Culture of Urcea: Difference between revisions

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{{About|various cultural items and common practices in Urcean life|Urcean worldview and social attitudes|Society of Urcea}}
The '''culture of Urcea'''  has been shaped by geography, by historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups, particularly the influence of [[Great Levantia]], the primary cultural, military, and political force in ancient [[Levantia]]. Much of Urcean history also saw the spread of the [[Urcean people]] throughout the lands the nation currently inhabits, creating a lasting frontier and settlement character on Urcean culture, particularly with the considerable influence of the [[Ómestaderoi]] on modern cultural trends. Urcean culture has also been significantly impacted by the relationship between itself and [[Sarpedon]], particularly [[Caphiria]], and its participation in the [[Second Great War]]. [[Urcea]] has played an important role as a center of high culture since the 17th century and from the 19th century on, worldwide.  
The '''culture of Urcea'''  has been shaped by geography, by historical events, and by foreign and internal forces and groups, particularly the influence of [[Great Levantia]], the primary cultural, military, and political force in ancient [[Levantia]]. Much of Urcean history also saw the spread of the [[Urcean people]] throughout the lands the nation currently inhabits, creating a lasting frontier and settlement character on Urcean culture, particularly with the considerable influence of the [[Ómestaderoi]] on modern cultural trends. Urcean culture has also been significantly impacted by the relationship between itself and [[Sarpedon]], particularly [[Caphiria]], and its participation in the [[Second Great War]]. [[Urcea]] has played an important role as a center of high culture since the 17th century and from the 19th century on, worldwide.  


In recent years, the culture of Urcea has been substantially influenced by cultural interaction with the peoples of [[Crona]] via Urcea's involvement in [[The Deluge]]. In particular, the growing prevalence of "crossover culture" in [[New Harren]] has introduced new types of food and music into mainstream Urcean culture, though many social scholars have noted that it will take several decades before elements of Cronan culture are fully embedded in everyday Urcean life. Most prevalent by the late 2010s was the introduction of certain Cronan words as slang in everyday Urcean language.  
In recent years, the culture of Urcea has been substantially influenced by cultural interaction with the peoples of [[Crona]] via Urcea's involvement in [[The Deluge]]. In particular, the growing prevalence of "crossover culture" in [[New Harren]] has introduced new types of food and music into mainstream Urcean culture, though many social scholars have noted that it will take several decades before elements of Cronan culture are fully embedded in everyday Urcean life. Most prevalent by the late 2010s was the introduction of certain Cronan words as slang in everyday Urcean language.  


==Heritage==
==Language==
{{MajorReconstruction}}
===Ethnicity===
{{main|Urcean people}}
 
The issue of Urcean cultural identity, sometimes referred to as "Urceanity", has long been a topic of discussion, especially among academics. Popular opinion, along with academic consensus, has established a few basic criteria of who Urceans are, especially including a joint Latinic and Gaelic ethnic and linguistic heritage. Many Urceans view neither Adonerum nor Gallawa as their direct ancestral state, and many national historians view Great Levantia with skepticism, although the Royal Institution for National Heritage along with the majority of scholars at the Collegium Scientificum argue that the hybridization of Celtic and Latinic cultures began under the auspices of Great Levantia or earlier, and that the so-called "Latin invasion" of Adonerum and Great Levantia involved a great deal of cultural mixing.
 
===Minority Groups===
Although the majority of Urcea being populated by individuals describing themselves as ethnic Urceans, there are other groups in Urcea with similar ethnic origins that retain an individual identity. There is significant debate surrounding most of these groups, especially the Caenish and Gassavelian people; many Caens and Gassavelians, as well as sociologists, consider their identity to be under the umbrella of Urcean ethnicity due to the cultural admixture responsible for creating the Urcean identity. This position is disputed by nationalists in these groups, who are a relatively small minority, as well as historians and sociologists who view the groups to be distinct enough to not be considered an offshoot of the Urcean identity. There are also Ænglish and Latinic peoples, descendants of people who lived in areas acquired by Urcea in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Not included in this listing are Carolines, who are widely agreed to be an extension of the Urcean ethnicity.
 
====Caenish people====
{{main|Caenish people}}
 
Caenish people are the descendants of Gothic people who migrated out of Gothica to the southern parts of Levantia in the late 3rd and early 4th century. Following initial efforts by Great Levantia to defeat the Caens, they were eventually settled as Foederati in modern Canaery. After further raids and wars, the Caens eventually settled in and rapidly intermarried with the local Gaels and Latins, forming a unique culture similar to that of the Urcean people by the 800s. Incorporated into the Holy Levantine Empire, Caens became increasingly exposed to the culture of other South Levantines such as the Urceans, increasing cultural exchange and integration. The Urcean Crown received Canaery in 1144, though it would remain separately governed for centuries. Despite this, the Caenish nobility increasingly adopted Urcean styles and customs, strengthening the cultural ties between the two peoples. By the time Canaery was fully integrated into the Apostolic Kingdom, there was very little resistance as the Caens and Urceans saw each other as brothers rather than that of conquered and conqueror.
 
