~-~ Klingon Rituals & Customs Version 1.0 - Qebwa` ~-~

Here we will give you all the information that we have on Klingon Rituals and Customs as well as some of the additional items/persons associated with them. The rituals of modern Klingons can be traced back to the time of Kahless the Unforgettable and nearly all of Klingon mythology, folklore and ritual begin with Kahless and his views on honor.

These rituals are compiled from various sources including: Star Trek Fact Files http://www.geocities.com/tlqwoq/Rituals.html

Contents: In Honor of Kahless - Kot`baval Festival - Rites of Ascension - Order of the Bat'leth

Honor & Discommendation: - Klingon Honor - Day of Honor - Discommendation

Courtship, Marriage & Divorce: - jinaq - Courtship/Mating Ritual - Klingon Oath - Kal`Hyah - Welcoming Mistress of prospective House/Bre`Nan Ritual - Marriage Ceremony - Marriage of Convenience - Divorce

Death, Restoring Honor, Ritual Suicide: - Death . Death wail . Klingon Dirge . Jat`lyn . Rite of Vengeance - Barge of the Dead - Naj - Fek’lhr - Gre’thor - Sto-Vo-Kor - R`uustai - Restoring Honor - Ritual Suicide: (assisting another: Mauk-to`Vor) - Ritual Suicide: (requesting for self: Hegh`bat) - Black Fleet - Assassination - Dishonorable Killings

Legalities: - Ja`chuq - cha`Dich - Law of Heredity - Voting - Challenge Rituals - meqba`

- cho`tay (Rite of Succession) . Sonchi . Qab jIH nagil! . Arbiter of Succession

Other: - `Iw `Ip (Blood Oath) - Klingon Code - Toast (raising goblet) - MajQa, Rite of - Klingon Tea Ceremony - moQbara` - Victory Song

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-=In Honor of Kahless:=- Kahless is prayed to before battle, studied by clerics, summoned in pain-induced hallucinations and celebrated in festivals and holidays.

=Kot'baval Festival= This is an annual outdoor celebration of Kahless's victory over Molor on the field of battle, thereby setting all future Klingons free from his tyranny.

Taking Part The greatest Kot'baval Festival is held on Qo'nos; it is a day of celebration and joy in every town and village on the planet, retelling in song and story the events of that magnificent day that changed the future of the Klingon race forever.

Even in the far-flung Klingon settlements throughout the galaxy, this day is celebrated as a glorious holiday.

The town square is transformed into a rich tapestry of color, smells and sounds reminiscent of an ancient time. It becomes a medieval Klingon world, a myth come to life, with each storefront decorated with banners and colorful artifacts. On the side streets, there are amusements, fire dancers, jugglers, ones who claim to have Molors head in a box and try to charge passersby to see, and singers. It is indeed a carnival atmosphere.

The ritual centerpiece of the festival takes place in the middle of the square, where a Klingon street opera performs historical events in a way that only a true Klingon could relish; two warriors sing loudly as they engage in mock combat, accompanied by street musicians who are playing instruments, called `ln, which are struck by the fist and palm to create a reverberating sound that can be deafening.

The two performers are clad in elaborate colorful robes, patterned after the ancient garb of Kahless' time; they thrust and parry with their bat'leth, which have bells fastened to their frames that jingle with every movement.

The festival's highlight - the reenactment of the ancient final battle between Kahless and Molor - is presented in the traditional Klingon opera format. The words are in no`Hol, the ancient Klingon language that is spoken today only in ceremonial or rituals such as this. The mock battle itself is staged in the Mok'bara martial arts form, which is similar to Terran tai chi.

Molor's Challenge The performers' voices fill the square with song as they battle, till finally the one playing Molor triumphs in victory. The fallen combatant calls to the gathered crowd from the ground, "Nok'tar be'got, hosh'ar te'not?" He is asking if anyone will have the courage to battle Molor. This challenge is to all and age is not a barrier, even children can join in. In these instances the performer playing Molor will be careful not to injure the youth, and will often feign injury to end the battle in a draw.

There will always be someone in the crowd to accept the challenge by singing out "Ki'rock Molor, ki'rock!" They will take the bat'leth from the fallen warrior shouting, "Ni'tokor bak'to!" as he confronts Molor.

