Culture of Metzetta: Difference between revisions

The traditional '''culture of Metzetta''' is the shared cultural and historical heritage of the people and empire of [[Metzetta]]. As one of the world's oldest continuous cultures, Metzettans have passed down their traditional narratives in a variety of ways.

== Social order ==

=== Clans and stratification ===

Metzettan society has a well-defined aristocracy, and while movement into a higher economic class is perfectly possible, the prestige of belonging to a high-ranking clan cannot be bought. At the top of the hierarchy of clans is the imperial family; following them are the ancient [[Ssuseol Clan|Ssuseol]], [[Pyeolhae Clan|Pyeolhae]] and [[Apsu Clan|Apsu]] clans of the [[Iyagi-ingan]]; below them are the [[Kino Clan|Kino]], [[Haruka Clan|Haruka]], [[Migyung Clan|Migyung]], [[Zuzeonhwa Clan|Zuzeonhwa]] and [[Jaenan Clan|Jaenan]] clans of the [[Iyagi-segye]]. Following these families the lines become progressively blurrier as one descends the ladder of social prestige.

=== Family Structure ===

Historically the extended family has been very important in Metzettan culture, however in recent years there has been a shift to focusing on the nuclear model of man, wife and children. Extended-family homes still exist, particularly among the aristocrats who can afford buildings large enough, but are now the minority, with the exception of many elderly parents moving in with their children at the end of their lives.

=== Naming conventions ===

The traditional format for Metzettan names has been to place the surname first and follow it with the given name, which is itself often taken from an ancestor several generations before. Metzettans do not have middle names. Noble titles are used. There are only around 300 surnames in common use in Metzetta; marrying someone of the same surname is considered a strong taboo, even today, regardless of how closely the two people are actually related by blood. Metzettan women take on their husband's surname, and children also inherit their surnames from their father. The royal family take their surnames from the most recent female to hold the office at the time of their ascension, meaning new surnames are created every few decades.

=== Genealogy ===

''Main article: [[Genealogy in Metzetta]]''

Ancestry is considered very important in Metzettan culture, and most citizens have a casual knowledge of the high-ranking clans' connections through blood and marriage. Books are regularly published detailing births and marriages in families and most people can trace at least one branch of their family with confidence for hundreds of years.

=== Etiquette ===

The [[Metzi]] language includes an honorifics system which is strictly adhered to except in the most casual of circumstances.

== Language ==

[[File:Hangul advertisement.jpg|thumb|Metzi signs]]

=== Metzi ===

''Main article: [[Metzi]]''

The Metzi language is written using hangul and is considered a language isolate, meaning no relations to other languages have been proven to exist. The word order is subject-object-verb.

=== Indigenous minority languages ===

Indigenous languages of ethnic Metzettans, mostly from the southern islands, are recognised and protected, with dictionaries regularly published and surveys undertaken to establish the health of each language.

=== Foreign languages ===

Foreign languages are taught to all Metzettan school students, with the specific languages often being chosen by the children themselves. The most common second languages are [[Julian Ænglish|English]] and [[Caphiric Latin|Latin]].

== Religion ==

=== Chulcheo ===

''Main article: [[Chulcheo]]''

Ssaum and Hwajae had a daughter; [[Dalrae]], the first woman. This is the mythical origin of the human race. Dalrae and the demigod of the stars, Byeol, had many children, the first of whom was [[Yang-jo|Yang]], the founder of [[Meseda-jo]] and one of the most important figures in Metzettan legend. From these few figures all the men and women of the world are said to be descended. While it is not true in reality than the human race originated in [[Metzetta]], this origin tale indicates that the people of other lands went forth from Metzetta to found their respective countries.

=== Catholicism ===

[[Catholic Church|Catholicism]] has entered [[Metzetta]] and is most prevalent in [[Ankae]], the port through which most missionaries would have arrived.

=== Buddhism ===

Buddhism arrived in [[Metzetta]] from [[Tanhai]].

=== Other religions ===

Other religions exist only as minorities in [[Metzetta]] and receive little-to-no recognition from the [[Government of Metzetta|government]].

=== Atheism ===

Atheism has been traditionally unpopular and treated with suspicion in [[Metzetta]] however it has become more and more common over the last few generations.