====Garán people====
{{main|Garán people}}
 
Garán people, sometimes also called "Carolines", are the people native to the lands of [[Carolina]], now split into the provinces of [[Lower Carolina]] and [[Upper Carolina]]. During the collapse of [[Great Levantia]], many [[Gaelic people]] were pushed south into modern Carolina by advancing [[Gothic people]], overwhelming local Levantine authorities and creating a large demographic shift away from previously [[Latinic peoples|Latinic]] majorities, especially in the cities. Despite their common heritage, the Gaels in Carolina resisted the advance of [[Gallawa]] until they were overwhelmed and added to the new [[Holy Levantine Empire|Levantine Empire]] in the 8th century. Carolina became the center of the [[Southern Kingdom of the Levantines]], when it earned its name. The establishment of the Kingdom saw an influx of foreigners from throughout Levantia as the territory was divided into fiefs, creating a large landowning class primarily of Latinic and Gothic people among others. The noble classes eventually integrated with the mostly-Gaelic peasant class, evolving into the unique Garán culture. The Garáns spoke varieties of [[Lebhan]] and [[Julian Ænglish]] until their incorporation into Urcea after the [[War of the Caroline Succession]]. Many Urcean people relocated to Carolina before and after the war, creating yet another blend of traditions and cultures. The similarity between the Garáns and Urceans led to a kinship that transcended the loss of the territory during the Second Caroline War, and many locals welcomed the final annexation of the territory into Urcea during the Third Caroline War. Unlike many of the other post-Great Levantine cultures in south Levantia, the Garán retained a mostly Gaelic identity rather than that of a mixed identity or a Latinic identity, despite their common Latinic heritage.
 
====Gassavelian people====
{{main|Gassavelian people}}
 
Gassavelian people are descendants of Uzdehzani people, [[Audonian Christianity|Audonian Christian]] refugees who fled from [[Audonia]] during the rise of Islam and the [[Oduniyyad Caliphate]]. The relatively small group of refugees founded the Principality of [[Hištanšahr]], establishing themselves as the small ruling caste over the indigenous majority, a mix of primarily Gaelic and Istroyan people with a few Latinic settlements to the northwest. The [[Kingdom of Gassavelia]] succeeded Hištanšahr, incorporating the area into the [[Holy Levantine Empire]] and breaking down the boundaries of intermarriage between the Uzdehzani and the local gentry and peasant classes. The mixing of these three primary cultures established the Gassavelian people, who, like the Caenish people and Carán people, are considered by some to be related to the Urcean people with a unique Audonian influence. The Uzdehzani people gradually faded away by the sheer weight of demographics, but their influence - and, in some cases, family lineage - remain to this day, giving the Gassavelian people a distinct culture from their neighbors. Urcea acquired the western half of the Kingdom of Gassavelia following the Great Confessional War in the 1500s. Given some autonomy behind local Dukes, the Gassavelians nonetheless were partly integrated into Urcean culture, adopting the Julian Ænglish language of their new Kingdom and abjuring their previous Protestant faith to embrace Catholicism. The integration of [[Urcean people|ethnic Urcean]] [[Ómestaderoi]] within Gassavelian cities during the {{wp|Industrial Revolution}} also played an important role in the cultural interchange that led to the Gassavelians being viewed as part of the wider Urcean nationality. Gassavelians have held positions of prominence in Urcean society since, and Gassavelia is one of the largest subdivisions of Urcea.
 
====Ænglish people====
{{main|Ænglish people}}
 
Like the Caenish people, the Ænglish people were descended from [[Gothic people]] who settled on the northern mountain region of [[Great Levantia]] in a region approximately including northeastern Urcea and the southeastern portion of the United Kingdom. The Ænglish people are relatively closely related to the people of the United Kingdom. Loosely recognized as foederati but mostly keeping to themselves, there was no unified Ænglish realm but rather a network of petty kings recognizing the loose suzerainty of a high king. The Ænglish embraced the Christian religion of Great Levantia in the late 5th century. The Ænglish were conquered by King Conchobar of [[Gallawa]] in the mid 8th century and were organized as the Ænglish March in the Holy Levantine Empire, a name that would remain associated with the territory even as it was elevated to a Kingdom in 1278. Many of the Ænglish in northern Angla embraced Protestantism while the southern minority - those in closer proximity to Urcea and Carolina - retained their Catholic heritage. The Protestant-dominated Kingdom of Angla was destroyed in the Nordmontaine War, and several decades later part of the territory was assigned to Urcea at the end of the Great Confessional War. Like Gassavelia, the Ænglish were governed with some autonomy by local Dukes until the territory was reorganized in the 19th century into Ænglasmarch. Unlike most of the other minority groups, the Ænglish do not see themselves as part of the Urcean people but nonetheless view themselves as a distinct culture of Urcean Ænglish, who pride themselves on their Catholic faith and history of military service to Urcea. Many [[Urcean people|ethnic Urcean]] [[Ómestaderoi]] played a role in the cultural interchange during the {{wp|Industrial Revolution}} which accelerated the integration of Ænglish people. Also unlike the other minority groups, the Ænglish integrated into Urcean society with somewhat ease due to the common language and religion they share, though the Ænglish of Ænglasmarch has differences from Julian Ænglish.
 