One after another warrior takes up the challenge, but still Molor remains defeated. Then there is a moment when suddenly the crowd cheers and parts to allow the first performer to return. He has now changed his costume and wears the distinctive headdress that indicates he is now portraying Kahless.

"Nok'til Kahless, Molor gik'tal!" he sings out defiantly, his voice echoing across the square. The performers move towards each other as the crowd roars out their approval. Kahless sings out that he'd rather die than live under Molor's tyranny. As the battle progresses the crowd begins to hush in anticipation and then finally the climatic moment, the costumed Kahless defeats Molor with the final killing blow of his bat'leth, and the crowd roars in admiration.

=Rites of Ascension:= Klingon males follow the spirit of Kahless as soon as they are able. A Klingon is not born a warrior, being a warrior is something that must be earned. Considered an adult once able to yield a blade, when a youth becomes of age to take arms, he must be ceremoniously initiated.

This ascension into adulthood is ceremoniously marked by three rites of passage.

The First Rite of Ascension, peHtay:

In the seventh month of a child’s ninth year he reaches the age of inclusion, peHghep. Before his family the child will pledge his intention to become a warrior by lighting the ceremonial Qo’to’vo’ candle. Qo’to’vo’ candles represent the fire within the heart of a warrior, the first step on the path to adulthood. Once pledged, the youth is presented with the traditional ghojmeHtaj, boy’s knife. Now the childhood games and stories, so familiar, will take on new meaning as the youth’s education and training increases to prepare him for the way of the warrior. This is where a young Klingon's fighting skills, stamina and knowledge of Kahless' teachings are tested.

The Second Rite of Ascension, qutluchtay:

This ceremonial passage is not described in most non-Klingon literature because of its offensive nature to many cultures. Marked in the seventh month of the youth’s twelfth year, this ceremony celebrates the young Klingon preparing to be a warrior by allowing him to attack an opponent and actually draw blood for the first time.

The Third Rite of Ascension, nentay:

During the seventh month of the young Klingon’s fifteenth year he attains the age of ascension, nenghep. On the eve of this third rite of passage a traditional celebration is held.

Declared a lopno’, the youth, soon to be a man, is presented with numerous gifts, all of which are weapons or are rich in family tradition or value. The celebration itself is a test of stamina with regards to drinking, feasting, story-telling, and mu’QaDveS. A test which will continue throughout the night and marks the young Klingon’s first consumption of alcohol.

As the first light of dawn breaks the horizon, those celebrants still conscious will enter the ritual chamber and stand witness to the nentay and the passage of youth into manhood using the traditional ‘oy’naQ, painsticks - unpleasant devices capable of blowing the head off a two-ton Rectyne monopod - as he proclaims his most profound feelings. Enduring massive pain is a sign of spiritual stamina. In spite of everything, the Third Rite of Ascension is often eagerly anticipated by the warrior as an opportunity for confronting death, honoring the family, and sharing an intimate moment with friends.

Ascension Chant - When presented with a holodeck-formed Ascension Chamber to mark the 10th anniversary of his own part in the rite, Lieutenant Worf recited the following while enduring the blows of the painsticks:

"DaHjaj SuvwI' 'e' jiH. tIqwIj Sa'angnIS. 'Iw biQtIqDaq jIjaH." (Today I am a warrior. I must show you my heart. I travel the river of blood.)

"jIbechrup may' vIlos." (I / suffer / ready / battle them / wait)

"HIHIvqa'." (You / attack / again)

"may'pequ' moH." (Battle / you be ugly).

=Order of the Bat'leth= The Order of the Bat'leth is one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Klingon Warrior, ensuring that his glorious exploits will be remembered well into the future.

It is a name given to elite groups of Klingon warriors, both male and female, who have gained prominence for their courage and strength in battle. Their deeds are honored in a ritual ceremony that sees their names added to a list of the greatest Klingon warriors of the past.

New members are periodically inducted into the Order at a formal ceremony in which they are presented with a medal, commemorating their valor. This ceremony is normally presided over by the Chancellor of the Empire. The night before the ceremony, it is customary for everyone to gather to celebrate in the Hall of Warriors, one of the Empires most heavily fortified installations on the planet Ty`Gokor. (More information on the Hall of Warriors can be found in the Advanced Culture Guide)

In typical Klingon fashion, this celebration becomes as much a trial of endurance and stamina as it is a celebration. Racks are placed on each side of the central brazier in preparation for the forthcoming Ceremony of Commendation. Upon these racks hang the cherished medals that will be worn with pride and reverence. The medals are hung on heavy chains, and are surrounded by other significant, if somewhat lesser military regalia.

