Vanninee (væˈniː)
The Vanninee are the people of the island of Vannin in the Gwlff Ffynid (which they call the Mooir Vannin). They are a part of the Dhewen cultural group, and most closely related to the Fir Fáinne of Oileán Fiáin. They make up the vast majority of the population of the Kingdom of Vann.
Physical Appearance
Vanninee typically have pale skin and light-colored eyes, with green and blue eyes being most common. Their hair ranges from white-blonde to dark brown, and red hair is common and considered highly desirable. They tend towards compact, sturdy builds, with heights averaging at 5'6" for men and 5'4" for women.
Common Dress & Style
Men typically wear a short and sometimes sleeveless jacket over a long tunic belted at the waist, with tight trews on their legs that extend to their feet and are fastened beneath the sole of the foot, underneath their boots. They also wear a cape or mantle, sometimes with a hood.
Women typically wear a leine, a smock-like tunic that reaches to the ground and is belted at the waist. The hem of the leine is usually decorated with a broad band of embroidery. Like the men, they also wear a cape or mantle as well. Women also typically wear a linen wrap around their head that covers their hair.
Both men and women typically keep their hair long, and men are usually clean-shaven. Clothing is usually dyed bright colors, and jewelry is common for anyone who can afford it. The mantles worn are usually decorated with a fringe around the edge, and fastened with a metal brooch or pin.
Religion & Folklore
The Vanninee, like the other Dhewen cultures, primarily worship the Ellyll, the sprits and gods of the Ynys Archipelago. They particularly revere the god Manandán, who is the patron diety of the island of Vannin and the waters around it. When the rest of the archipelago came under the control of the Clarati, Manandán hid the island in a cloak of mists that prevented all travel, mundane or magical. Due to this intercession, Vannin was one of the only places near Ynys to never be ruled by a Clarati sorcerer.
The island of Vannin is also home to a host of lesser spirits known as the mooinjer veggey. These spirits vary widely in their temperaments, and may be helpful, indifferent, or mischievous. The Vanninee will typically leave out offerings of bread, milk, honey, and beer for the moonijer veggy, and most villages and even homes that have a patron spirit they particularly pay honor to.
The Vanninee celebrate several of the same major holidays as the other Dhewen people. The most significant holidays are at the transitions between the four seasons, which they place halfway between the solstices and equinoxes. The year begins with the celebration of Breeshey, halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox. This festival marks the beginning of spring, and is most sacred to the goddess Breyeayn, the daughter of Manandán and patron of shepherds and sheep. She is embodied within the hills and meadows of Vannin, and her blessing guarantees healthy flocks and fertile ewes.
The other major holidays are Boaltinn, at the beginning of summer, Luanistyn, which marks the beginning of the harvest, and Sauin at the beginning of winter. There is also a great feast and festival on Midsummer's Eve dedicated to Manandán himself, which many of the Vanninee consider the most important holiday of the year. During this festival, the Vanninee gather rushes from the wetlands as an offering to Manandán, to whom these plants are sacred. They also hold competitions in his honor, the most important of which are a series of boat races, including sailboats and rowboats. The competitions span every aspect of Vanninee life and culture, including music, combat, and athletic events.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The language of the Vanninee is known as Vanx. It is almost exclusively spoken on the island of Vannin and on ships crewed by the Vanninee, and it is rarely learned by outsiders. It is related to other languages of the Ynys Archipelago, and is most closely related to Amhrán.
Foods & Cuisine
Major organizations
The most significant organization of the Vanninee is the Kingdom of Vann, which rules the island of Vannin.
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