Pokatsat

Pokatsat is a traditional communal ritual practiced by the fictional Pokatsa people of the northern highlands. The term, derived from the Pokatsa language, is often translated as “gathering by the fire,” referring to the central role of shared heat and light in the ceremony.

Historically, Pokatsat is linked to the winter solstice and the end of the harvest, serving to reinforce social bonds and collective resilience during the hardship of winter. It is regarded as both a festive occasion and a rite of mutual aid, with meanings tied to renewal and community cohesion.

The ceremony typically unfolds around a central bonfire or hearth. Participants share a large communal meal, recite ancestral stories, and perform songs and dances accompanied by a drum or horn. A key element is the exchange of small tokens—hand-woven cloths, carved figurines, or simple charms—that symbolize solidarity, reciprocity, and the promise of help in times of need. Attire often includes traditional garments and symbolic adornments, and the circle of participants may form a protective ring around the fire to emphasize unity.

Regional variants exist, with some communities prioritizing feasting and storytelling, while others emphasize ritual singing or trance-like dance. Despite these differences, the core aim remains the same: to renew social ties and ensure mutual support for the coming year.

In contemporary contexts, Pokatsat is preserved through cultural programs, schools, and museums, and is occasionally presented as a public festival to highlight regional heritage. It is also practiced privately within families as a means of passing knowledge and values to younger generations.

See also: intangible cultural heritage, winter solstice traditions, ritual and ceremony.