====Derian people====
{{main|Derian people}}
 
Derians, the native people of the Deric States, historically integrated into the identity of the Urcean people as Urcea expanded eastward into lands traditionally part of the Kingdom of Dericania. Despite this, the Derian identity survived in parts of Eastvale and Burgundie. Surveys have suggested that anywhere from 10% to 25% of people in Eastvale view themselves as Derians. The majority of Derians in Urcea, however, are immigrants from Dericania from the last century; many Derians resettled in Urcea as refugees during the Second Fratricide. The Derian identity of the descendants of these refugees has been waning in the last few decades, and the number of Urceans identifying themselves as Derian people as opposed to Urcean people has declined precipitously since 1980.
 
====Nysdrine people====
{{main|Nysdrine people}}
 
Nysdrine people are descendants of Urceans or other Levantines living in [[Crona]], or ethnically native Cronites adhering to Levantine religion and culture in Crona. Most Nysdrine families in Urcea originated in [[New Harren]] and immigrated to Urcea since its foundation in the 19th century, but the Nysdrine population in metropolitan Urcea and its overseas possession has been increasing dramatically since The Deluge and the exposure of Levantine culture to an increasing number of native peoples of Crona.
 
===Language===
Urcea has had a somewhat diverse linguistic history, beginning with the earliest Latin-speaking peoples spreading throughout the land in the period beginning ca. 950 BC. Latin was the sole official language of state in [[Great Levantia]]. Gradually, the Latin of the ruling class began to mix with the language of the conquering Celts and Gaels, resulting in Urcea's first native language, [[Lebhan language|Lebhan]] (roughly meaning "of the city", as in "language of the city", referring to Urceopolis), developed, and was the primary vulgar language for nearly a thousand years. It was eventually adopted alongside Latin as language of government in the 900s, though it replaced Latin even in government documents. Latin remained prevalent, however, in the Church and in learning (as it was controlled by the Church).
Urcea has had a somewhat diverse linguistic history, beginning with the earliest Latin-speaking peoples spreading throughout the land in the period beginning ca. 950 BC. Latin was the sole official language of state in [[Great Levantia]]. Gradually, the Latin of the ruling class began to mix with the language of the conquering Celts and Gaels, resulting in Urcea's first native language, [[Lebhan language|Lebhan]] (roughly meaning "of the city", as in "language of the city", referring to Urceopolis), developed, and was the primary vulgar language for nearly a thousand years. It was eventually adopted alongside Latin as language of government in the 900s, though it replaced Latin even in government documents. Latin remained prevalent, however, in the Church and in learning (as it was controlled by the Church).


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In the southeast is the region of [[Gassavelia]], a semi-autonomous part of the Apostolic Kingdom, wherein a type of Romance Audonian, the Gassavelian language, is spoken, which is the third most spoken language in the Kingdom.
In the southeast is the region of [[Gassavelia]], a semi-autonomous part of the Apostolic Kingdom, wherein a type of Romance Audonian, the Gassavelian language, is spoken, which is the third most spoken language in the Kingdom.


===Naming conventions===
==Naming conventions==
The Urcean name is, typically, a complete name usually consisting of a given name, commonly referred to as a first name or Christian name, and a (most commonly patrilineal) family name or surname, also referred to as a last name. The majority of Urceans under this naming convention also have a second given name, referred to as a middle name. Most Urcean names either derive from Gaelicized Latinic (such as Luciás and Patrick), Hebrew (David, Daniel), Istroyan (Nicholas), or Ænglish (Edward) origins. Urcea's variety of given and surnames are a result of millennia of cultural blending between Gaelic, Gothic, Latinic, and Christian influences, producing names which are neither entirely Gaelic or Latinic. The traditional naming system evolved organically throughout the history of Urcea, with surnames evolving as family names to differentiate people within different Estates. By the 16th century, the naming system was functionally standard among all people throughout the country besides optimates, who retained just their given name, though some privilegiata retained the name of their noble dynasty as a surname.
The Urcean name is, typically, a complete name usually consisting of a given name, commonly referred to as a first name or Christian name, and a (most commonly patrilineal) family name or surname, also referred to as a last name. The majority of Urceans under this naming convention also have a second given name, referred to as a middle name. Most Urcean names either derive from Gaelicized Latinic (such as Luciás and Patrick), Hebrew (David, Daniel), Istroyan (Nicholas), or Ænglish (Edward) origins. Urcea's variety of given and surnames are a result of millennia of cultural blending between Gaelic, Gothic, Latinic, and Christian influences, producing names which are neither entirely Gaelic or Latinic. The traditional naming system evolved organically throughout the history of Urcea, with surnames evolving as family names to differentiate people within different Estates. By the 16th century, the naming system was functionally standard among all people throughout the country besides optimates, who retained just their given name, though some privilegiata retained the name of their noble dynasty as a surname.


