Beyond - Legends Modern Twi'lek Culture (AU) *Update* 1/4/10

Title: Modern Twi'lek Culture
Author: Twilek_Aide
Timeframe: all of them
Characters: Twi'lek Galore, if only mentioned
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Summary: Ever wonder about twi'lek customs? About why and how they do things? What is considered fashionable, why they dress the way they do? Whether the colourful skin means anything? Wonder no more. This is an inside look into a rich culture.
Glossary:
-Society Positions: Vassi'jra = sacrificing the oldest daughter into slavery, in order to increase the family fortune, Kiva = Priestess/Priest.
-Twi'lek Terms: Kuri'au = used to describe the art and practise of seduction.
-Race names: Rutian = Blue, Lethan = Red, Tyrian = Purple/Purple Pinks, Tiatian = Pink, Torrian = Snow White, Toilan = Orange/Yellow, Tukian = Green, and Darian = Brown/Grey.
-Wedding Terms: Bou'omoa = one mind, Bou'hada = one body, Bou'ikha = one soul.
-Headdresses: Lekku wrap = the headdress that Lyn Me wore in ROTJ. Bonecrest = same headdress as Oola in ROTJ, PT twi'leks wear them but without the white "bone" covering their ears. Grand Headdress = SWG creation.
Disclaimer: Star Wars related material belongs to George Lucas, certain cultural aspects (wedding rituals, religion, words and race names) belong to the Twi'lek Lexicon (peachtree.org), Headdress names are from Star Wars Galaxies and everything else is mine.
Notes: I'll be gradually adding to glossary as I go along. This is written in my point of view.

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Modern Twi'lek Culture Part 1: Slavery

Slavery is huge on Ryloth. It's deeply imbedded in twi'lek culture. But I don't think anyone realises it's a natural practice. Only a few people have protested against it. It may surprise you that many aren't forced at all. They volunteer. Like Orn Free Taa's entourage for example. It's not uncommon on Ryloth or Coruscant for that matter.

There are a few who stray from the nest. They lose the richness of their birth culture and adopt a more human lifestyle. These girls become unlady-like and go on protest. But they're always ignored. Do you really expect Orn Free Taa, who has his own private harem to join them? He will against slavers off-world but actually stop an honoured practise that has been richly ingrained for centuries?! Uh no?why would he do that?

Forced slaves are actually rare on Ryloth. It's more of a breach of protocol. The protocol is in place to ensure everything is done properly and carefully. A legal contract. The precedure takes several hours, maybe two nights to complete depending on the trade. If slaves are required then the head clan has to take control. They have locate potential slaves, bribe her clan with a sum of money, do routine checks on the girls and prepare them for the trip. They also talk to the slavers to ensure the girls are in good hands. Then the slavers are allowed to leave. The inner-city clans take this very seriously.

Village clans do this independently. The clan leader offers a slaver a bed in his house. He lets the slaver watch his daughters and nieces so the slaver can hand pick them, but the idea is that the girls decide for themselves. So that later they can take advantage, steal from 'him' and smuggle his treasures back to the clan.

Not all villagers do this. The poorer clans don't trade. They just sell their daughters into slavery. The slaver pays the clan leader and then they leave. But often village girls are kidnapped and their dear fathers aren't paid.

Outer-city clans are different. A girl at a young age needs protection from predators. The mother of the clan sells the oldest daughter to the highest bidder. The daughter is sent away until she is the right age to serve her clan as an equal. If they'll take her back, that is or she herself may decide against coming back.

Objects like slaving collars, exotic leotards, even the concept of an exotic dance; were all were imported from off-wor

 

Interesting! With the clans being the most important influence in the society, it makes sense that the needs of the individual (like personal freedom) take a backseat to the needs of the clan.

I'm curious to see where this goes to.

 

divapilot:Interesting! With the clans being the most important influence in the society, it makes sense that the needs of the individual (like personal freedom) take a backseat to the needs of the clan.

I'm curious to see where this goes to.

Thank you! I appreciate your support.
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Modern Twi'lek Culture Part 2: Clothing and Make-up

Traditionally all twi'leks wore hooded cloaks, almost identical to the cloaks worn by the Jedi. What made them stand out; was the gemstone belts. That fit around the waist and the longer side hangs down almost touching the floor.

