Potlaují

Potlaují is a term used in some scholarly and cultural discussions to refer to a ceremonial gathering that resembles the potlatch of Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples. The etymology and precise usage of potlaují are contested, with some sources treating it as a variant or derivative of potlatch, while others regard it as a distinct but related practice that arose within nearby linguistic or cultural spheres. As a result, accounts of potlaují vary by region and community.

Practices commonly associated with potlaují include a gathering of kin and community members, a publicly announced host, and a sequence that centers on gift-giving and the redistribution of goods or wealth, often accompanied by feasting. Public speeches, ritual performances, songs, dances, and the display of regalia may accompany the event. The redistribution and display of wealth are understood to reaffirm social bonds, authorize leadership, and mark significant life events such as births, marriages, or the formation of alliances between households.

Social significance and governance are core to potlaují, serving to translate generosity into social obligation and reciprocity. The practice can function as a mechanism for balancing prestige and responsibilities among families and clans, and it may also operate within broader efforts to preserve heritage and regulate social relations within a community.

Contemporary context varies, with potlaují conducted as a living cultural practice, a revival, or a festival. Some communities emphasize traditional protocols and protect ceremonial rights and knowledge, while others explore adaptations suitable for educational settings or intercommunity exchanges. See also: Potlatch, Gift economy, Northwest Coast Indigenous peoples.