== Festivals and holidays ==

''Main article: [[Holidays in Metzetta]]''

Metzettan festivals include Chusu (the harvest festival), Saehae (celebrating the New Year) and Gaehwa (the blossom festival). Christmas is not regarded as an important holiday but is still offered as a public holiday, if only to allow people to begin preparations for Saehae. In the past the dates for holidays were celebrated according to the lunar calendar but under the reforms of [[Anru Daeku|Emperor Daeku]] they were fixed in place on the solar calendar.

== Folklore ==

''Main article: [[Metzettan Folklore]]''

Conspiracy theories also hold a place in modern Metzettan folklore.

== Education ==

''Main article: [[Education in Metzetta]]''

[[Metzetta]] boasts several ancient [[Universities in Metzetta|universities]] and its citizens place a high value on educating themselves and their children. Education is free and compulsory until the age of 16 (homeschooling is also an option). Students may elect to stay on for 2 further years of education, which most do. University education is heavily subsidised for citizens, but remains expensive for foreign students.

=== Primary education ===

Primary education starts at age 4 and continues for 7 years; each year can be abbreviated as PX, with P1 being the first year, P2 being the second and so on.

=== Secondary education ===

Secondary education starts at age 11 and continues for 5 years, with two more optional years (S6 and S7) offered to all students.

=== Tertiary education ===

''Main article: [[Universities in Metzetta]]''

Most students apply for university in Metzetta, which lasts for 3 or 4 years depending on the course chosen. The [[government of Metzetta]] run National Universities in every province and metropolitan city of the country to ensure all citizens have access to tertiary education. After receiving a degree, students may enrol in postgraduate programmes at most universities.

== Attitudes and worldview ==

=== Marriage ===

A happy marriage is considered essential for a fulfilling life in [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] popular thought. Only marriages between one man and one woman are legally accepted; polyamory is almost unheard of, and same-sex marriages are not offered or recognised.

=== Sex ===

Adultery is punishable by up to two years in prison for both the adulterer and their extra-marital partner.

[[File:Kang Seul-gi at Incheon Airport on January 5, 2019.jpg|thumb|Example of a woman]]

=== Women ===

Women enjoy the same rights as men in [[Metzetta]], and their interests are protected by the [[Metzettan Ministry of Women]]. There are several woman-only universities in the country and women are eligible for the position of [[Emperor of Metzetta|Empress]].

=== Race ===

Employers in [[Metzetta]] have been accused of preferring Metzettans over non-Metzettans but little in the way of legislation has been passed to address this. The imperial family often marry into noble families of other races to maintain their status throughout the world.

=== Philosophy ===

''Main article: [[Metzettan Philosophy]]''

[[Chulcheo]], the dominant religion of [[Metzetta]], has been extremely influential on popular thought in the country.

=== Smoking ===

Pipe-smoking has been popular in Metzetta since antiquity, and remains so today; with cigarettes also becoming much-enjoyed in recent decades. The country's medical experts are concerned by this popularity but have little idea on how the problem could best be addressed, with public health warnings being routinely ignored.

== Cuisine ==

''Main article: [[Cuisine in Metzetta]]''

Metzettan cuisine has evolved through centuries of social and political change. Ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have proliferated in different variations across the country in the present day. Metzettan cuisine is largely based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish and meats. Traditional Metzettan meals are noted for the number of side dishes, ''banchan'' (반찬), which accompany steam-cooked short-grain rice. Every meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. Metzetta is unique among Alshari countries in its use of metal chopsticks rather than wooden or bamboo ones.

=== Staple foods ===

Rice has been Metzetta's staple food for thousands of years, followed by noodles of various kinds which were a later addition. Pork and chicken are the most consumed meats, with the relatively expensive beef being kept for special treats only by most families.

=== Seasonal foods ===

Every [[Holidays in Metzetta|Metzettan festival]] has associated foods which make use of readily available foodstuffs for the time of year in which the festival is held.

=== Fast food ===

[[Ramyeonba]] is a popular fast food chain in [[Metzetta]] and their most popular chain abroad.

[[NoWaiter]] and [[Prontoburger]] franchises also exist in Metzetta and are popular with the youth.

=== Confectionary ===

Metzettans enjoy unique candies of a huge variety of flavours, with plum flavour candies often proving the most popular.

=== Beverages ===

Soft drinks, and energy drinks in particular, have become popular with Metzettan children to the concern of doctors and dentists.

Alcoholic beverages are enjoyed by most adults, with a preference for white spirits such as the traditional Metzettan spirit of soju.

=== Foreign foods ===

Foreign foods have become increasingly popular in Metzetta since the conclusion of the [[Second Great War]], particularly burgers and pizza.