Males clothing depended on who they were and what they did for a living. Only on formal occasions did they break the mold and wear something new. Males hardly wore any type of headgear. It was only the hunters and guards who seemed to make use of them. Of course most of these were helmets which had been imported. The traditional twi'lek headdresses were seen as an embarrassment because it was popular with the females. It was considered less manly to wear one. Having said this; a few brave aristocrats disagree with this claim. But then these are the dressier types.

Males tend to stay away from the make-up. However torrian twi'leks wear much needed eyeliner because of how pale the skin is. Plus it makes the eyes look sharper. The only thing that is popular especially with the younger men are lekku tattoos.

Female clothing depends on the age. Elders wear simple or elegant tunics and long skirts, depending on the caste. The elders just wear simple cloth head wraps. Middle aged women wear simple/elegant dresses. Most of these women are still proud to wear the grand head piece as a reminder of their glory days when they were younger. Adults wear bare backed or side split dresses, long or short with necklaces and fashionable styles of the bone crest headdress. Pampy and Supi are the best examples for this. Young adults wear glittery tops that leave the mid-riff and shoulders exposed with a matching side-split skirt. The rebellious ones wear trousers and the richer ones were skimpier outfits. Teenagers wear dance costumes whether imported or not with the traditional cloak on top. Bone crest headdresses or lekku-wraps are a must have. The rebellious ones can pull off a tunic and trousers if they come from a poor clan but otherwise its frowned upon. Pre-teens and children wear simple frocks in the villages and posh frocks in the cities depending on how rich the clan is.

Female twi'leks wear make-up but only when it's required or forced through peer pressure. Eye shadow is very popular though, on Ryloth. So is dye; some twi'leks dye themselves with another colour to look different from the others. Also makes them look more desirable, works great with rivalry when in harem. A tyrian twi'lek could become Lethan in just a few short hours. Lipstick was introduced to Ryloth by human traders. Female twi'leks on Ryloth itself don't wear it, the trend didn't catch on. Lucky or perhaps unfortunate dancers who do leave the planet; get the opportunity to wear it. Tattoos are common, especially animal and floral designs.

 

Modern twi'lek culture Part 3: Dating and Marriage

Choosing a mate is very difficult. The male has to consider his needs, his clan's needs and society's needs (because people talk). If the role was reversed. The female would have to consider her clan's needs first and her needs last. Not all twi'lek date. Some result to arranged marriages; if the peer pressure gets to them.

After choosing a mate and becoming close friends. The male must take the lead and for the father's permission before dating his daughter. A formal interview takes place. The questions can make the male feel uncomfortable if he isn't prepared properly. The types of questions asked are important for the present and the future. The father will question about the wealth and lifestyle of the man, to ensure his daughter will be well supported. He'll then ask whether or not, the man has mated with his daughter. Twi'leks being sexual creatures, openly talk about sex. Even with their own parents. Then finally he'll ask why the man wishes to date his daughter.

The permission is given and the dating begins. Dating on Ryloth isn't much different to dating on human planets. But there are a few subtle differences. Mating is done with the lights on. That way neither one will crush the lekku and have to call a medic.

Instead of the romantic gesture like flowers or wine. The twi'lek male wouldn't bring anything. The flirting never stops in a twi'lek relationship. A lot of body language is used. From the twinkle of the eyes to the slow turn off the head to the caressing from the fingers upon the lekku. All of this is important.

It usually takes two years or less before the male proposes. When he has proposed, the female is showered with gifts. The gifts are expensive and fashionable. He buys her new headdresses and plenty of jewellery. It's the twi'lek way of saying "your mine." The romantic gesture doesn't include rings though. There aren't such things as engagement rings. Instead, this is the moment where the female meets her inlaws and moves in with them.

The Preparation for the marriage begins over a five month period. Until that time, the female is given the chance to explore her new family and her new home. It's not always a match written in the stars though. Sometimes the clan is horrible to live with. Breaking up is allowed by law in this period of time because once you're married that's it. You're bound forever. Divorce is not an option. Unless your partner dies, of course. Then you're free.

