Ram

Written for WA Summer Camp 2021 - Prompt 5
Ethnicity: Describe an ethnicity whose cultural exports are highly sought after in your setting.

Also known to outsiders as Alsahm, this is the ethnic group of those who live by and in the [Shams Desert]. With a tendency to converge into communities, they are people who go from place to place seeking the perfect one to establish themselves under the protection of the Moon. Their many shades of brown skin prove they have believed in the Moon's shared power to fight the Sun and that they survived the battle. Their most sought-after items are the traditional [metal and pearlescent like paints for the skin], Trace Bee Honey and its many unique and exotic flavours, [Jewel Thread], and jewellery shaping craft. Ram people celebrate life like no other. Bright and happy, they have an urge to exercise their freedom but also love order and practising their set of beliefs; they also have a unique thirst for knowledge and its application. They show their exuberance through festivals to celebrate the Moon's blessings and power and to present their gratitude for continued life.

Culture

Birth & Baptismal Rites

After being born, the baby must be bathed in [Moonwater] and coated in [Moonshine] before being wrapped in cloth with [Jewel Thread] woven into it. Afterwards and until their first Full Moon, the baby must be coated in Moonshine after every bath. Once their first Full Moon arrives, a party is thrown in honour of the Moon for blessing the baby with continued life and power to fight the Sun.

Coming of Age Rites

On their 14th Solar Eclipse, one leaves behind childhood to be recognized as a young now being allowed to court other young and to work outside their home. On their 20th Solar Eclipse, one is recognized as an adult and is allowed to formalize relationships with other adults.

Funerary and Memorial customs

Funerals are exclusively held as the Sun is high in the sky, usually, at midday. The dead are especially remembered during the Moon Eclipse, when their family and friends send prayers and the Moon's shine back.

Common Taboos

It is considered a sin not to have an item that could [help send power back to the Moon] on one's person. Having white skin signals a lack of faith in the Moon's power, and even cowardice before the Sun.

Ideals

Beauty Ideals

As a general rule, they are aesthetically attracted to which represents the Moon's shine and blessing to their people. Polished metals, mirrors, colourful jewels, metal or pearlescent like paint, adornments, quartz, light-toned marble... Be it for people, constructions or their clothes, they tend to have a central piece honouring the Moon and adornments honouring the Stars' Celestial Army.

Courtship Ideals

It is considered good fortune to start relationships under the guidance of the Moon, so it is common for proposals to happen on the days of the full Moon. The one who seeks acceptance will gift the other with an item that honours the Moon's power and, in case of being accepted, will help them with putting it on. The one sought after will share any item on them with the seeker to show acceptance, or politely bow to show their rejection and excuse themselves from the seeker's presence. A most common form of acceptance is smearing some of the skin paints on the seekers face, some bolder ones may smear it on the lips. Throughout the courtship, small gifts are traded, usually, ones that will help protect their significant other. As the day the Moon overcomes the Sun and inflicts the most damage to it, the Solar Eclipse on the winter solstice is the perfect day to come before the moon to end a courtiship formalizing and celebrating the beginning of a relationship and new life with (a) partner(s). Jewellery became the most common gift share between partners to acknowledge the relationship.