haarats

Haarats is a term used in speculative fiction to denote a traditional hairstyle and ornamental practice among the inhabitants of the fictional region of Nara. The concept centers on elaborate braided patterns, called haarats, combined with beadwork, dyes, and sometimes metal accents. Within its culture, the hairstyle acts as a social signal rather than a mere fashion, indicating lineage, age, marital status, or personal achievement.

The craft is performed by specialists known as hair-keepers, who braid, weave, and embellish the hair in ceremonial sessions that may accompany rites of passage such as coming of age or marriage. Patterns and materials vary by clan and geography, from long, flowing braids and glass bead strands to compact knots reinforced with copper findings. The colors can symbolize harvest cycles, seasonal status, or spiritual associations.

In-world, haarats are sometimes challenged by modernization or diaspora, leading to hybrid styles or preservation efforts. They may be described in fiction as a source of pride as well as a political symbol, particularly in communities negotiating tradition and change.

Etymology and usage: Haarats is a constructed term in English-language fiction, with no real-world cognates, and is primarily used within worldbuilding and narrative contexts. See also: hairstyles in fiction, cultural rituals in speculative worlds.