Wedding day one; The female attempts to show to the male that she will be a caretaker and will help in providing for his needs just as he will for hers. Through the successful completion, the female demonstrates that she has the mind of the male present in her own mind and wishes to tend to his needs regardless of difficulties that may arise. This ceremony is called; Bou'omoa.

Wedding day two; The male will carefully unclothe the female, paying extreme attention to every part of her, leaving no part undiscovered or untouched, resulting in the complete adoration of her entire being. This ceremony is called; Bou'hada.

Wedding day three; The Kiva will have the male and the female drink of each other in much the same way as during a Twa'jani, uniting their clans and binding the two together in the eyes of the goddess for eternity. This ceremony is called; Bou'ikha.

Wedding night; The couple is introduced to their friends and family as being one in a large festive and flamboyant party. However political clans might not have time for this. So as an alternative, they have a smaller party and towards the end; the bride dances for her husband. Sometimes the extremely busy clans just except the bride's dance to last them through night. Surprisingly it is the village clans, not the city clans who throw the larger parties. Having said this; the wealthy clans who aren't political, host large parties too. But the difference is, while the village clans have more resources; the wealthy clans have more time on their hands.

Wedding d

 

Modern Twi?lek Culture Part 4: Women?s Rights and The Art of Dance

Many aliens are naïve about this subject. The dancers themselves are not prostitutes or whores. Erotic dances like pole dancing and lap dances were considered to be outlander. In some places in the galaxy, it was popular. Probably in nightclubs on Coruscant and twi?leks had been known to use these skills. Kuri'au players (Artists of Seduction) used them. It was also taught by dance designers to slave dancers who had been sold to inner-city criminals.

On Ryloth though, alien dances didn?t exist. A few were imported but were only taught in dancing schools, near smuggling complexes. Schools that would be closed down, if the law enforcers found out about their dealings with recently banished slavers.

The only dance that came close to an alien?s vision of exotic dancing was The Private dance. It was performed in the bedroom. The dancer would wear something or nothing depending on her choice. Tattoos in Ryl painted up either side of her legs. Translation; fertility and that?s exactly what it was. A fertility dance to ensure a baby would be made. If several months afterwards, the dancer wasn?t pregnant; it meant that she hadn?t worked her magic enough for her partner to get aroused. This brought shame on the clan, and the girl would be punished. The Twi?leks saw this as a sacred dance that must be performed. To deem whether or not, the daughter in law was worthy to be the mother of their future grandchildren.

While many Twi?leks believed dancing to be sacred, there were some who despised it.
These people were warriors. Although they had ritual dances themselves, they were against brainwashing off all forms.

Powerful Twi?leks believed that all females should become dancers or house wives. Some Twi?leks are extremely sexist and kept their daughters and nieces in their own private harems. Often kept in town houses.

In the time of the old republic; Twi?lek females (unless they were recognised as something special, by visiting force users) were limited in career choices. Back then, they had no rights. A female wasn?t allowed to become anything except a dancer. Others preferred the alternative; being the spoilt rich daughter.

Formal dances were only used by wealthy clans and often only at weddings. These aristocrats thought all other dances apart from the private dance; were distasteful. Plus one cannot imagine them ?breaking down? in their finery. Just the thought off, ripping there highly expensive gowns and robes is disgraceful.

Temple dances were used for religious ceremonies. The dancers considered headdresses to be unclean, as firm believers of purity; they only wore what the Kiva?s provided for them. No matter how little or how much material was used.

Ritual dances were performed by the warriors. The dancers wore primitive costumes. Sometimes they were made out of very thick leather or sometimes they were just painted from head to toe, in war paint. They?d dance rather violently, sometimes with a little dagger play involved or sometimes they?d dance with long whips and trick the audience in attempt to swallow one whole.

 

A well developed expose on the Twi'lek culture. People that write about them should perhaps take a point or two from your perspective written here.

 

This is a very interesting read. Please keep going.

 

A well developed expose on the Twi'lek culture. People that write about them should perhaps take a point or two from your perspective written here.
As a matter of fact someone is. She or He asks for my advice alot.

This is a very interesting read. Please keep going.
Oh I will. I will.
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Modern Twi?lek Culture Part 5: Races and Sub-Races

Colours hold more meaning to a Twi'lek than simple skin tone.