The great Hall becomes a flurry of wine, song and boasts of past glories by the gathered Klingon warriors. For hours, food and drink, including bloodwine, flow freely while the warriors try to outdo each other as they swagger and brag of their prowess on the field of battle. The celebrations are accompanied by scattered outbursts of fierce, but good-natured violence. The intent is to celebrate and to survive the celebration, so that you are still standing when the Chancellor arrives the next morning; woe betide the Klingon who cannot handle a cauldron of bloodwine, no matter how many enemies he has dispatched.

The Chancellor arrives to rousing cheers of "Long live the Chancellor!" "Long live the Empire!" Saluting the gathered warriors, he proclaims that it is indeed a great day for the Empire - a day in which to honor those who have brought glory to the Empire, those whose deeds will live on in song and story.

Here in this hallowed hall, under the watchful gaze of the greatest Klingon heroes, those who have proven themselves worthy will receive the honor. Then one by one, the Chancellor bids each candidate to step up to the platform and receive his/her due recognition. The invitation, spoke by the Chancellor, is always the same, "Come forward [H'Ta] son of [Kahmar]"

When called, each warrior moves to the platform and stands proud and defiant before the Chancellor, an exalted champion to await the greatest homage that the Klingon Empire can give. It is a moment that all Klingons live for, and would be willing to die for. The Chancellor selects one of the medals and places the heavy chain around the warrior's neck saying, "Glory to your and your House" The ceremony continues till all candidates receive their medals then the celebrations begin afresh with more bloodwine and new songs to be sung that proclaim the valor of those who have now earned the right to join the prestigious Order of the Bat'leth.

Honor and Discommendation:

- Klingon Honor One of the most important of all Klingon values, honor is regarded as highly as a warrior's ability in battle.

The Duras family lost all honor when it was revealed that they had collaborated with the Romulan Empire in order to gain standing on the Klingon high council.

Confronted with Alexander's petty theft and denial, Lieutenant Worf tried to teach him the ideal of Klingon honor -- that, to a Klingon, honor is more important than life itself, that personal dishonor also dishonors the family. The boy picked up his first ideas about Klingon honor from his late half-human mother K'Ehleyr, quoting her as calling it "a lot of dumb ideas."

- Day of Honor The Klingon DAY OF HONOR is an annual occasion (Set aside as the last weekend in March within UCIP) where warriors compare their accomplishments over the previous year to those of Kahless. During this special day, a Klingon family traditionally serves freshly made Rokeg Blood Pie, which resembles a pumpkin-orange pudding with small, claw-like protrusions sticking up through the surface. This delicacy is served in a silver bowl, and may prove unappealing to non-Klingons tasting it for the first time.

The celebrating Klingon then retires to the Caves of Kahless, which are lit only by burning torches and candles, creating an appropriately moody atmosphere.

There they are greeted by an interrogator dressed in traditional warrior garb, who demands: "Qu`pla! What warrior goes there?" The Klingon celebrating their Day of Honor gives their name, and the interrogator replies: "Have you come to have your honor challenged? are you willing to see the ceremony through to the end?"

Replying the Klingon is then presented with a silver platter containing the pieces of the heart of a Sanctified Targ. The warrior is told, "Pak lohr," after which he takes a piece and devours it. It is believed that the heart of the targ brings courage to those who consume it.

After the warrior finishes off the heart, he drinks mot'loch from a chalice the Grail of Kahless. The drink does not smell pleasant, but the warrior must drink it all. If unfamiliar with mot'loch, the Klingon might have trouble stomaching it. In consuming the mot'loch, the warrior drinks to the glory of Kahless, hero and founder of the Klingon Empire. As the warrior drinks the interrogator formally states: "Kahless defeated his enemies on the field of battle and built a mighty empire. How have you proven yourself worthy?"

Whatever the warriors reply, the interrogator will quiz him further, forcing him to justify his actions and prove his worthiness during his Day of Honor.

