Veabh

Veabh is a term used in the ethnography of the fictional Lireni people to designate a ceremonial rite performed at major life events, and the musical practice that accompanies it. The veabh rite emphasizes communal renewal, memory transmission, and harmony with seasonal cycles. The term also names the musical style, repertoire, and dance forms associated with the ceremony.

Etymology and terminology: In-world etymology traces veabh to proto-Lireni roots meaning awakenment and path, with scholarly debate on the precise lineage. In everyday use, veabh may refer to the ritual, the instrument, or the ensemble, depending on context.

Description: The core of the veabh rite is a group performance that unfolds around a central instrument: a carved wooden horn with a resonant metal mouthpiece, capable of producing a broad, sonorous range. The instrument is played by a lead performer who signals the progression of the ritual; supporting musicians provide a layered rhythm using percussion, rattles, and tongue drums. Dancers form evolving geometric patterns intended to represent celestial cycles. The performance typically lasts from dusk to late night during annual gatherings.

Cultural significance and modern usage: Veabh acts as a social glue, reinforcing age grades, storytelling, and reciprocal obligations among participants. In contemporary settings, scholars study veabh as an example of how ritual music encodes memory and community values. Some revitalization efforts aim to preserve traditional veabh repertoire while adapting it for intercultural festivals.