Jossian
Culture
Shared customary codes and values
Compassion and Respect for Diversity
The Jossians, having originated from refugees of all races and backgrounds, hold compassion and respect for others in the highest regard. They believe that every individual’s story is valuable and that people should help each other to survive and thrive. Discrimination based on race, class, or origin is unheard of in their society. They practice inclusivity in all aspects of life and encourage open dialogue to resolve conflicts peacefully.
Teamwork and Mutual Aid
As a people born out of necessity and cooperation, teamwork is essential to Jossian society. Whether it’s a small community project or a large-scale endeavor, success is seen as a collective achievement. They value the concept of shared responsibility—no one is ever left behind.
Foods & Cuisine
Common Customs, traditions and rituals
Honor Duels
In certain contexts, honor duels may be held to resolve disputes or defend one's reputation in Simekian society. These duels, governed by strict rules and protocols, are seen as a means of upholding personal honor and integrity within the community.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is not just a pastime for the Jossians, but a central cultural activity that embodies their values of grace, teamwork, and resilience. Skating on the frozen lakes, especially around Lake Vaelith, is a communal event—families, friends, and even strangers skate together, often in intricate, choreographed patterns. This symbolizes their unity and interdependence.
During major festivals or rites of passage, large ice skating performances are held where groups of skaters perform symbolic dances representing harmony between the land, the people, and the magic that flows through Josse. These performances often incorporate traditional ballet, blending the art of dance with the natural beauty of the ice.
Ballet Dancing
Ballet is another key cultural form, particularly during ceremonial events. Jossians view ballet not only as an art form but as a way to express their emotions and life experiences. It symbolizes their graceful resilience—how they rise above adversity with poise and strength. Ballet performances are commonly held during weddings, feasts, or public celebrations, and it’s considered a high honor to be chosen as a performer.
In Jossian ballet, movements often mimic the delicate yet powerful motions of the icy landscape around them: pirouettes that resemble the swirling snow, jumps that echo the flight of birds against the backdrop of the shimmering night sky, and intricate footwork that imitates the way ice shifts and crackles. The art is not only beautiful but deeply spiritual, reinforcing the bonds between the people and the natural world.
The Aurora Blessing
An annual event where Jossians come together to honor the Aurora Borealis, believing that the divine energy it imparts can purify and heal both body and soul. Magical rituals, healing ceremonies, and ice dances accompany the event.
Funerary and Memorial customs
Marriage Customs
Exchange of Rings
Upon arriving at the ceremony location, the bride and groom exchange rings as a symbol of their eternal love and commitment to each other. The rings, crafted from precious metals and adorned with intricate designs, are blessed by priests or spiritual leaders before being exchanged between the couple.
Ideals
Gender Ideals
Jossians have a relatively egalitarian society, where gender roles are more fluid than in many other cultures. While the people of Josse have traditional roles in some ways, such as those related to the natural world or magic, there’s a strong emphasis on personal choice. Everyone is expected to contribute equally, whether through practical labor or artistic expression, and the skills of both men and women are valued in both ice skating and ballet.
Comments