If the answer is not satisfactory to the interrogator, he might decide that the warrior must endure a number of hardships in order to test his mettle and therefore restore the worthiness.

He could be requested to do any number of challenges, some of which include the Ritual of 20 painsticks, engage in combat with a master of the bat'leth or he could be told to traverse the Sulphur Lagoons of Gorath.

It would be unheard of for a Klingon to refuse to do these tasks, and thus fail to prove his worthiness.

- Discommendation (naDHa'ghach) Discommendation is the process of being socially barred and declared a "non-person" in Klingon society, labeled publicly as a coward and thereby being stripped of honor. The discommendation ceremony is brief and yet powerful in nature -- the accused is surrounded by a circle of persons facing him, who in turn cross their clenched fists over their chest and turn outward on their heel. Discommendation affects not only the one being discommended, but also several generations.

At Worf's discommendation, even his brother Kurn turned away from him, to preserve his secret relation to Worf. Worf accepted this disgrace rather than let the Empire fall into civil war by revealing the Ja'rod as the true traitor at Khitomer.

Worf's discommendation was finally revoked circa stardate 44998 after he and Kurn helped Gowron ensure his installation as High Council leader. In retrieving his family honor and name, Worf performed a ceremony which included gripping the razor-sharp edge of Gowron's extended dagger until blood was drawn; he did so without flinching. The family of Mogh was once again stripped of it's honor, lands and titles when Worf refused to go with Gowron to attack the Cardassian Homeworld instead going with Sisko on the Defiant to save the Detapa Council (Cardassian Leaders) from the Klingon attack.

batlhmey HeSmey ghap vavDaj jeslu' puqloD - A Klingon word that roughly translates to "A son will share in the honors or crimes of his father."

Courtship, Marriage & Divorce: This also includes supplementary information which pertains to these rituals. jinaq - This is a traditional amulet studded with jewels that is given to a Klingon daughter when she is old enough to take a mate.

Courtship/Mating Ritual - The exact Klingon designation for this ritual is not clear, nor are the specifics of the ritual itself...especially since only the two involved are present, and there are many different variations. However, there is information available. The ritual is traditionally initiated by the female, who crawls on her hands and knees like a large feline, growling and snarling. The male has two choices: he can stand, facing the female, with his arms at his sides, and legs slightly apart in a stance, demonstrating his acceptance...or he can stand with his arms crossed, and turns to the right, stating his non-acceptance. generally, the female will accept this rejection, unless she is rather set upon this male. Things may turn a bit nasty if the hint isn't taken...we'll leave that up to you to imagine. However, if the male does accept, generally the Klingon Oath is taken between the two, and whatever goes from there is generally kept between the two involved. It is not uncommon for the male to initiate the ritual...however, the male does not place himself in the same position as the female does. Intelligence has also located the designation of another variation of this ritual, called the nalqaD or mate challenge. However, this is not available for public domain.

Marriage - Mistresses of the Great Houses wield considerable power. They have the right of veto over any prospective brides, even if this goes against their husband’s wishes.

- Klingon Oath (tlhIngan 'Ip) Klingons usually mate for life, and the union -- once a couple is "engaged" -- is solemnized with a sacred traditional oath. A Klingon ritual of marriage, solemnizing the bond between husband and wife in the Klingon culture, normally practiced during times of war, as there was no time for the more traditional forms of mating. Selection and commitment to a mate. The words "jIH dok" (my blood) are spoken to one's mate and the mate replies "maj dok" (our blood). This exchange seals a marriage vow. "tlhIngan jIH" These words complete the oath between husband and wife during their marriage ceremony. It translates as "I am a Klingon" .

Elaborate Ceremony - Kal'Hyah [Male] - Bre`Nan Ritual [Female] - Ceremony (tlhoghtay) When there is time for a more elaborate, full ceremony there are 3 different parts. The bride and groom take two different paths to the ceremony itself. The male takes the Kal'Hyah (Path of Clarity) while the female undertakes tests as well, including the Bre`Nan Ritual.

=Kal'Hyah= The Groom embarks on this four-day ritual attended by his Tawi`Yan (equivalent to best man), closest friends and male family members, involving six tests - deprivation, blood, pain, sacrifice, anguish and death.

