User:Dendana/Uanan

A Uanan , also known as a Miracle, is a yearly festival held in Magali. These commemorate historical divine miracles and are closely tied to specific communities and locations.

Etymology

The word uanan comes ultimately from Proto-Kumadnyu wángwani/awángwani 'water-sun', which is reflected in modern Yavodna vågngån/avågnån, or in colloquial Yamååttain dialect, pågngån/åågngån. It means both 'miracle' in general as well as a festival in most Kumadnyu languages. The word spread south to Fee Siš O from Old Yavodna as uāngān (reflected as Teixo enga), and from there to Middle Terminian as uanan, from which the word is generally known worldwide.

Concept

Throughout almost all of mainland Magali besides the Silent Coast, there are yearly festivals known as Uanans. Based on Magalese beliefs that Atidnyak, the Creator, continues to intervene in worldly affairs to prevent calamity or solve problems, hundreds of reported miracles are commemorated with parades, dancing, music, special foods, colorful costumes and prayers to thank Atidnyak and keep the stories in memory. In modern times, they are also occasions to get the day off from work or school for the locals. The Miracles are often attended by many from other parts of Magali or even the world.

Locations

While many Miracles are celebrated in towns, there are also many which are centered around natural sites or holy gardens. These often have a different quality to them, as they are much quieter and have restricted attendance at the sites in question, with only a smaller crowd at a time able to celebrate at the site. Usually there is a separate area for partying in a large flat clearing, on the beach, or generally closer to a town. Tourists are generally advised to keep quiet and respectful in the sacred sites while the attendees pray, but are enthusiastically welcomed to the festivities, which nowadays have a lot of commercial activity as well.