== Sports ==

''Main article: [[Sports in Metzetta]]''

Metzetta was chosen to host the first [[Istroyan Games]], and did so in [[Hanzeong 1950 Summer Games|Hanzeong in 1950]]. [[Hanzeong]] also hosted the [[Hanzeong 2000 Winter Games|Winter Games in 2000]]. The International Istroyan Games Committee have announced Metzetta will host its second [[Ankae 2030 Summer Games|Summer Games in 2030]]; this time it will be held in [[Ankae]].

=== Popular sports ===

Professional wrestling has become a popular spectator sport with the nation's youth. Boxing has been popular in Metzetta since its introduction and major bouts attract millions of viewers. Soccer, baseball, basketball and volleyball are some foreign sports which have caught on hugely in Metzetta; the [[Metzettan National Football Team|national football team]] were victorious in the 1994 [[World Association Football Federation|WAFF]] [[WAFF World Cup|World Cup]], held in [[Pelaxia]], and the 1970 World Cup was hosted in Metzetta. Ice hockey also draws large crowds in the busier cities.

=== Traditional sports ===

The martial art Taekwondo originated in Metzetta. Traditional Metzettan wrestling is known as Ssireum.

=== Metzettan University Sports Federation ===

The [[Metzettan University Sports Federation|MUSF]] runs leagues for most popular sports to be played by teams from [[Universities in Metzetta|Metzettan universities]]. The games are popularly watched and often televised in their final stages.

== Transport ==

''Main article: [[Transport in Metzetta]]''

=== Car culture ===

The four largest car manufacturers based in [[Metzetta]] are [[Hyansae Motors]], [[Miu Motors]], [[Jadocha Motors]] and [[Sung-Gohan Automobiles]] (known internationally as Imperial Automobiles). A significant culture has arisen around the car in Metzetta, with people forming clubs for specific brands or decades, discussing their craftsmanship, engineering, aesthetics and performance. Metzettans tend to prefer well-preserved stock cars over modified cars but custom paintjobs and performance upgrades are not unheard of.

=== Transport Deokhu ===

A "deokhu" is someone who is obsessed with something in [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] slang, perhaps the most famous among them are the train-deokhu who obsess over train models, liveries, lines and timetables, often constructing miniature railways in their homes, though deokhu can exist for anything; in the world of transport, ship-deokhu and aircraft-deokhu are also notable subcultures.

== Science and technology ==

[[Metzi|Metzi's]] unique hangul alphabet has often led to a separation between [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] technology and that of the rest of the world.

=== Computing ===

''Main article: [[History of computing in Metzetta]]''

Metzetta's first PC was the [[Heiran Corporation|Heiran]] 8, released in 1972.

=== Video games ===

''Main article: [[History of video games in Metzetta]]''

Video games have been popular in Metzetta since their introduction and remain so today. Early hits were to be found in the arcades but soon home consoles and PCs took over almost entirely.

=== Internet ===

Metzetta's capital of [[Hanzeong]] has offered free city-wide public Wi-Fi since 2024, with plans for similar services in [[Ankae]], [[Jamsu]] and [[Inyang]] to open before 2030. The country's [[Top-Level Domains|top-level domain code]] is .[[.mz|mz]]. Rural regions have been slow to adopt fibre-optic broadband, with many isolated households still using dial-up modems.

=== Mobile phones ===

Mobile phones (also known as cellular phones) have been particularly prone to the separation caused by [[Metzi|Metzi's]] writing system due to their reliance on an efficient, small keyboard. Flip phones remained popular for a few years longer in [[Metzetta]] than in most of the developed world, and the form-factor can still be found in modern models, albeit with much reduced popularity following the advent of the smartphone.

== Symbols and honours ==

=== Symbols ===

The magnolia tree is one of Metzetta's most treasured [[List of national symbols|symbols]], and the Metzettan Magpie is the national bird.

[[File:MetzettanFlagMedium.png|thumb|National flag of Metzetta]]

=== Flags ===

''Main article: [[Flag of Metzetta]]''

The flag of [[Metzetta]] consists of an indigo field with red stripes down either side, and a stylised magnolia blossom in the centre, with white petals and a central yellow circle. The indigo section in the middle forms a perfect square. The colour scheme of the flag has become a popular symbol in its own right. Flags also exist for each [[Provinces of Metzetta|province]] and metropolitan city in the country.