The notable exception to the traditional naming scheme is that of the [[Tria nomina movement|tria nomina system]], introduced in the middle of the 19th century during the Romantic period as a hearkening back to the naming conventions of Great Levantia. The tria nomina adopted the traditional naming system by transforming the surname into a cognomen and introducing the name of one's estate as a nomen. The system was widely adopted by optimate families and the heads of the Estates of Urcea, but saw relatively little penetration into middle or lower class Urcean families, and the system was ordered abolished by the 1890s. Many families retain their tria nomina names today, most especially the members of House de Weluta. During the early 20th century, many former freemen who became prosperous "new men" under the restoration adopted "false tria nominas" in order to appear higher class; these names became hereditary. Perhaps the best known individual with such a "false tria nomina" is James Cossus Reed, who served as Chancellor and Temporary President in the 2010s.
The notable exception to the traditional naming scheme is that of the [[Tria nomina movement|tria nomina system]], introduced in the middle of the 19th century during the Romantic period as a hearkening back to the naming conventions of Great Levantia. The tria nomina adopted the traditional naming system by transforming the surname into a cognomen and introducing the name of one's estate as a nomen. The system was widely adopted by optimate families and the heads of the Estates of Urcea, but saw relatively little penetration into middle or lower class Urcean families, and the system was ordered abolished by the 1890s. Many families retain their tria nomina names today, most especially the members of House de Weluta. During the early 20th century, many former freemen who became prosperous "new men" under the restoration adopted "false tria nominas" in order to appear higher class; these names became hereditary. Perhaps the best known individual with such a "false tria nomina" is James Cossus Reed, who served as Chancellor and Temporary President in the 2010s.
==Institutions and groupings==
===Family Structure===
The family in Urcea is usually group consisting of a married pair of a woman and a man (adults) and their children (one or more). These so-called "Nuclear families" typically center on the married couple; the nuclear family may have any number of children. The familial definition in Urcea includes blood children, adopted children and step-children in certain circumstances; for tax purposes, the reason for the annulment of the previous marriage or if it was a separation via death is considered. The family structure of a married couple and their children were present since the 6th century, influenced by church and Royal governments. Outside of the nuclear families exist bonds with extended family, including those within the Estate system. Family is considered the fundamental cornerstone and "basic unit" of society. Extended families consisting of multiple nuclear family units often feel close bond in Urcea especially within the context of their shared [[Estates of Urcea|estate]]. Emergent {{wp|Housing_in_Urcea#Exurban|exurban housing attitudes}} have led to extended families increasingly living in close proximity, increasing the importance of these bonds in the 21st century.


===Folklore===
In the Ionian Plateau, a similar but separate loose clan structure is in use. While Highlanders live as nuclear families, it is often in close proximity to others, and typically first and second cousins are raised together. These smaller clan units retain loyalty to their kinsmen even outside of the direct mini-clan unit, and even in the 21st century a single, distantly-related clan can make up a plurality of dioceses within the Highlands. Accordingly, consanguinity laws (within four degrees) are strictly enforced. Highland clans are known to form local sports teams and leagues with other clans, and though ancient rivalries have mostly subsided, sometimes these matches can result in violence by hooliganism.
Much of Urcea’s best known folklore descends from the cults of various Saints and the legends associated with them. The best known legend comes from the medieval period, when supposedly spectral apparitions of Saint Julius I would ride through a commune, and whosever home he stopped at should assume responsibility as the “lead man” in the commune for a year. These legends were later refined to the supposed season of “Juliustide”, ranging from late October to early November. It is commonly assumed that Election Day in Urcea is the first Tuesday in November as a descendant of Juliustide. Many modern historians and scholars have supported this connection to the earlier folklore tradition.


===Festivals and Holidays in Urcea===
===Estates===
{{main|Public holidays in Urcea}}
{{main|Estates of Urcea}}
Holidays are a major part of Urcean cultural and religious life and are directly tied into the [[Catholic Church]]'s liturgical calendar, although several non-religious holidays exist as well. 34 major holidays are observed on weekdays throughout the year, some of which are holy days of obligation and other feast days. On the event of a weekend holiday or feast, weekday observances of holidays are typically observed on Tuesday following the actual date of the holiday or feast.


Holidays in Urcea are divided into three classes, depending upon the significance of the holiday. The three classes determine what level of observance is required, and was implemented in 1934 in order to decrease economic disruption. Holidays of the 1st Class, which include holy days of obligation among other holidays, are days in which the entire nation - with the exception of the Armed Forces of the Apostolic Kingdom of Urcea - is expected to observe. Holidays of the 2nd Class, which include major feast days, are primarily observed by employers in such a way that employees have a choice of which 2nd Class Holidays they will not work on, typically up to six per year (a figure ultimately determined by the industrial guild an employer is in). Holidays of the 3rd Class, which primarily include lesser civic holidays, are dependent upon guilds which vote to observe them.
Urcean families with a lineage in the country typically older than fifty years are part of the Estates of Urcea, a system of kinship ties descending, supposedly, from the period of Great Levantia. These Estates are descended from 25 Latinic families and their wards from Urceopolis and its hinterlands as well as 25 Gaelic families integrated during the Great Levantine period. In antiquity, this served a function similar to the Caphirian tribal system, where groups of individuals were divided for voting purposes. From the 50 estates is derived the Medieval landed gentry class of Urcea, and each estate has a so-called "great house" at its head, with the head of household holding the title of "Guardian (Lebhan: Custóir) of the Estate". Legal estate distinctions were largely abolished by the 18th century, but to this day one's Estate is an important source of identity. The Estates compete in many respects including most prominently in [[Damselalia]].
 
