Putkirikot

Putkirikot is a term from speculative fiction and world-building discourse used to describe a ritual practiced by a fictional community. In this context, putkirikot refers to both the ceremony and the social practices surrounding it, including preparation, participation, and the transmission of communal memories.

Etymology and origins: The coinage combines elements from two in-universe languages, with etymological notes describing putti- as "to awaken" and rikot as "to share or join." The term is treated as a traditional word rather than a modern invention within the world-building canon.

Practice and structure: The ritual is typically held at seasonal transitions or communal gatherings. Participants form a circle, exchange personal or ancestral stories, and share a focal offering, such as bread or fruit. Music, chant, or dance may accompany the proceedings, though the core emphasis is memory transmission and social cohesion.

Variations and symbolism: Across different regions in the fictional setting, putkirikot may incorporate different narratives or artifacts. The ritual commonly signals belonging and mutual obligation, and it is often used to welcome newcomers or honor elders.

Influence and reception: Putkirikot has appeared in several speculative-fiction novels and in tabletop role-playing supplements as a device to reveal culture and values. It is also discussed in world-building guides as an example of communal ritual design.