Customs of Vitenna

[Vitenna 91]

Customs of Vitenna

Issued by her serene highness, Luciana Maria Napoliza, princess of Vitenna, duchess of Fonsi, Baroness of Vileux

4th of Snow's Maiden 1764

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Table of content:

I.Introduction

II.Behaviour, ideals and religion

III.Language

IV.Respects

IV.I Introducing yourself

IV.II Greetings & Goodbyes

V.Attire

VI.Invitations & table etiquette

VI.I.1 Invitations

VI.II Table etiquette

VII.Traditions of Vitenna

VIII.Vitenna's cuisine

 

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I.Introduction

Issued in the name of her Serene Highness, Luciana Maria Napoliza, Princess of Vitenna, Duchess of Fonsi. Let it be known, that her Serene Highness, formerly invites all races, social classes and genders that come in goodwill within the Realm to reside within the Principality of Vitenna and let this edict be a guide for all travelers that may wish to visit the Principality of it's traditions and customs. May all see this edict as an attempt, by her Serene Highness, to inform the public - poor and rich - of her ideals for all residents and visitors of Vitenna.

 

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II.Behaviour,ideals and religion

It is advised to retain a sense of formality when dealing with each other, which is displayed in the form of extreme politeness. Examples of such are never turning your back to someone when in conversation, saying "Grazie" and "Prego" ( Thank you and You're welcome ) , admitting your faults and being responsible, making eye contact and when disagreeing with someone you just met, format your opinion in a polite and kind way. 

The freed people of Vitenna, live by the ideals of freedom, cohesion and responsibility. Everyone is free to follow there own religion aslong as it does not stop other citizens from following their religion. The main church is located next to the palace and is a canonist church, the main religion of Vitenna.

 

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III.Language 

The freed people of Vitenna mostly speak common, but it is not unheard of for them to use small words of illatian such as "Ciao" or "Si". Most citizens that were born and raised in Vitenna, understand illatian and speak it- However, often choose to use common as the main language. Most hold a small accent when speaking in common:

"I-ah am-a looking for the mercato-ah!" ( I am looking for the market. )

 

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IV.Respects

 

IV.I Introducting yourself

Upon introducing yourself to someone, one should state his/her full name and titles, and give two kisses on the cheek, starting with the right cheek, ending with the left cheek. The kiss is deposited high on the cheek, never near or on the mouth. This shall also be done when you introduce yourself to a group. However, If a woman that holds a higher social class introduces herself to a man it is highly advised for the man to kiss her hand after her introduction. A woman may even go as far as offering her hand to someone that has not made any clear intention of kissing her hand prior to that. Furthermore If the said person you are meeting is of the clergy, it is advised to kiss his/her right hand. (Preferably a ring, if said person is wearing such) An exception to these introductions is when you are introducing yourself to royalty, one is advised to perform a small curtsy or bow, unless the person of royalty offers his/her hand to be kissed-  this to prevent the royal family from any sudden assassination attempts. 

 

IV.II Greetings & Goodbyes

Upon greeting or saying goodbye to someone one may simply say “Buongiorno” ( Good day) or “Ciao” (Hello/bye) if the said person and you hold close relations. 

And give two kisses on the cheek, starting with the right cheek, ending with the left cheek. The kiss is deposited high on the cheek, never near or on the mouth. 

If the said person you are greeting is of royalty, a curtsy or small bow is advised- This to prevent the royal family for any sudden assassination attempts.

Furthermore if you find yourself in a formal setting, one should always use the last name and titles of the said person when talking. ( See Nobility of Vitenna for further explanation.)

 

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V.Attire

It is highly advised to wear something made of light fabric, due to the heat of the Korvassan desert. When choosing a color, it is advised to refrain from the use of purple. As it is a symbol of bad luck. 

-When entering the canonist church, one must cover his/her shoulders out of respect. Not doing such may result in removal from the church

-When entering the palace, one must dust his/her attire of the Korvassan sands 

-Wearing animal furs is acceptable, but not advised due to the heath. 

- when mourning, one wears black for an entire year. It is advised to not question said person’s attire as it is very disrespectful. ( More on this in VII. Traditions)

 

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VI.Invitations and table manners

 

VI.I Invitations

If one may be invited for a social event may it be dining, tea or simply to converse, it is expected that the person who is invited brings a gift. It is advised to bring flowers, wines, pastries, and chocolates as a gift, preferably from within the lands of Vitenna. Refrain from using the colour purple when gifting something, as it is seen as a colour of bad luck, furthermore most citizens of Vitenna prefer quality over quantity.  Punctuality is not of importance and one may come fifteen saint minutes before, or after the time that is announced. When arriving, wait with sitting yourself down until the host sits down as you might be shown a seat.

 

VI.II Dining etiquette 

-Your right arm may lay on the table next to your knife cutlery and is only to be moved when drinking wine or cutting food. 
-Your left hand may not be in your lap, however; do not rest your elbow on the table either. 
-Men must show ladies to their place first, before going to their own seat.
-Men and Ladies alike must place their napkins in their laps before beginning to eat or wait for a servant to do such for them.

-When the host has finished eating, everyone is advised to finish unless explicitly told otherwise by the host themself.

-It is highly frowned upon to leave the table while dining, may it be for whatever reason. If one must leave, do not announce where you are going but rather say “Mi scusi” ( I beg you my pardon) and leave.

 

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VII.Traditions

 

The first harvest:

The first harvest is a seasonal event where the sovereign ruler of the principality of Vitenna plucks the first orange from the trees, and a celebration is held throughout the city. Everyone is encouraged to wear orange and come feast in the palace of Vileux afterward.

 

Mourning traditions:

When a family member or close friend dies, it is common for the close relatives to wear black for an entire year out of respect for the person who passed away. This tradition was introduced by the house of Vilac, after the passing of their patriarch his highness, Janos Vilac of Vilachia. All members of house Vilac were seen wearing black for an entire year. 

-When said person is from the house of Napoliza, all shops shall be closed down for an entire year, and no taxes have to be paid that year. However, all citizens and foreigners are to wear black within the walls of Fonsi for an entire year.

 

Anziano libero:

Where most celebrate krugmas, Vitenna celebrates Anziano Libero. A custom where the elderly leave gifts for the children to find around the principality of Vitenna. It signifies the people of Vitenna searching for their freedom, and finding it in Vitenna.

 

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VIII.Cuisine

The cuisine of Vitenna is rather large and full of spices and herbs. They are known for their pasta’s and flatbread topped with a tomato sauce. 

Commonly known dishes include:

-Pasta Julietta

Named after her highness, the Dowager Princess of Vilachia who created and made the first pasta of its kind. 

-Vitennian Flatbread

A round piece of dough, topped with a sauce made from tomatoes and basil. The dish varies around Vitenna and may include meat, fish and various herbs.

-Honey cakes

A traditional pastry with walnuts, honey and cake.

 

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Per STATO e GLORIA,

 

HER SERENE HIGHNESS, Luciana Maria Napoliza, Princess of Vitenna,

Duchess of Fonsi, Baroness of Vileux