Huhkan

Usta Marthiér, a Huhkan

Huhkans are an inland plains culture with a strong tradition of horse raising and riding. They are the only culture on Paan Atta where everyone wears trousers, not just couriers and similar professions. Huhkans generally have their belongings strapped to their bodies rather than carried in their hands when traveling because of their riding tradition, they are often seen with coinbags and belts, sometimes even small daggerbags on their outer thigh since there's nowhere else safe to put it when riding fast.

Internationally, Huhkan leatherworking is held in the highest regard both for its ethical standard as well as its impressive quality.

## Naming Traditions

### Unisex names

As in the majority of cultures of Paan Atta, Huhkan names are not gender specific. Personal names are generally one or two syllables.

### Family names

Family names are very important to the Huhkans due to the amount they travel. Family lines can be traced regardless of distance, and the majority of family names are unique to that family. They are said before the personal name when introducing someone, and non-related friends often refer to one another by the family name. Family names are generally longer and more rhythmic than personal names. Names are inherited from the birther, as is the norm of those cultures of Paan Atta whose family names are inheritable.

## Culture

### Common Etiquette rules

In conversation, Huhkans will ask one another about their horse(s) and livestock before any, even small, questions about human factors. This does not apply to conversing with foreigners who are much less likely to have livestock or a personal horse.

Traditionally, a Huhkan will defend themself with two daggers, one in each hand, and for access one is hung on each side of the body rather than from the horse, so they may still be prepared even if removed from their horse. Since weapons are not hung from/attached to the horse, there is no precedent for which side you mount/dismount from. Often, there is a personal preference, but there is also flexibility for which side is muddier etc.

Borrowing another person's horse is seen as a very intimate thing, with a Huhkan forming a personal bond with their horse. Someone letting you ride their horse without them also on that horse is the ultimate act of trust and often look up to as the ideal in a friendship or romance. A horse being borrowed out of necessity even if you aren't normally that close of friends with the horse's rider is a common trope in Huhkan literature, especially for romances.

### Foods & Cuisine

Huhkan food is generally either very solid and easy to carry, kept for very long times, or fresh and in small portions. Due to this tradition, soups, and stews are served in cups rather than bowls.

### Birth & Baptismal Rites

In ancient times, children would only intentionally be conceived in the coldest months, so they would only be born in the warmer months. This was to reduce infant mortality and make it easier for food to be procured for the nursing parent and child. For some, this tradition carries to the modern day out of ancestor reverence and custom rather than necessity.

### Coming of Age Rites

At the age of 19, a Huhkan is given their first horse to bond with and ride. Until that age, they learn by riding the horses of adults in their community, generally with supervision and instruction. Traditionally, the new adult will feed honey to their new horse by hand (or a similarly hard to obtain and special treat). This bonding ritual accustoms them to their horse and forms a positive association.

### Funerary and Memorial customs

Bodies of dead humans and horses are left in a secluded location to become food for animals and plants, out of reverence for nature and the cycle of life. The site a human or horse is placed in is given a stone marker with identification. A person and their horse(s) are given to the same spot (usually at different times, but the spot is returned to represent the connection between horse and rider).

### Common Taboos

Preventing a dead body from returning to nature, whether by wrapping it up or burying it in a location that is always freezing, is highly taboo. It is believed that the cycle must continue, the body must nourish nature and become part of nature, and keeping it from doing so is like torture, a disgrace to the deceased.

## Ideals

### Beauty Ideals

Strong, healthy, muscular legs are highly prized, and the rest of the body follows. Well-trimmed and practical hair is very appealing to Huhkans, preferring this over long and styled hair.

### Courtship Ideals

Courtship usually involves racing one another on horseback and competing to jump over obstacles. The one with the best bond/control with their horse is archetypally the more dominant partner, at least in literature and traditional/ritual practices.

In mythology, to attract love and attention, you will give the other person's horse treats at night, generally sweets. This is usually done with as much secrecy and as little assistance as possible and telling anyone before the wedding undoes your effort and attracts infidelity.

### Relationship Ideals

The ideal Huhkan relationship has a spirit of friendly competition, debate, and in-jokes. It is important that these have an equal balance, not just coming from one person.