=== Honours system ===

''Main article: [[Orders, decorations, and medals of Metzetta]]''

The current [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] Honours System began in 1860 with Emperor Daeku's reforms; he created The Order of The Magnolia Tree, The Order of The Sacred Lotus, the Imperial Medals of Honour, and formalised Metzetta's ancient peerage system. Since then several other honours have been added, and the system is often used as a display of friendship between nations by bestowing prestigious ranks upon foreign heads of state.

== Architecture ==

''Main article: [[Metzettan Architecture]]''

[[File:Hahoe Folk Village, Andong 2018-08-31-05.jpg|thumb|Traditional meok.]]

=== Traditional homes ===

Traditional [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] homes are known as meok. Sites of residency, floor plans and materials were traditionally chosen using geomancy. Traditional Metzettan houses can be structured into an inner wing (안채, ''anchae'') and an outer wing (사랑채, ''sarangchae''). The individual layout largely depends on the region and the wealth of the family. Whereas aristocrats used the outer wing for receptions, poorer people kept cattle in the ''sarangchae.'' The inner wing normally consisted of a living room, a kitchen, and a wooden-floored central hall. More rooms may be attached to this. Poorer farmers would not have any outer wings. Floor heating (온돌, ondol) has been used in Metzetta since prehistoric times. The main building materials are wood, clay, tile, stone, and thatch.

=== Metzettan pagodas ===

Early Metzettan pagodas were constructed from wood, but eventually stone became the favoured building material.

=== Royal architecture and tombs ===

Perhaps the most famous architectural site in all of Metzetta is the [[Jangeomhan Gungjeon]] Imperial Complex, a large, traditional establishment which is home to the Emperor and hosts many government offices.

=== Metzettan Fortresses ===

The capital city of [[Hanzeong]] was once surrounded by a fortress wall to provide its citizens with security from wild animals, thieves and attacks, but most of the original wall no longer stands; a short stretch and several original gates do survive today and are protected. While the walls still stood, the gates of the city were opened and closed each day, signalled by the ringing of bells from Doechaemun Belfry.

=== Modern Architecture ===

A small number of supertall structures are planned for construction in Metzetta.

== Gardens ==

''Main article: [[Gardens in Metzetta]]''

=== Metzettan gardens ===

Water is an important feature in Metzettan Gardens; if there is a natural stream, often a pavilion is built next to it, allowing the pleasure of watching the water. Terraced flower beds are a common feature in traditional Metzettan gardens.

=== Notable gardens ===

The most famous garden in Metzetta is almost certainly the [[Emperor's Gardens]].

== Art ==

''Main article: [[Metzettan Art]]''

[[File:Byeon Sangbyeok-dog.jpg|thumb|18th century painting of a dog]]

=== Painting ===

The earliest paintings found on the [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] peninsula are petroglyphs of prehistoric times. There is a tendency towards naturalism with subjects such as realistic landscapes, flowers and birds being particularly popular. Ink is the most common material used, and it is painted on mulberry paper or silk. Humorous details are sometimes present.

=== Sculpture ===

The most prominent figures sculpted for most of Metzetta's history were [[Yang-jo]] and [[Dalrae]].

=== Crafts ===

There is a unique set of handicrafts produced in [[Metzetta]]. Most of the handicrafts are created for particular everyday use, often giving priority to practical use rather than aesthetics. Traditionally, metal, wood, fabric, lacquerware, and earthenware were the main materials used, but later glass, leather or paper have sporadically been used.

[[File:Korea-Joseon-Lacquer drawer-01.jpg|thumb|Lacquer drawer with mother-of-pearl inlay, at the Hanzeong National University Museum]]

Many sophisticated and elaborate handicrafts have been excavated, including gilt crowns, patterned pottery, pots or ornaments. The use of bronze was advanced. Brass, that is copper with one third zinc, has been a particularly popular material. Popular handicrafts were made of porcelain and decorated with blue painting. Woodcraft was also advanced during that period. This led to more sophisticated pieces of furniture, including wardrobes, chests, tables or drawers. Metzettan furniture represents one of the great woodworking and design heritages of [[Alshar]] and the world. It is part of a craft that goes back well over a millennium, keeping alive a tradition that remains unchanged from at least the seventeenth century. It is this tradition that has made Metzettan furniture one of the most sought-after styles of exotic furniture by antique dealers and collectors worldwide. Immediately recognizable as Metzettan, this unique art was only "discovered" by the West in the late 1920s.