Donning ceremonial robes, the men enter an ancestral cavern on the Klingon Homeworld (or reproduction of). The cavern has a large firepit and is lit by torches in iron braziers that highlight Klingon hieroglyphics on the walls. The groom sports a distinctive cloak as well as full Klingon ceremonial regalia.

The groom hands each man a ma`Staka, a long club made of carved wood with a large stone at the head. The men are told to keep them with them at all times until the ceremony, when they use them to ceremoniously attack the couple once the marriage ceremony itself is completed and reenacts the attack on Kahless and Lukara who were nearly killed by Molors troops moments after they were married during the battle of Qam`Chee.

Until the actual wedding ceremony the men must keep their ma'Stakas with them at all times.

A table laden with food greets the men as they enter the immensely hot cave. This is not to be eaten, but is to tempt the men to break their fast - the first of six trials on the Kal`Hyah path. This 'Trial of Deprivation' or fasting lasts until the wedding.

The Trial of Blood involves sharpening a barbed sword with serrated edges, which is used to cut the palm and make them bleed. A traditional saying accompanying this trial might go something like this "Let rivers flow from our veins and stain the ground with our sacrifice"

Another trial is to hang the men by their wrists using manacles and chains attached to the caves ceiling, while burning coals are placed below them. It is unclear whether this is the pain or anguish trial; details of the remaining trials are also unknown.

=Bride's 'Path'= While the Groom is undertaking the Kal`Hyah, the bride marrying into the Klingon Grooms Family has her own path to take, to win the approval of the mistress of the Great House into which she is marrying.

When the bride meets her future mother-in-law, she must have lit var`Hama candles, made from the shoulders of three targs from the Hamara Mountains on the Klingon Homeworld. The animals are then ritually sacrificed at dawn and then boiled down into tallow.

The bride spends two days molding the candles with her own hands to present to the mistress (if using replicated ones - try to ensure they don't look like obvious fakes). She places the candles in a welcoming display that includes knives, chalices and other Klingon items.

Upon greeting the mistress, the bride says:

'Tuq son bosh mok A'Beh [mistress name] koh. E'Gagh vet moh' ("Enter my home and be welcome mistress. May you find it worthy") example: 'Tuq son bosh mok A'Beh Sirella koh. E'Gagh vet moh'

The mistress replies:

'Eck'tah roh masa qee'Plok' ("May this be the first of many visits")

The bride is then informed that her fitness to join the family will be judged according to tradition.

-Bre`Nan Ritual- This ritual requires a Klingon bride (even if she is not physically Klingon) to recite a Klingon phrase while holding heavy braziers in each hand, arms outstretched, lowering them onto pedestals on either side of her to the satisfaction of the prospective mother-in-law.

Depending on how accepting the Mistress of the House is of outsiders marrying into the family (if that is the case), and how well the bride performs, it could take one try or it could take several attempts.

She then recites the saga of all the women in the Klingon Grooms family to her future mother-in-law.

=Ceremony= According to Imperial Intelligence, the details of this ceremony have never been made available before to the public. But after the ceremony was performed for other races to observe on board Federation space station Deep Space Nine, this information has been made public domain. The marriage ceremony has several parts to it. For the female, she stays with the female of the House she will marry into for four days, and she must prove herself worthy to become included in that family line, through physical prowess during ritualistic feats, and by learning everything about the House. The male undergoes a ritual called qalHaya or The Path of Clarity. It is performed by the male and four of his friends for four days before the day of the wedding. It consists of six trials: fasting, blood, torture, sacrifice, anguish, and death. The actual ceremony is steeped in Klingon history. Here, for all to view and study, are the details of the ceremony.

The Celebrant [Generally the Mistress of the Great House] enters the hall, which is decorated with a ceremonial banner hanging in the main hall, with varHama' weQmey (ritualistic greeting candles, made of three targs caught in the Hamar mountains, and sacrificed at dawn. The targ shoulders are boiled into tallow and shaped into candles by hand) lighting the hall. Drums beat out ancient rhythms. The Celebrant then stands before those gathered, raises her right hand, and speaks, reciting the story of the forging of the Klingon heart:

"With fire and steel did the Gods forge the Klingon heart. So fiercely did it beat, So loud was the sound, that the Gods cried out 'On this day we have brought forth the strongest heart in all the Heavens. None can stand before it, without trembling at its strength.' But then, the Klingon heart weakened. Its steady rhythm faltered, and the Gods said 'Why have you weakened so? We have made you the strongest in all of creation.' And the heart said:"

The groom emerges and speaks:

"I am alone."

