Culture of the Oan Isles: Difference between revisions

==Marriage==

Marriage ([[Oan language|Oan]]: ''mārenatanga'') is a fundamental right of all people guaranteed by the ''Kaupapa Ture Oa'' regardless of sexual orientation, gender or religion. Same-sex marriage is protected by law and same-sex couples do not face discrimination or barriers that heterosexual couples do not. Marital rites in the Oan Isles vary by religion and cultural background, however the law recognises marriages which are concluded in line with Oan marriage law, i.e., a marriage contract is signed by the couple in the presence of a lawfully appointed marriage officer and two witnesses. The marriage officer in turn registers them in the National Marriage Register and issues them with a valid marriage certificate. Marriages completed in foreign countries are recognised by Oan marriage law.

 

In traditional Oan funereal rites, à ceremony is usually held by which the family, friends and acquaintances commemorate the death and life of the deceased. Mauists do not believe that human beings have any say over the souls of people or the afterlife. Thus ceremonies are usually entirely structured for the benefit of the living. They usually consist of people retelling old memories with the deceased, relatives and loved ones sharing words of encouragement, prayers for those left behind and incense and prayers to Atea, Maui and the ancestors for the successful execution of the funereal rites as mentioned in the preceding paragraph.

==Tattoos==

Permanent body markings called tattoos are important parts of the cultural expression of Oan people. Traditional Oan body markings are called ''moko''. They involve specific rules are distinct from a esthetically similar markings used by people of non-Oan descent called '' kirituhi''. Moko is created by using a sharp stelle to cause coagulation on the surface of the skin to create designs. The process is intense and time consuming. Furthermore, it is usually very painful. Thus, with the development of modern anesthesia, Moko is performed almost entirely by cosmetic surgeons. Cosmetic surgeons or Moko tattooists must receive a certification from the Department of Health before they can be permitted to perform such procedures. This certificate was developed with the Department of Cultural Heritage which regulates the designs, forms and symbols that can be used on ta Moko. Surgeons who fail to meet the cultural criteria will usually be banned and those who perform bad Moko can be sued for medical malpractice.

 

Other than that, people in the Oan Isles address each other by various terms to show respect for one another. These terms are similar to honorifics used in other countries such as Mr, Mrs or Mx. Gender neutral honorifics exist depending on the person's relationship with you such as Teacher for a superior at work, or an educator or any other person who commands similar respect and significance in a person's life. People also refer to each other as peer if they are strangers of equal social status, colleague if they work together, or comrade if they belong to the same political party, trade union or ideological movement. Oan people usually use given names for reference or if they are familiar with one another. Members of the military have entire convoluted systems of rank, salutations and honorifics that are listed in the article on the [[Oan Defence Forces]].

===Greetings===

When people greet each other, they typically press their foreheads and nose against one another. Some people go so far as to shake hands or embrace depending on their level of intimacy. This style of greeting applies to everyone including nobles and members of the Royal family. Usually, one will bow to member of the Royal family first before greeting them in this way. When greeting each other from a distance people typically wave. Young people tend to embrace including strangers much more often than their elders. People tend to use the term ''Kia ora regardless of who they are greeting''. ''Kia ora'' can be used as a substitute for Dear in Oan letters.

===Dining===

When dining out at a restaurant, people do not usually give tips. Dining out in the Oan Isles is a treat because the meals there are usually very delicious and difficult to prepare. Furthermore, waiters are often well-paid. Oans believe in excellent service and see providing a great dining experience as part of their job. Thus, there is no expectation for patrons to pay a tip. Nevertheless, it is not a taboo, it just may be awkward for a waiter to accept it. When eating out, Oan people like to pay for the table. So, usually the person who initiated the experience will explicitly inform everyone before the dining starts that they will be paying for the meal.

 

Although traditional approaches to clothing remain prevalent, various modern native designers are challenging customs and norms by integrating international clothing concepts. This can range from the use of modern prints and colors to entirely new structures. Oan clothing tends to be highly adventurous because Oan clothing customs are less restrictive than their foreign counterparts. Clothes that foreigners may consider haute couture or risque or even costume-like are perfectly normal in the Oan Isles. Thus, many foreign designers who want to be adventurous tend to come to the Oan Isles to try out new designs that may otherwise be frowned upon in foreign nations.