hanggal

Hanggal is a ceremonial practice in the fictional archipelago of Loranis, involving the seasonal hanging of banners and lamps to mark renewal and communal solidarity. It is described in regional lore and in contemporary fiction as a public rite.

The term hanggal is said to derive from Old Loranic elements han meaning "hang" and gal meaning "signal" or "gathering." The earliest known usage appears in written annals from the village of Surath dated to the late 17th century.

In a typical hanggal, communities assemble at sunrise. Wooden frames are erected, banners dyed with natural pigments are hung, and lanterns are lit. Drums, flutes, and chanted verses accompany the ritual as households offer food and drink to neighbors. The act of hanging is meant to symbolize opening pathways for light and connection.

Large, town-wide hanggals show regional differences in banner design and colors, which often correspond to seasonal motifs. Smaller household variations exist, with designs frequently depicting mythical figures and local flora. The practice functions as a visible expression of shared identity.

Culturally, hanggal reinforces social ties, marks the agricultural calendar, and appears in literature and media set in Loranis. It is regarded as a peaceful, communal rite that emphasizes hospitality, renewal, and the transmission of traditional knowledge to younger generations.

See also: harvest festival, lantern festival, ritual.