Nazvanhi
The nazvanhi is a nuél-orokh coming-of-age ritual in which a young person adopts a surname for the first time.
The most common surnames adopted during one's nazvanhi are Bankhovnyos/Bankhovnya (meaning "he/she who is chosen by a Bankhur"), which is adopted by most Bankhur riders. Another common naming convention is to add the suffix -nich to the surname of one's most highly-ranked or prominent parent or guardian.
On rare occasions, when an adolescent has already developed a distinct talent or characteristic or accomplished an important deed, they will adopt a more individualized surname at this time. These are less likely to be replaced in adulthood; if they are, they often remain part of one's name, similar to a middle name or a hyphenated last name in other parts of the world.
Most nuél-orokhim eventually outgrow the name chosen during their nazvanhi, adopting a new surname in middle age that better reflects the honors bestowed upon them in adulthood and using the name from their nazvanhi as a middle name. Traditional titles like Rangatira and Vohoni will often replace the surname by default; more modernized titles, such as military or clerical ranks, are used in conjunction with the surname (e.g. "Sergeant Tsuv").
Older family members will commemmorate a young person's nazvanhi by giving them a gift of clothing, tapestry, or textile with the knotting pattern of one's full name woven in. These are usually a practical item: coats, cloaks, or riding harnesses are all frequent nazvanhi gifts. After one's nazvanhi, one is considered an adult, with all the rights and responsibilities thereof.
History
The tradition of adopting surnames comes from the Five Sisters of Fire, who adopted the name "Vohoni" (Orokhimshe for "of the light") to reflect their shared mission.
Related Ethnicities
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