Remembrance Day: Naga

"These are the songs of our revered dead. May their melodies echo in the Sea forever" - Part of the Remembrance Day liturgy
All Folk remember their honored dead in some fashion and the Naga are no different. Their Rememberance Day could, perhaps should, be full of meloncoly and sorrow. Instead it is an uplifting celebration of all that makes their people great. 
Each clan has its own liturgy, but all are composed of songs that tell of the individuals who have impacted the clan or the Naga race. While the name of the Ritual is usually translated as Remembrance Day, it actually takes several days to sing all the songs of the clan's heroes.

History

The Naga tradition of singing songs of the revered dead stretches back to antiquity. After the Boggin tried to wipe out the entire race, these songs became an important link to what they had been. All that remained of some widespread clans were a few individuals and the songs of their ancestors. Their songs helped the Naga find the strength to survive the conquest.
After the Boggin were defeated, the ancient songs and the newer ones from the war years were combined into a more formal ritual. It changes slightly every year as the chasan and clan leaders choose which songs are emphasized and which might be skipped. However, the ritual itself remains the same. It tells the story of a proud strong people who will always be a part of the Sky Sea.

Execution

While it is called Remembrance Day in Common, this is a misnomer. The observance lasts as many days as are needed to recite all the songs of the clan's honored dead, usually three or four. Most clans hold this ritual on one of their huge carrier ships but some use a terrock instead.
At dawn on the first day, the chasan "wakes" the clan loudly from where the clan will gather such as the ship's main deck. Once everyone has gathered, the youngest children on the ship sing a song asking, "Who are we? Where do we come from?" Many young Naga growing up dream of hearing their children singing this song at the ritual.
From there, each of the clan's hero's songs is sung. What counts as a clan hero is pretty broad. Members of the clan that have done something important count but so do individuals who simply have worked hard for the clan over a long life. While most of those who are remembered come from the clan, others come from history or mythology, some come from other clans if their lives impacted the clan singing, and some aren't even naga. Some songs are long and others are a vurse in a longer song. Some songs are well known to all and sung by everyone. In other cases, a single person or small group sings the song.
Through out the observance, the chasan coordinates the celebration. He announces the songs, who is singing and sometimes even says a few words about the related history. It is his duty to decide when to take breaks, eat meals and to retire for the night.
Clans try to time their songs so the last one ends just after dark. Everyone then gathers near the Sea. Placing lit wreaths into the water, they sing thanking those that went before for their sacrifices. Afterward the chasan says a prayer apologizing to any spirits who ma have accidently left out and asking that they don't speak vengeance on the clan.
Usually after the closing prayer there is a very solomn atmosphere. While not part of the ritual, many people stay up sometimes until dawn swapping stories about individuals that the clan has lost recently. Those who didn't stay up often make a big breakfast for the entire clan since this may be the last time they are all together.

Participants

The key role is the chasan. The closest word in Humanish would be the song leader. Other than being a good singer, there are no other qualifications. Being asked to be the chasan for Remembrance Day is a great honor. It usually goes to the elder who has done the most for the clan even if there are more capable singers. Like many roles among the Naga, gender doesn't matter. The clan leaders usually choose the chasan six months to a year in advance.
As far as solos and small groups, who sings what is a mix of who knows the song, who has the best voice, and the gender of the hero. Most people feel it is an honor to sing a solo on Remembrance Day. The chasan will usually ask people to sing solos well in advance of the observance but no later than when they arrive for the celebration.

Observance

Each clan has its own tradition of when Remembrance Day. However, most clans choose a date of significance to the clan related to a victory. For instance the Koelabrin celebrate Remembrance Day on the day that the Naga of Aisenraik defeated the Boggin the first time.

Primary Related Location

The Sky Sea

Related Ethnicities

• The Blackstone Clans
• The Deep Sea Clans
• The Winter Home Clans