Ekhmeni

Naming Traditions

Feminine names

With few exceptions, feminine Ekhmeni names end with either a or i.

Masculine names

Masculine Ekhmeni names tend to have more variety than feminine names, but most consistently, they either end with a consonant, u, or e.

Unisex names

When not a masculine name, unisex Ekhmeni names end with u or l. However, more and more names have been growing to be considered unisex in recent generations.

Family names

Ekhmeni surnames are primarily patrilineal, and most of the time (especially in the case of upper class families) are derived from the name of an ancestor credited with starting their house/line. Ekhmeni family names are prefixed with either Ka- or Tu-, depending on gender of the individual, and the surname itself is a derivative form of the ancestral name, typically ending with -a.

Culture

Common Etiquette rules

Greetings are very formalized almost to the point of ritualistic, particularly among the upper classes.
Tardiness is frowned down upon; being early is preferable to being tardy but is still looked down upon. It is most preferable to show up right on time.
Don't drag dirt and/or sand inside the house; take shoes off at the door

Art & Architecture

The Ekhmeni have a very vibrant art form of stone carving. Their most famous carvings and sculptures are the most elaborate tombs in the capital city Makhikten, but they also have proliferous sculptures and monuments. A common phrase derived from this tradition is that “stone never forgets.” (Unless someone makes it forget) And because of this cultural attitude and tradition of recording history and legacies in stone, the highest ambition of many the aspirant history-maker is to have their achievements remembered by the stone.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Ekhmeni usually bury their dead in elaborate tombs. These tombs are often familial, with each generation being buried near their ancestors, and many of these tombs can be found within cities themselves. This is especially true of the tombs of nobility in the city of Makhikten. Often, especially among the higher class, an individual’s tomb is decorated with records praising their life. But if the individual is severely dishonored in some way, then they will not join their ancestors in their family tomb. This is considered among the saddest of fates.

Common Taboos

Never speak ill of the dead while in proximity of their tomb; it’s believed, at least on the level of superstition, that the dead can hear the words spoken about them near their resting places.
Though not strictly taboo, peeking though someone’s window from the street/upper roof landings is considered rude and awkward, even if the curtains are open.