Traditions in Minaka Vale
"...May we follow in the steps of Baa,
trusting the path those mighty hooves have already trodden..."
Followers of Baa Yalu
Most people who live in Minaka Vale are active followers of the Baa Yalu tradition. Even those who aren't actively engaged with the religion stick with the same traditions, as they are so deeply embedded in the culture of the area.
These traditions and elements of culture are all listed below, along with the ways in which they tie back to Baa Yalu beliefs.
Nose Rings
Many residents of Minaka Vale wear nose rings through their nostrils. Some wear studs instead, and there are some who wear multiple piercings in their nose, but the most common is a metal hoop through one side of their nose. It should be noted that only guards and knights have septum piercings, allowing them to wear rings through the middle of their nose. The Royal Guard for the Minaka Royal Family have a bar through the bridge of their nose, as well as the septum piercing. They are the only ones who are allowed this type of piercing.Significance
Nose piercings, in whatever form they take, are worn in recognition of the servitude some sheep are forced into in other parts of the world, particularly those which are less well-informed.Sheep Reverance
In Minaka Vale, sheep are allowed to roam free throughout towns, villages and surrounding areas. Residents will always greet any sheep which crosses their path with respect and due deference and would never get in the way of a sheep. If sheep wander near religious ceremonies, it's considered very auspicious. It is perhaps unsurprising, therefore, that sheep are not killed and definitely not eaten in Minaka Vale.Significance
For most followers of Baa Yalu, the primary deity is Baa, a giant sheep. There are fears that insulting a sheep could insult Baa, something no one would ever wish to do.Cleanliness
The people of Minaka Vale are known for their cleanliness, but none more so than the residents of Ku Hafu who are famous for it. The streets are clean and the thought of not tidying up after yourself is abhorent.Significance
Cleanliness is connected to the behaviour of sheep, who are also known to be clean. It also relates to the seventh tenet of Baa Yalu, "Keep your neighbours' wool clean, and they'll clean yours".Greetings & Expressions
When greeting someone, you hold your fist out, palm up, towards the person you're greeting and snap your fingers twice. The snaps are then followed by one of the following phrases: "Baa watches", "Baa creates", "Kaw listens", "Skat knows" or "Hoo speaks". Other common expressions include "Sacred hearts!" which is spoken in anger, or "By the gnarled twigs!" which is exclaimed in awe or surprise.Significance
Snapping your fingers is meant to replicate the sound of sheep's hooves on stone, marking an arrival. The words of greeting call on one of the gods, citing the verb that particular deity is known for. Sacred hearts and gnarled twigs are both references to stories from the Kurothic Carvings.Gnarled Twigs
A pile of gnarled twigs can be found next to the threshold of every home. It is tradition to add a new twig to the pile each day. Every three months, the twigs are gathered and scattered across the countryside.Significance
The gnarled twigs come from one of the stories of Hoo from the Kurothic Carvings. It is done to maintain constant vigilance against darkness.
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