Natlig

Natlig is a fictional cultural practice and ceremonial system described in a worldbuilding corpus for a speculative setting. It centers on the nocturnal cycle and the relationship between people, land, and season. The term is a neologism created within the setting and is used by characters to refer to a set of rites observed across communities.

In the in-world language, Natlig combines elements meaning night and bond, though there is no direct real-world equivalent. The concept is treated as a traditional institution with historical layers.

Natlig rituals occur during the night hours at seasonal milestones. Common elements include storytelling, singing, feasts, fire lighting, and symbolic exchanges of goods to symbolize reciprocal obligations. A central rite known as the Nightbinds marks the formal pledge to care for land and kin.

Natlig is organized by community elders and ritual specialists who maintain calendars, supervise conduct, and preserve oral histories. Participation varies by locality, with some groups emphasizing inclusivity and others preserving lineage-based access.

In-world scholars discuss Natlig as a device to explore themes of stewardship, memory, and social cohesion. Debates focus on inclusivity, adaptability to modern contexts, and potential exclusionary practices. Related concepts include worldbuilding, ritual, and folklore.