old enough to take the throne. While many royal deaths are shrouded in speculation concerning participation in Kuwakk xi Kaluvander, Rogunvua was explicitly clear in a letter addressed to his son before his death that he was determined to partake in Kuwakk xi Kaluvander in order to join his beloved in the afterlife.

History

While the exact roots of Kuwakk xi Kaluvander are unknown, most historians agree that it came about due to Vaerian influence, as Vaerians were known to commit suicide if their partners ever fell in battle, or died of sickness. In present day, the how and why of the first spouse's fall into peril is unimportant, seeing as Viniktarians see their partners as their true to life other half. Without being whole, many agree life is not worth living.
Compared to centuries ago, the practice of Kuwakk xi Kaluvander was considered very common, especially for Viniktarian youth who lost their spouses unexpectedly. However, the practice eventually became more or less taboo, seeing as the tradition is so harmful. Furthermore, concern grew with a sudden increase in orphans, being that the only remaining parent would fall to this deadly practice.

Execution

Kuwakk xi Kaluvander is done through a variety of techniques, though a common attribute is that the remaining partner must die through a similar cause that took their spouse. For example, a Viniktarian Wenway who died in battle may have a spouse who participated in Kuwakk xi Kaluvander by recklessly joining the war effort, who then fell in battle shortly after their recruitment.¹

Primary Related Location

Viniktaria