The Celebrant continues:

"And the gods knew that they erred, so they went back to their forge and brought forth another heart."

The bride emerges through the crowd to face the groom. They are both given betleH by the ta'wI'yan (The Klingon equivalent to a best man at a wedding, the ta'wI'yan holds the betleH used in the ceremony). Then the Celebrant continues:

"For the second heart beat stronger than the first. The first was jealous of its power. "

The groom, acting out the actions of the 'first heart', initiates combat with the bride, who represents the 'second heart'. His moves are parried, and the betleH of the bride is brought to the neck of the Groom. The Celebrant continues:

"Fortunately, the second heart was tempered by wisdom."

The bride then speaks:

"If we join together, no force can stop us."

The bride then removes her betleH from his neck. The betleH are then given back to the ta'wI'yan. The couple embrace each other, the Groom's hands on the Bride's hips, and the Bride's hands on the Groom's arms. The Celebrant continues:

"And when the two hearts began to beat together, they filled the Heavens with a terrible sound. For the first time, the Gods knew fear. They tried to flee but it was too late. The Klingon hearts destroyed the Gods who created them, and turned the heavens to ashes. To this very day, no one can oppose the beating of two Klingon hearts."

The Celebrant then turns to the Groom, pronouncing his lineage: ex. "Worf Son of Mogh, Does your heart beat only for this woman?"

The Groom replies

"Yes."

"And will you swear to join with her and stand with her against all who oppose you?"

The Groom replies:

"I swear."

The Celebrant then turns to the Bride, and repeats the vows.

"Then let all present here today know that this man and this woman are married."

The groom and bride then kiss. The Groom and Bride then embrace the Celebrant in turn, and the Celebrant welcomes the Bride into the Groom's house. The Groom's party then attack the couple with ma'StaqaS(Ceremonial clubs, used to attack a couple after they have just been married. A symbolic attack only, non- lethal, the tradition dates back to the wedding of Kahless and L'Qar, who were nearly killed by Molor's troops, moments after they were married. Until the ceremony, the ma'StaqaS are to be kept with the bearers at all times).

- Convenience, Marriage of (Brek'tal) If the leader of a Klingon house is slain in honorable combat, the victor may be invited to take his place and his wife. The ritual ceremony can be completed with just a single witness who requires no special status -- even a servant will do. Wearing ceremonial robes,..

Initiator: "Go`Eveh lu cha webeh. mo ka re`Chos" Other Party: "Go`Eveh lu cha webeh. to va re'Luk"

Witness: "Ghos ma'lu Kah!"

Although very short this ceremony is legally binding until one party decides to initiate a Divorce.

* A notable Klingon who has initiated this Rite is Grilka who was later granted Special Dispensation to Lead her own House.

Divorce - The Klingon divorce involves the petitioner [Generally the female] striking the defendant spouse, and reciting the words "N'Gos tlhogh cha!" and then spitting as a closing act before walking away.

Death, Restoring Honor, Ritual Suicide: - Death . Death wail A particular type of Klingon ceremony which is performed immediately following the death of a warrior. After a Klingon peers into a just-deceased brethren's eyes and looks at death in the face, all Klingons who are present ( although even a lone warrior will also perform this ritual on the deceased, given the opportunity ) join in a tremendously loud and powerful howl skyward, which lasts several seconds. According to Lieutenant Commander Data, the howling signifies a traditional warning to the hereafter that "a Klingon warrior is about to arrive!"

No ceremony attends the corpse afterwards, which is viewed as "just an empty shell" and discarded in that manner. Although offworlders have heard of the ceremony, the ritual was apparently first observed by outworlders in the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D sickbay, circa stardate 41503 by Captain Picard, Doctor Crusher and the medical staff after the death of a Klingon renegade. Lieutenant Worf also howled skyward when he realized K'Ehleyr was dead; their son Alexander -- a stranger to both death and the ritual -- ran away.