===Social class and distinctions===
The most prominent non-religious holiday is the King's Birthday, celebrated on different days depending on the birthday of the reigning Apostolic King of Urcea. Celebrations typically mirror independence day festivities of other countries, as patriotic themes mingle with typical, seasonally appropriate relaxation activities, such as boating. The second most prominent non-religious holiday is that of Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday, which recalls the historic event of Prince Niall's flight to the highlands during the Second Caroline War, is an occasion for the nation to give thanks to God for the deliverance of the nation, but also for the blessings given to families and the country as a whole. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated as an extended family gathering.
 
The Feast Day of [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] on 24 July and is an important holiday celebrating national themes, though in recent decades the King's Birthday has supplanted it as the main "patriotic" holiday, and instead it has taken on a greater religious significance.
 
==Social class and distinctions==
{{main|Social class in Urcea}}
{{main|Social class in Urcea}}


Urcea is a relatively class-mobile country without rigid social distinction, though the most common observation is that there are three "soft" classes; a lower or working class, a middle class, and an upper class. Historically, Urcea employed a distinct class system based on property requirements, inheritance, and heredity, and, during the high medieval period, serfdom. Much of the social structure was disrupted during the Saint's War and Great Confessional War, leading to a weakening of the class system and end of serfdom following the latter conflict. Formal class distinctions remained on the books until the end of the [[Red Interregnum]], when they were functionally abolished by King [[Patrick III of Urcea|Patrick III]] during the restoration. Urcea largely abolished its system of {{wp|peerage}}, although it still exists in the form of non-inheritable life peerages and courtesy titles.
Urcea is a relatively class-mobile country without rigid social distinction, though the most common observation is that there are three "soft" classes; a lower or working class, a middle class, and an upper class. Historically, Urcea employed a distinct class system based on property requirements, inheritance, and heredity, and, during the high medieval period, serfdom. Much of the social structure was disrupted during the Saint's War and Great Confessional War, leading to a weakening of the class system and end of serfdom following the latter conflict. Formal class distinctions remained on the books until the end of the [[Red Interregnum]], when they were functionally abolished by King [[Patrick III of Urcea|Patrick III]] during the restoration. Urcea largely abolished its system of {{wp|peerage}}, although it still exists in the form of non-inheritable life peerages and courtesy titles.
===Peerage===
====Peerage====


Despite being a relatively egalitarian society, Urcea does maintain an extensive system of {{wp|Life peer|life peerage}}, non-inheritable titles granted by the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]]. Titles are typically granted as a recognition of merit, both in public service or extraordinary work as a private individual. Many titles are granted to prominent members of [[House de Weluta]] who serve in official government functions, and the ''Custóirs'' of the [[Estates of Urcea]] are almost always granted a life peerage upon their ascension to that role. A life peerage usually conveys a sense of social importance and carries with it some minor privileges, such as the right to be announced at public events like theatrical showings. In formal ceremonies, a life peer has the right to enter any procession in the highest place of honor and may be seated at the most honorable position unless the King himself or a Bishop is in attendance, in which case the peer has second position or lower as the need presents.  
Despite being a relatively egalitarian society, Urcea does maintain an extensive system of {{wp|Life peer|life peerage}}, non-inheritable titles granted by the [[Apostolic King of Urcea]]. Titles are typically granted as a recognition of merit, both in public service or extraordinary work as a private individual. Many titles are granted to prominent members of [[House de Weluta]] who serve in official government functions, and the ''Custóirs'' of the [[Estates of Urcea]] are almost always granted a life peerage upon their ascension to that role. A life peerage usually conveys a sense of social importance and carries with it some minor privileges, such as the right to be announced at public events like theatrical showings. In formal ceremonies, a life peer has the right to enter any procession in the highest place of honor and may be seated at the most honorable position unless the King himself or a Bishop is in attendance, in which case the peer has second position or lower as the need presents.  
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Records on peerages are retained by the [[Apostolic_King_of_Urcea#Household_Office_for_Grants_of_Title|Household Office for Grants of Title]].
Records on peerages are retained by the [[Apostolic_King_of_Urcea#Household_Office_for_Grants_of_Title|Household Office for Grants of Title]].
==Structure of daily life==
===Work week===
Urceans enjoy a four day work week, beginning on Tuesday and ending on Friday. The week is viewed as divided into two; those days for rest and holy contemplation (Sunday and the day preceding and succeeding it), and days for one's duty to state in life.
===Social gatherings===
====Diocesan fairs====
====Estate fairs====
====Festivals and Holidays in Urcea====
{{main|Public holidays in Urcea}}
Holidays are a major part of Urcean cultural and religious life and are directly tied into the [[Catholic Church]]'s liturgical calendar, although several non-religious holidays exist as well. 34 major holidays are observed on weekdays throughout the year, some of which are holy days of obligation and other feast days. On the event of a weekend holiday or feast, weekday observances of holidays are typically observed on Tuesday following the actual date of the holiday or feast.
Holidays in Urcea are divided into three classes, depending upon the significance of the holiday. The three classes determine what level of observance is required, and was implemented in 1934 in order to decrease economic disruption. Holidays of the 1st Class, which include holy days of obligation among other holidays, are days in which the entire nation - with the exception of the Armed Forces of the Apostolic Kingdom of Urcea - is expected to observe. Holidays of the 2nd Class, which include major feast days, are primarily observed by employers in such a way that employees have a choice of which 2nd Class Holidays they will not work on, typically up to six per year (a figure ultimately determined by the industrial guild an employer is in). Holidays of the 3rd Class, which primarily include lesser civic holidays, are dependent upon guilds which vote to observe them.
The most prominent non-religious holiday is the King's Birthday, celebrated on different days depending on the birthday of the reigning Apostolic King of Urcea. Celebrations typically mirror independence day festivities of other countries, as patriotic themes mingle with typical, seasonally appropriate relaxation activities, such as boating. The second most prominent non-religious holiday is that of Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. The holiday, which recalls the historic event of Prince Niall's flight to the highlands during the Second Caroline War, is an occasion for the nation to give thanks to God for the deliverance of the nation, but also for the blessings given to families and the country as a whole. Thanksgiving is traditionally celebrated as an extended family gathering.
The Feast Day of [[Gaius Julius Cicurinus|Saint Julius of the Caeline]] on 24 July and is an important holiday celebrating national themes, though in recent decades the King's Birthday has supplanted it as the main "patriotic" holiday, and instead it has taken on a greater religious significance.


