Braka

A Ritual of Greeting

The Braka is a form of greeting used in The Inbound Lands, primarily among Birdfolk.

History

The term "Braka" comes from the root word bra'ska, which means "flat," and is related to the use of the flat of the fingers. A similar word, ice' bra'ska, means "to slap," and linguists suspect that the term shortened through time as slang, and the slang word eventually became the term itself. Giving Braka emerged from the greeting rituals of pre-Unification Flock encounters: the act of giving Braka requires an unfettered palm, requiring those who give to not be holding anything (such as weapons), while still making it difficult for a duplicitous folken to grab, pull closer, or otherwise dishonor the braka by turning it into an attack. Additionally, it is said that one can "read" how one gives Braka as an expression of character and of relationship. Overly rough Braka is seen as hostile or aggressive, while timid can be seen either as weakness (among strangers) or as tenderness (among known).

Execution

To "give Braka" is to brush or slap the fingers of one's hand against the fingers or palm of another. Two parties stand nearby - roughly an arm's distance away from the point of Braka - and extend hands in a sweeping arc, to meet at the point of Braka. Braka is traditionally done with the right hand when meeting strangers, to signify looking forward to the new relationship. In these instances, the arc sweep of the Braka usually continues past the impact point, which results in drawing one's hand back towards the torso and into one's own personal space again. When among friends, Braka is usually (but not always) given with the left hand, signifying an acknowledgement of the shared past. Close friends may curl their fingers at the point of Braka, pulling the hands into an embrace. Depending on the familiarity of the two giving Braka, the embrace may pull the two together and extend to a hug or patting of the back, though this is only common among very close friends who consider each other of equal rank. Lovers extend to hold the Braka closer and longer.

Components and tools

Braka requires the use of one's hands. Should an injury or loss of hand make typical braka impossible, the other hand may be used. Should no hands be possible, the individual with hands would touch the shoulders or chest of the folken without hands.

Participants

Braka is generally done between two individuals at a time.

Observance

The Braka is given primarily during the initial moments of meeting someone with the intention of interaction, after some duration of time has passed.
Braka is not given after short spans of time, such as retrieving of items or getting up from a table.
Braka might be given again if someone leaves for a short period of time and rejoins the group by bringing a new person with them, or if a new person joins the group. Depending on the context, all might regive braka to establish the relationships, or the group may choose to only greet the newcomer.
]Braka would not be given when passing a stranger on the street.
Braka may be given when passing a familiar face on the street, if the two parties recognize each other. In this instance, Braka might be preceded by a wave of the hand or other attention-getting gesture.

For example, Ni is walking The Citadel, running errands on the way towards a drinkhouse appointment with their mate. While on their walk, Ni runs into Waki' at the postal office. Ni works with Waki', so Ni and Waki' are familiar with each other: they give braka - slapping each other's fingers lightly - and talk briefly about work. Another coworker, Selah, comes in while Ni is there. Ni and Selah also give braka, but last week, Ni showed up late to a shift and Selah had to work extra. Selah must still feel upset about it, because the braka that Selah gives is strong. Ni's fingers sting with shame. Ni tells Selah that they plan to come in early tomorrow to make up for the favor that Selah gave them last week. Ni finishes at the postal office, and continues their walk. Their path takes them onto a busy street. Ni doesn't give braka to the strangers they pass; it would be an unnecessary interruption in a stranger's day. While walking on the busy street, Ni sees someone that they think they know. Is it Kia? Ni waves to Kia, but the other doesn't acknowledge it. Maybe Kia doesn't see Ni, or perhaps Kia doesn't remember Ni, or perhaps it isn't Kia at all. The desire for interaction isn't so important as to disturb the other, so Ni continues walking, and doesn't force a braka. However, a little while later, Ni definitely sees their shift leader, Hon. Ni waves, but Hon is busy haggling with a merchant and doesn't notice. Ni realizes that they need to let Hon know about coming in early tomorrow. Ni approaches Hon and claps their hands twice to beg pardon for interrupting the transaction. When Hon turns, Ni and Hon exchange braka, efficiently slapping fingers. Ni explains the shift change, Hon nods, and Ni claps twice again, ending the conversation politely, before continuing back on the road. At the appointed hour, Ni ends up at the drinkhouse they frequent. Ni's mate, Ethon, is waiting, with their friend Lida. Ni gives braka to their mate first, because the relationship is the strongest. When Ni and Ethon give braka, they curl their hands around each other, and embrace fully, resting their other hand on each other's back. Lida is a good friend that both have known for many years; she is happy to wait and let the two lovers greet. When the time is ready, Ni gives braka to Lida, and because they are close friends, they curl fingers, but do not embrace. The three talk for a moment and idly catch up, when suddenly they are interrupted by two gentle claps. It is Obe'r, who begs pardon and explains he is Lida's breeding partner, and apologizes for running late. Ni and Ethon have not met Obe'r before, but Lida should have already explained any important relationships to Obe'r; because of that, Ni and Ethon and Lida give braka to Obe'r, but do not repeat braka among each other. Now that everyone has acknowledged each other, the four sit, and Ethon gets up to get a round of hot drinks. When Ethon returns, there is no new braka given, because the party knows everyone there, and everyone is there. The evening unwinds into conversation and good company.