. Klingon Dirge Rather than the traditional death wail, a sacred funeral dirge is chanted by Kor over the bodies of Kang and Koloth ( no translation is provided ): "Ki-naH-naH, lo-maytoo; Ki-naH-naH, lo-maytaH; "Ko-no-ma... Ko-no-mayy... No-no-ma... Ko-no- MAAAYYY...."

. Jat`lyn Klingon term for "spiritual possession". Translated it means, "The taking of the living by the dead".

. Rite of Vengeance This rite is invoked due to the unjust death of another Klingon (such as a Klingon's mate or friend). The person who killed that Klingon is followed, and then a battle ensues.. a fight to the death.

- Barge of the Dead This is believed to travel the river of blood, taking the dishonored Klingons to the gates of Gre'thor. Kortar spends eternity ferrying the lost and dishonored souls as punishment for killing the Klingon gods. The lost souls are called to by the ghostly siren-like calls of the kos'karii, luring them off the barge and dragging them to their death in the river. Those who make it to the gates, have a path of burning coals and braziers to walk over to get to the towering gates, the entrance to Gre'thor. The vessel is surprisingly similar to old-Earth sailing ships of the 15th or 16th centuries. A few of the ship's wooden masts and beams are inscribed with Klingon script, and a figurehead, which resembles a sea monster of some sort, stands at the bow. The lower deck of the Barge consists of a dark and dingy room. Lanterns hang from wooden beams to provide low lighting, where the doomed souls sit silently on the decks and await their fate with no evidence that they bemoan their fate. The arrival of new souls on board is preceded by flashes of lightning and a howling wind. Klingon warriors keep watch over the souls of the dead; it is not known if these mariners are also dishonored spirits, sentenced too an eternity of such dismal duty.

- Naj The dream before dying

- Fek'lhr Mythical Klingon beast that was the Guardian of Gre'thor and dwells in the Cavern of Despair.

- Gre’thor In Klingon culture and theology, the place where the dishonored go to die, where Fek'lhr stands guard.

- Sto-Vo-Kor The afterlife of the Klingon honored dead, presided over by Kahless until his return to the world of the living.

- R`uustai Literally, the Klingon word meaning "the bonding." It is the ceremony of adoptive brotherhood that Lieutenant Worf completed with fellow orphan Jeremy Aster, after the boy's mother died on stardate 43198.7 during a mission under the Lieutenant's command. Both participants wore ceremonial vests and each used a candle to light their own set of three large candles apiece. On stardate 43198.7, after adorning Jeremy with a sash similar to his own, Worf invoked the memory of their mothers by reciting "SoS jIH batlh SoH" ( "Mother[s] I [we] honor you" ). According to the tradition, once the ceremony is performed, they are now brothers, and their families are stronger because of the union.

- Restoring Honor . Ritual Suicide: (assisting another: Mauk-to`Vor) Ritual killing of an individual by a family member so that his honor can be restored. An incense known as adanji, also plays a part in this ceremony. If the dishonored one is killed with a ceremonial Mevak dagger by the person responsible for the loss of honor, their soul is cleansed and they are allowed to escape damnation in Gre'thor

. Ritual Suicide: (requesting for self: Hegh`bat) The Klingon ritualistic suicide ceremony is used in cases when an injured Klingon becomes a burden and cannot hope to live a full life again. A family member, preferably the first-born son, is to bring the knife and then attend as the participant first impales himself through the heart and then wipes the withdrawn weapon's blood on the witness's sleeve. Among the ceremonial objects used is the Klingon dagger and a special type of cloak.

When hopelessly paralyzed, Lieutenant Worf asked Commander Riker to assist him in this final act as his best friend, but the appalled Number One discovered the family connection -- that such a task should fall to Worf's son, Alexander -- and forced Worf to rethink his plans.

- Assassination The assassin is considered to be an honorable profession. However, to carry out an honorable assassination, the assassin must show his or her face to the victim and they usually use a primitive simple weapon. The honorable assassin kills at close quarters.

- Dishonorable Killings These include: Killing women and children, assassinations when the Klingon killing does not show his face to the one being killed.

-Black Fleet Reference to a Klingon afterlife by author John M. Ford in his novel, The Final Reflection. When a Klingon dies an honorable death, they are believed to go on to serve in the Black Fleet, where they fight a continuous battle against their most worthy foes.