==Education==
==Education==
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===Higher Education===
===Higher Education===
==Attitudes and worldview==
===Social ideals===
====Marriage====
Urceans consider marriage to be the cornerstone of civilized society; the country adheres very strongly to the Catholic view of marriage, but also view it through the lens of social ties. As proscribed in Church teaching, marriage is viewed as the natural state and the proper context for relations between men and women as it establishes the unitive and procreative bond through the marital act. Consequently, unmarried people over a certain age - besides clerics and consecrated virgins - are viewed with supreme suspicion. Throughout the 20th century, several rounds of anti-discrimination laws against what Urceans called spinsters were passed, and most studies have shown legal nondiscrimination is now in place, but the social views on the matter have largely not changed. Divorce is illegal; as such, only 1-2% of adults over 18 report having been divorced. A secular physical "separation" of couples is legal as necessary and granted judicially with a relatively low standard of scrutiny. 77% of adults over the age of 18 are married, 10% were widowed, and the remaining eleven percent report never having been married.
====Sexual attitudes====
Most Urceans view monogamous heteronormativity as a cornerstone of their worldview, and, consequently, non-conforming sexual attitudes are viewed with extreme suspicion, and, in many cases, confusion. Adultery is illegal and relatively uncommon; 11% of men and 9% of women report having committed an adulterous act. Bigamy, polygamy and gay marriage are illegal and are offenses subject to large fines. In line with Catholic teaching, sexual activities - referred to commonly in Urcea as the "marital act" - is viewed as a unitative and procreative action between man and wife. Non-marital sexual relations - either of the aforementioned adulterous nature - is viewed by Church teaching and social mores as an abuse of human faculties. Similarly, masturbation is condemned by society given that it is considered a selfish act and an abuse of the human body, given the purpose of the sexual faculties are viewed as being for unitative and procreative purposes.
Virginity as well as voluntary celibacy are highly prized values in Urcean culture. {{wp|Consecrated virginity}} for religious purposes is uncommon in Urcea, but the country nonetheless has the world's highest percentage of consecrated virgins relative to its Catholic population. A 2015 study yielded that there may be as many as ten million consecrated virgins in Urcea, comprising approximately 0.70% of the country's total population.
====Children and parenting====
Given the common view of family and marriage as the cornerstone of society, parenthood is viewed as a high moral obligation for every member of the laity (excepting consecrated virgins) and the rearing of children is viewed as a sacred trust and responsibility. Consequently, children are viewed as the "prized possession" of each family given the importance of family continuation. Urceans view catechesis as part and parcel of "correct" parenting and child rearing, and often times children are well educated in the basic tenets of the Catholic faith by the time they enter school age.
====Race====
Views on race vary among Urceans, but most Urceans view the matter an as issue of science rather than of culture or ethnic differences. Given the longstanding Urcean cultural norm of viewing the world through the scope of religion - dividing peoples based on the creeds they adhere to - race has rather decidedly been viewed as a mostly unimportant distinction between peoples. Consequently, the notion of a "white" or an "Audonian" (in the case of Gassavelian people) kinship or identity is extremely muted and exists primarily on the margins, as nationality and faith are viewed as the primary characteristics defining an individual's background and identity. Racial discrimination has never been common in Urcea nor has there ever been extensive examples of institutional discrimination based on race by the Government of Urcea or local governments. Discrimination in Urcea does and has existed, but race has not largely been included in such examples.
====Housing====
{{Main|Housing in Urcea}}
===Self-governance===
===Politics and statecraft===
{{User:Kir/Template}}
====Role of government====
Urceans tend to view government within the context of St. Paul's {{wp|Romans 13}}. Based on the Letter to the Romans, Urceans view government and governing authorities as ordained by God based on the view that all authority ultimately descends from God. The view St. Paul espouses - that authorities are "servant(s) of God for your good...for the authorities are ministers of God" - is the basis on which Urceans view government as a critical force for ensuring the common good. This view does not necessarily mean all Urceans endorse what could be called a "big government" policy program, but it does mean that most Urceans of every political persuasion have an implicit trust in the government based on their own point of view. More conservative, smaller-government oriented Urceans - such as the members of the National Pact - believe the government's responsibility is to be a just mediator tempering the invisible hand of the market and ensuring no one actor abuses the market at the expense of Urceans. More social-oriented political groups, such as the [[Solidarity Party (Urcea)|Solidarity Party]], believe the government has a more direct responsibility in ensuring the common good. Political and social commentators have noted that Urcea's political dichotomy is relatively unique as all major parties acknowledge the responsible and guiding hand of governmental authority even though they disagree on its proper application. Consistent with these beliefs, Urcea employs {{wp|policing by consent}}.