=== Ceramics ===

Jade green celadon-ware was popular in Metzetta's antiquity. Designs painted in cobalt-blue on white porcelain later became more popular.

=== Calligraphy ===

Metzettan calligraphy, known also as Seoye, is the ancient art of artistically written hangul, traditionally created with a brush and ink on mulberry paper.

== Theatre ==

Metzettan theatre performances were originally done in courtyards but which have now moved to stages; the artform remains vibrant today domestically but is little heard-of abroad. Early productions had no fixed script, instead being passed down orally.

== Literature ==

''Main article: [[Metzettan Literature]]''

Books are prized possessions in [[Metzetta|Metzettan]] culture, with many houses (and all noble houses) containing a dedicated library.

=== Prose ===

The earliest examples of Metzettan prose were written versions of stories which had been passed down orally.

=== Poetry ===

Zijo is a traditional form of Metzettan poetry which arose in the late 14th century and is still written today. Bucolic, metaphysical and cosmological themes are often explored. The three lines average 14–16 syllables, for a total of 42–48: theme (3, 4,4,4); elaboration (3,4,4,4); counter-theme (3,5) and completion (4,3).

=== Comics ===

Metzettan comics are known in the west as Mehwa.

== Music ==

''Main article: [[Music of Metzetta]]''

=== Traditional music ===

Metzettan traditional music is referred to as gugak, which literally means "national music."

=== Modern music ===

=== Foreign music ===

Before the [[Second Great War]], the only music of foreign origin performed in [[Metzetta]] was classical. Afterwards, imported music slowly began to trickle in on vinyl records. While still seldom played on the radio, foreign albums have been known to chart in Metzetta now and again.

=== Instruments ===

Traditional Metzettan instruments include the [[tanso]] (an end-blown bamboo flute, an example of which is part of the [[Imperial Regalia of Metzetta|imperial regalia]]), the geomungo (a fretted bass zither), the bipa (a pear-shaped lute with five strings), the haegeum (a vertical two-stringed fiddle), the hun (an end-blown globular flute), the piri (a bamboo oboe) and assorted drums, cymbals and percussion.

In modern times Metzetta has been an industry leader in the production of electric guitars, basses, synthesizers, effects units and studio equipment.

== Dance ==

''Main article: [[Metzettan Dance]]''

Metzettan traditional dance originated in shamanistic rituals performed thousands of years ago. By the year 1000 AD, several dances had attained a permanent high status, including the fan dance, two swords dance, ghost dance, hermit dance, monk dance, mask dance and silk dance. The 1970s saw a systematic effort to catalogue the traditional Metzettan dances lest they become lost to time.

== Film and television ==

=== Film ===

''Main article: [[Film in Metzetta]]''

Metzettans strongly prefer to watch Metzettan films rather than foreign ones, perhaps because they are the only country producing movies in the [[Metzi]] language.

=== Television ===

''Main article: [[Television in Metzetta]]''

Metzettan dramas are a minor cultural export, often considered to be riding the success of Metzettan popular music.

=== Animation ===

Animation constitutes a major part of the Metzettan film and television scene; even music videos are sometimes animated. Foreign networks often contract Metzettan animation studios due to their speedy deliveries and competitive prices.

== Fashion ==

''Main article: [[Fashion in Metzetta]]''

=== Traditional clothing ===

''Main article: [[Mettubok]]''

Mettubok (literally "mountain clothes") is the traditional dress of [[Metzetta]]. The basic structure of mettubok consists of the ''jeogori'' jacket, ''baji'' pants, ''chima'' skirt, and the ''po'' coat; it was designed to facilitate easy movement. Metzettans wear the mettubok today for formal or semi-formal occasions and events such as festivals, celebrations, and ceremonies including weddings. In 2000, [[Pomewa Joya|Empress Joya]] instituted Mettubok Day to encourage Metzettans to continue honouring their fine clothing tradition.

=== Modern clothing ===

Modern Metzettan fashion brands which are popular include NoSecrets, ZVibe and Gwihan. [[Jamsu]] has long been the heart of the country's textile industry.

== Heritage preservation ==

[[Heritage preservation in Metzetta]] is over seen by the Cultural Heritage Administration of the Metzettan People (CHAMP). Several [[Universities in Metzetta|universities]] specialise in studying the country's shared national heritage. Important items are classified as national treasures, historic sites, natural monuments, folklore treasures, intangible cultural heritages, national parks and living treasures.