pöörduks

Pöörduks is a traditional turning ceremony in the fictional Nordlandia archipelago, described in world-building materials for the fantasy setting of Aeloria. The name stems from a constructed word meaning "to turn" or "to turn back," reflecting the central action of the ritual.

The ceremony is performed annually at the onset of spring, though regional variants may be celebrated at harvest or midwinter. During the ceremony, participants form a wide circle in the village square or harbor, moving in a slow, clockwise procession while chanting verses that recount the community's myths and sea-life. At the center stands a carved totem, often a wheel or helm motif, that is rotated to face each of the four cardinal directions to invite protection and harvest luck. Attire typically includes blue and sea-green fabrics, and the event is accompanied by drums and reed pipes.

Historically, Pöörduks is said to have originated during early seafaring times when communities sought to harmonize with tides and winds. In modern adaptations, the ceremony is preserved as cultural heritage and featured in regional festivals and tourism, with efforts to maintain traditional practices while allowing for small, respectful innovations.

Notable features include the central totem wheel, the circular dance, the seasonal timing, and the communal feast that follows.