Urcea is well known for its relatively expansive understanding of the role of government in public morality, but this application of moral laws derives from the Urceans' understanding of the relationship between man and the state. As the organic outgrowth of society, there is usually widespread support for implementation of moral laws within society. Consequently, things such as adultery, [[Illegal vice trade in Urcea|contraception, and abortion]] are not only illegal but punishable by severe fines. Most Urceans throughout the political spectrum either support moral codes or at least have no opinion on them besides the far-left part of the spectrum represented by the Social Labor Party which actively calls for the creation of something resembling a free marketplace of subjective morals and social ideals.
Consistent polling indicates that most Urceans do not believe their country is a "democracy" nor describe their country's values as "democratic" despite relatively high scores from international observers for regularly-scheduled free and fair elections. While Urceans do generally believe that a country having elections is an important value, democracy as a standalone concept is viewed negative and with suspicion and is often used as a disparaging term in Urcean society in a way meaning mob rule. Many Urceans instead describe their electoral system and participatory government as "[[Organicism#Shared_commonwealth|shared commonwealth]]" which express "commonwealth values", which are often used by both academics and politicians. The most prominent example of the usage of this term was in the now-defunct [[Commonwealth Union (Urcea)|Commonwealth Union]]. These two terms and their shared concepts often poll highly among Urceans across the political spectrum.
====Role of monarchy====
The Apostolic King of Urcea is viewed by the nation as something of a father figure; the analogy has often been used that he sits at the head of the national family, using the analogy of a family dinner. An ancient peasant tradition long referred to the King in this way rather than as "King"; for example, "Father Riordan", leading to many folk tales and medieval songs presenting stories about "Father Lucás" or "Father Leo". While the monarchy has lost some of its constitutional authority in the last century and a half, a vast majority of Urceans consistently poll support for the Apostolic King. Studies have shown that a vast majority of Urceans "genuinely believe" that the Apostolic King is a kind of representative of God himself; the government's official teaching is that the King is a kind of steward of his inheritance given to him by God. Some foreign scholars have misrepresented this point of view as belief in the divine right of Kings, but even the staunchest Urcean monarchists disavow that position as incompatible with Catholic teaching. Rather, Urceans view the monarch as implicitly entrusted by God with the well being and common good of the Kingdom within the context of Romans 13 as described above. Consequently, the position of republicanism has been extremely unpopular since public polling began; the highest support ever recorded for the abolition of the monarchy came at 12.4% in 1971 following the succession of the fourth son of King Brian IV after decades of childless successions. The [[2018 Urcean institutional referendum]] yielded a 86.4% vote of support for the continuation of the Monarchy.
===Role of industry and work===
====Work week====
Urceans enjoy a four day work week, beginning on Tuesday and ending on Friday. The week is viewed as divided into two; those days for rest and holy contemplation (Sunday and the day preceding and succeeding it), and days for one's duty to state in life.
====Guilds====
{{Main|Guilds (Urcea)}}
[[Guilds (Urcea)|Guilds]] are viewed by most Urceans as an absolutely necessary cornerstone of having an economy, given that guilds are viewed as the primary reason Urcea escaped destructive class struggle during the 20th century.
A minority position views guilds as an unnecessary impediment on economic activity, a view held in both left and right circles. Elements of Urcea's [[Social Labor Party (Urcea)|Social Labor Party]] view guilds as restrictive on the victories labor can achieve while members of the [[National Pact (Urcea)|National Pact]] view them as a burden on Urcean economic potential and a constraint on the possibilities of the free market. Both left and right, these opponents of guilds view them as an impediment to innovation and new entrants into an industry.
===Nationhood===
====League of Nations====
====Foreign cultures and nations====
{{Further|Goura's Index of National Attitudes}}
As a consequence of their joint heritage, most Urceans view most Occidental nations as their cousins. In particular, Urceans view those from Dericania and especially Burgundie and Caphiria, despite the historical geopolitical animosity between the two countries, as "national cousins". Non-Levantines are often viewed with attitudes characterized as either "paternalistic" or "chauvinist" depending upon the point of view of the author.
