Úhlu

úhlu is a fictional term used in worldbuilding to denote a specific communal ritual practiced by the imagined Selari culture of the coastal archipelago of Liraen. In this context, úhlu functions as both a ceremony and a concept describing the social act of gathering and renewing communal bonds.

Etymology and usage within lore. Within the in-universe lore, úhlu is said to derive from an old Selari root meaning “to gather” or “to come together.” The term is typically invoked to name the ritual itself rather than a single object, though some depictions reference accompanying symbols such as lanterns, woven banners, or drum patterns that accompany the performance.

Practice and structure. The ritual commonly takes place during the harvest season in a public square or shorefront site. Participants form rings or concentric circles and perform synchronized footwork, rhythmic clapping, and a communal chant. A respected elder or group leader delivers a brief blessing or reminder of communal duties, after which the circle slowly contracts and dissolves into a shared meal or speech. Variants exist between villages, with differences in timing, melody, and the specific gestures used.

Significance and interpretation. Úhlu is generally presented as a rite of social cohesion, signaling the end of the growing period and the community’s commitment to mutual support. Scholars within the fictional world attribute meanings ranging from renewal and memory to restoration after conflict; practitioners emphasize the practical outcome of reaffirmed bonds and coordinated work.

See also. Ritual, harvest festival, community cohesion.