Tukians are green twi?lek; light, dark, mint and olive. They descended from an above world clan that practiced worship through spiritual devotion, prayers, and the conducting of ceremonies, usually involving plants and fungi. The Tukian clans are usually money making. Tukians have lots energy when they dance; bust, stomach and hips movements are used. A big space is needed for twists, turns and lekku movements that swish like whips through the air.

Rutians are blue twi?lek; turquoise, aqua, dark and light. They descended from an underground clan that practiced worship through the observation, use, and appreciation of water and its various forms. The Rutians are less likely to mix with other races due to the beauty of the Rutian skin tone. Rutians are only twi?lek race capable of having twins. Rutians are very graceful when they dance, they look like ballerinas. Some Rutians insist on dancing in water. Fluid and free like the river; they use gentle lekku, leg and arm movements with a slow twist of the hips, to ballad music.

Tyrians are purple twi?lek; violet, lilac, lavender and fuchsia. They descended from a clan that lived in above world caves, much like a mix of both worlds, and practiced worship through music, dance, song, and poetry. Tyrians like to surround themselves with beauty. They tend to be more passionate about living in the entertainment industry than any other inspiring dancer or singer. Tyrian music is traditional sometimes blended with ancient tribal beats or imported exotic beats. They sing a blend of Ryl, (the ancient language) Ru, Twi?leki and Galactic basic. They dance expressively; moving every possible muscle of the lekku, using hand and arm movements to tell stories, leg movements to leap and elegant twirling of the entire body.

Toilans are orange or yellow twi?leks; peach, orange, gold, yellow. They descended from an underground clan that practiced worship through the mastery and use of fire. The Toilan males are known to be flight risk, when in relationships. Toilan females tend to dance by swaying their arms but more towards the floor than above their heads.

Torrians are white and Tiatians are pink, but they weren?t born that way. No, they were born as Toilans. Sometimes kids get jealous. So they experiment and partially damage the pigment shower. A few kids do the next best thing; give themselves stripes or dotted patterns. The kids who aren?t fussy choose a colour they like. But there?s no guarantee that these wildly different colours are going to stay in place or blend into the original skin tone. Which is why; white and pink are so popular. These rebels broke away from the other pigment clans, chose a sub-race name and a few chose to practise worship through the appreciation of light.

Lethans are red and magenta. Those twi'leks were the rarest among their species. They can show up in any of the five clans and it is unknown what causes the red pigmentation. They are a genetic mutation. They are feared by their own species. Of course; there are twi?leks who will love them, no matter what. But there are others act out violently and brand Lethans as freaks. Most Lethans spend their entire lives in fear and in hiding due to slave owners being willing to risk anything to own one.

Darians are brown or grey twi?leks. They descended from an above world clan that practiced worship through the creation of great stone monuments. They're known to be tougher than the other races. They take family very seriously and they're most likely to date outside their species and be perfect ladies

 

Good details. It shows a far broader cultural composition based on the varieties available.

FORWARD!

 

I had been a part of the forum connected to the Twi'lek Lexicon, which now seems hard to access. I just recently went back to that site and could not even login. Let alone even search for my postings on there.

I had expanded on the races of Twi'leks on that forum - adding names for the color groups not already assigned a name; which included the peach or golden Twi'leks as being called Passian, gray or silvery ones as Vennian, and black ones as Kairrian. I came up with those names based on words from the Lexicon.

I hadn't heard of the Tiatian as a race. The closest I find in the Lexicon is: Tiatkin - one of the many Twi'leki clans native to Ryloth, the clan's name means "creative".

On my own, I came up with some Twi'lek names that I had shared with the group but I see that they didn't get added to the Lexicon. I've been working on a list of names for Twi'leks - sorted by names for females, names for males and last names. I still have a lot of work to do.

I've also been doing the same for other SW species.

 

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I forgot my password, sent for a reminder, waited months for a reply, finally an e-mail was sent(arrived last week) and here I am, I'm back. I've decided to do a rewrite because the chapters don't incorprate my ideas very well, I've been referencing more than using my own imagination. I might still keep a few chapters but otherwise the content will have a different feel. I'll still be using words and stuff from the Twi'lek Lexicon though because I'm not a lingualist.