===Philosophy===
====Man and God====
====Man and Nature====
====Man and the State====
Urceans eschew the notion of "natural man" in the state of nature, and many view it with suspicion as a "Protestant" or "Masonic" notion. Instead, Urceans view the state merely as an organized extension of civilized society. Although they don't embrace the fascist notion of the State as the highest social good, Urceans do view the state as themselves and themselves as the state. The state is not viewed as a distinct entity from the person or the society, but rather viewed as an organic outgrowth of man as a social animal.
====Man and Man====
The traditional notion of a brotherhood of mankind is common in Urcea and it is accompanied by the view that achievements should be anonymous for the benefit of man and the glory of God, and for this purpose considerable charitable donations in Urcea are done anonymously. This view of anonymity is often used as a criticism leveled against public figures, as many - both Urceans and those abroad - view the prominence of cultural figures, athletes, and political leaders as contradictory to the Urcean view of man.
====Urceanity====
Due to the national heritage of Latinic migrants, as well as their early modern successors, the [[Ómestaderoi]], Urceans associate themselves with the pioneer spirit and attitude of frontier life. Consequently, the Urcean model of virtue is that of the pious Catholic smallhold Ómestad farmer.
==Kinship==
===Family Structure===
The family in Urcea is usually group consisting of a married pair of a woman and a man (adults) and their children (one or more). These so-called "Nuclear families" typically center on the married couple; the nuclear family may have any number of children. The familial definition in Urcea includes blood children, adopted children and step-children in certain circumstances; for tax purposes, the reason for the annulment of the previous marriage or if it was a separation via death is considered. The family structure of a married couple and their children were present since the 6th century, influenced by church and Royal governments. Outside of the nuclear families exist bonds with extended family, including those within the Estate system. Family is considered the fundamental cornerstone and "basic unit" of society. Extended families consisting of multiple nuclear family units often feel close bond in Urcea especially within the context of their shared [[Estates of Urcea|estate]]. Emergent {{wp|Housing_in_Urcea#Exurban|exurban housing attitudes}} have led to extended families increasingly living in close proximity, increasing the importance of these bonds in the 21st century.
In the Ionian Plateau, a similar but separate loose clan structure is in use. While Highlanders live as nuclear families, it is often in close proximity to others, and typically first and second cousins are raised together. These smaller clan units retain loyalty to their kinsmen even outside of the direct mini-clan unit, and even in the 21st century a single, distantly-related clan can make up a plurality of dioceses within the Highlands. Accordingly, consanguinity laws (within four degrees) are strictly enforced. Highland clans are known to form local sports teams and leagues with other clans, and though ancient rivalries have mostly subsided, sometimes these matches can result in violence by hooliganism.
===Estates===
{{main|Estates of Urcea}}
Urcean families with a lineage in the country typically older than fifty years are part of the Estates of Urcea, a system of kinship ties descending, supposedly, from the period of Great Levantia. These Estates are descended from 25 Latinic families and their wards from Urceopolis and its hinterlands as well as 25 Gaelic families integrated during the Great Levantine period. In antiquity, this served a function similar to the Caphirian tribal system, where groups of individuals were divided for voting purposes. From the 50 estates is derived the Medieval landed gentry class of Urcea, and each estate has a so-called "great house" at its head, with the head of household holding the title of "Guardian (Lebhan: Custóir) of the Estate". Legal estate distinctions were largely abolished by the 18th century, but to this day one's Estate is an important source of identity. The Estates compete in many respects including most prominently in [[Damselalia]].
==Social gatherings==
===Diocesan fairs===
===Estate fairs===
==Cuisine==
==Cuisine==
===Food===
===Food===
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==Arts and literature==
==Arts and literature==
{{Main|Arts and literature of Urcea}}
{{Main|Arts and literature of Urcea}}
===Folklore===
Much of Urcea’s best known folklore descends from the cults of various Saints and the legends associated with them. The best known legend comes from the medieval period, when supposedly spectral apparitions of Saint Julius I would ride through a commune, and whosever home he stopped at should assume responsibility as the “lead man” in the commune for a year. These legends were later refined to the supposed season of “Juliustide”, ranging from late October to early November. It is commonly assumed that Election Day in Urcea is the first Tuesday in November as a descendant of Juliustide. Many modern historians and scholars have supported this connection to the earlier folklore tradition.
==Fashion==
==Fashion==