Wakara

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Wakara

"Children of the Sun"
Flag of the Wakara people
Total population
~ 8,900,000 (1717 AN, Indigenous to the area around Lake Cherusken, Keltia) Indigenous to the area around Lake Cherusken, Keltia (including those of ancestral descent)
Regions with significant populations
Nouvelle Alexandrie	~ 8,900,000
Languages
Wakara language, the Common Tongue.

The Wakara are an indigenous people autochthonous to the areas around Lake Cherusken in southeastern Keltia. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, spiritual beliefs, and close connection to the natural world. The Wakara have lived in the lands around Lake Cherusken for centuries, maintaining a hunter-gatherer society with a deep spiritual connection to the land. They maintain a complex social structure, with a strong emphasis on community and family. The Wakara are skilled farmers and artisans, producing intricate crafts and textiles.

The arrival of Nouvelle Alexandrie into the Keltian Green has had a profound impact on the Wakara. The tribe has faced significant challenges as the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie have sought to establish their presence in the area in Operation Purple Splendor, including displacement from their traditional lands, the destruction of their crops and villages, and the exploitation of their natural resources. Despite these challenges, the Wakara have remained resilient, maintaining their cultural traditions and fighting to protect their way of life. The tribe has formed a close alliance with local environmental organizations and advocacy groups, working to raise awareness about the impacts of Nouvelle Alexandrie's expansion into the Keltian Green.

Terminology

The name "Wakara" is said to have originated from the tribe's ancient creation myth. According to legend, the tribe's first ancestors were born from the union of the sun and the earth, and as a symbol of their birthright, the sun gifted them with the land and the fertility to flourish within it. The name "Wakara" is said to mean "children of the sun" in the tribe's native language, and represents their deep connection to the land and their belief in the cycle of life and renewal. It is said that the Wakara have always lived in harmony with the earth and have been blessed with bountiful crops and rich wildlife, a testament to the power and benevolence of the sun. The name "Wakara" is a symbol of pride for the tribe and is a constant reminder of their spiritual connection to the land and their ancient traditions. The term first officially appeared in modern records as far back as 1514 AN, when Alexandrian explorers and diplomats used the terms Wakara and Wechua to distinguish the two neighboring indigenous Keltian nations in diplomatic cables, briefing reports, and other government reports.

Culture

The culture of the Wakara people is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of historical traditions and contemporary influences. It reflects the resilience and adaptability of the Wakara, who have managed to preserve their unique cultural identity while adapting to the changing societal landscape over the centuries.

Language

The Wakara language, a rich and expressive linguistic system, is a key pillar of the Wakara culture. Despite the prevalence of the official languages of Nouvelle Alexandrie, efforts towards revitalization during the Wakara Renaissance have led to a resurgence of interest in the Wakara language. Today, it is not uncommon to hear it spoken alongside the other languages, particularly in the cultural heartland of Guánica.

Art and Craft

Art and craft form an integral part of the Wakara culture, with traditional craftsmanship being passed down through generations. These include pottery, weaving, and intricate wood-carving. The design elements often reflect the Wakara's deep connection with nature, featuring motifs inspired by local flora and fauna. The Wakara Renaissance has spurred a revitalization of these traditional crafts, with artisans finding innovative ways to fuse traditional techniques with modern aesthetics.

Music and Dance

The Wakara have a rich musical and dance heritage, characterized by rhythmic drumming, vibrant dances, and soulful chants. The maracas, a traditional Wakara musical instrument, is often featured prominently in performances. Traditional dances, which often tell stories of Wakara folklore and history, have been preserved and continue to be an important part of cultural celebrations and religious ceremonies.

Cuisine

The Wakara cuisine is a flavorful blend of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Staple foods include cassava, maize, beans, and a variety of seafood, reflecting the Wakara's historical ties to both the land and the sea. Traditional cooking techniques, such as roasting on an open fire or baking in earth ovens, are still practiced alongside modern methods. The Wakara Renaissance has led to a revival of traditional recipes, with contemporary interpretations gaining popularity in both local and upscale dining scenes.

Spirituality

The "Yukiyu Atabey" faith, also known as the Wakara faith, is the indigenous spiritual belief system of the vast majority of the Wakara people. This faith plays an instrumental role in shaping the cultural and social fabric of the Wakara society. Yukiyu Atabey translates to "Spirit of Prosperity and Mother of Fresh Waters". The faith is founded upon the veneration of two primary deities - Yukiyu and Atabey. Yukiyu, the god of Yuca and the sea, is seen as the benevolent spirit that safeguards the Wakara people, ensures fair weather, and grants bountiful harvests. Conversely, Atabey, the goddess of freshwater and fertility, is revered as the source of life and the sustainer of natural equilibrium.

The Wakara people, deeply intertwined with their land and sea, honor Yukiyu Atabey through rituals that reflect the cyclical rhythm of nature - planting, harvest, storms, and calm seas. They believe that their prosperity and survival are inextricably linked to their adherence to these ceremonial rites and their respectful co-existence with the natural world.

The city of Guánica holds a special place in the heart of the Yukiyu Atabey faith. Known as the faith's holiest city, Guánica is home to several sacred sites, including the revered Yukiyu Atabey Temple. Each year, Wakara pilgrims from across Boriquén and other regions travel to Guánica to participate in the sacred rituals and festivals. The city is alive with the spiritual energy of the Yukiyu Atabey faith, serving as a beacon for those who seek to connect with the ancestral spirit of the Wakara people.

The Yukiyu Atabey faith has become an intrinsic part of the identity of the Wakara people, a testament to their resilience and their deeply rooted connection to their land and the natural world. The faith, while unique to Boriquén, has begun to spread, drawing followers and curious minds from different regions and providing a window into the rich spiritual life of the Wakara people.

See also

• Keltia;
• Operation Purple Splendor;
• Plan de Hato Rey.