Othkaen

Naming Traditions

Other names

Othkaen names have two parts: a birth name and a personal name.

The birth name is chosen by the child's parents and is used up until the child's fifteenth birthday when they will choose their own personal name. From that day on, the personal name and birth name are used together as one.

They two are hyphenated with the personal name first. For example, a child named Mitr who later chose the name Sarach would be known as Sarach-Mitr.

Othkaens do not use family names.

Culture

Shared customary codes and values

Othkaens highly value individuality, personal freedom, and self-expression. Young people are encouraged to be ambitious and pursue their dreams, but also to be self-sufficient without needing to be financially dependent on anyone else.

Common Dress code

Othkaens dress in layers of bright fabrics. Gold and silver jewelry are often worn by people of all genders as a symbol of wealth and status. Most people get multiple ear piercings, while nose and eyebrow piercings are slightly less common. Tattoos are also especially popular.

Art & Architecture

Othkaens have a strong love of color, and that love is displayed vividly in their art. Most art is created using colored sands, chalk, or washable paint. Othkaens view art as a means of self expression, and just as people constantly change, art should as well. Very few pieces are meant to last longer than a few days before they are washed away and replaced. Othkaen statues or canvas paintings are nearly unheard of.

Coming of Age Rites

An Othkaen makes the transition from childhood to adulthood on their fifteenth birthday. Their family and friends will throw an enormous dinner to celebrate the occasion. Here, the young adult will formally announce their personal name and be officially recognized as an adult.

Funerary and Memorial customs

When a person dies, they are cremated and their ashes are mixed with colored sand and placed in a small jar. Wealthy families will sometimes place a piece of silver jewelry in the jar as well. The jar is then buried, often in a place that was sentimental to the deceased.

Ideals

Gender Ideals

Othkaens use four genders: woman (she/her), man (he/him), non-binary (they/them), and neutral (xe/xer). The xe/xer pronouns are used to refer to someone whose gender the speaker doesn't know or any child under the age of four. Some people choose to use the neutral pronouns throughout their life as well.

Courtship Ideals

Children under fifteen are strictly forbidden from participating in any remotely romantic activity, but after coming of age a young fifteen year old adult is expected to immediately begin courting. Young people are encouraged to marry for love, but also to find a partner quickly. Othkaens usually get married at sixteen or seventeen.

The family is heavily involved in the process, often suggesting and evaluating possible partners. Ultimately though, the decision is up to the individual.

Othkaen weddings are elaborate evening celebrations that are attended by dozens of friends and family. At the beginning of the night, the couple will share a plum and orange filled pastry known as a Lovers' Star, which marks the official beginning of their marriage. Afterwards, the rest of the evening is filled with dancing, music, drinks, and much more food.