Legalities: - Ja`chuq Modern Klingon practices have seen the Klingon Rite of Succession ceremony conclude with only a brief proclamation that two challengers vying for leadership had been decided upon. However, the older form of the ceremony concluded instead with the ja'chuq -- the listing of battles won and the prizes taken by each challenger.

- cha`Dich The cha'Dich is an individual appointed by a warrior to stand with him during a ceremonial challenge or trial. The cha'Dich must defend the one challenged because he or she is denied the right of combat while accused. The cha'Dich is given a ritual knife and stands along side his warrior during the challenge.

JllajneS. ghlj qet jaghmeyjaj. - Literally, Klingon word meaning "I accept [with honor]. May your enemies run with fear." Kurn, and later Captain Picard, both responded this way when Lieutenant Worf asked each in turn to be his cha'DIch.

- Law of Heredity The Klingon Law of Heredity embodies the concept that a son will share in the honors or crimes of his father.

- Voting Though it is not depicted, Klingon High Council members publicly vote by outstretching their right fist and grasping the right elbow with the left hand.

- Challenge Rituals When a Klingon Warrior is accused by the Council, he has the right to challenge them. He presents evidence to the Council which then passes judgement. While being heard, the challenger appoints a cha'Dich (a second) who stands with him during the challenge or trial. Results of challenges can be exoneration, discommendation or even death.

- meqba` The Mek'ba is the name given to that part of a trial or challenge in which evidence is presented. The Mek'ba has strict rules for the presentation of evidence and for the conduct of both the accused and the accuser (much like Terran courts).

- cho`tay (Rite of Succession) Process whereby a new leader is chosen for the Klingon High Council following the death of the previous leader. The rite first requires the Sonchi, in which the previous leader was formally certified to be truly dead. Next, the Arbiter of Succession was required to select the challengers for leadership of the council. The two strongest challengers would then fight for the right to lead the council.

. Sonchi A Klingon ritual; part of the Rite of Succession. Sonchi translates as "he is dead." The Sonchi formally confirmed the death of a leader before his or her successor could be chosen, and involved jabbing the body with Klingon painsticks while issuing a verbal challenge.

. Qab jIH nagil! The Klingonese challenge uttered by each witness during the Sonchi ceremony when applying the painsticks to the corpse of the leader to be succeeded. It translates literally to "face / me / dare."

. Arbiter of Succession This position is established by Klingon law. This individual is responsible for administering the Rite of Succession which involves the selection of a new Klingon High Council Leader. The Arbiter was responsible for selecting the challengers for leadership of the Council.

Other: - `Iw `Ip (Blood Oath) A blood oath is a promise that can never be broken -- although it can be revoked by any of those involved.

- Klingon Code Part of the warrior tradition is the phrase "Drink not with thine enemy." They showed no qualms about drinking with foes of their own kind, however.

- Toast (raising goblet) Ghoptu - Klingonese word for some object lifted in salute or tribute; though unspecified for a translation, by context it could be a toasting glass, or an arm. It literally means "hand / find / discover."

- MajQa, Rite of Klingon ritual involving deep meditation in the lava caves of No'Mat. Prolonged exposure to the heat is believed to induce a hallucinatory effect. Great significance is attached to any visions received during the MajQa, and revelations of one's father are believed to be the most important.

- Klingon Tea Ceremony A ritual using a drink deadly to humans -- and only slightly less unhealthy for Klingons -- as a test of bravery and a reinforcement of the preference for facing death as a shared experience. The ceremony includes a chalice for each participant plus an extra one, along with the woody stem whose seeds and tulip- like flowers are plucked to make the tea. Doctor Pulaski had heard of, but not seen it, telling Lieutenant Worf she "understands the externals, not the mysteries" of the ceremony. Still, she gave herself a quick antidote in order to safely join him when invited, asking for a reading of Klingon love poetry when they finished.

- moQbara`

For the uninitiated, Mok'bara is an ancient form of martial art, that aids in the development of concentration, coordination, flexibility, strength and speed. It is widely practiced throughout the Empire by Klingons of all ages and genders. Most Klingons begin their introduction to Mok'bara at a very early age and continue receiving instruction in it throughout their lives.

Mok'bara participants traditionally wear a loose-fitting cream-white uniform, with a colored shoulder stripe that denotes their skill level. After decades of instruction, practice, dedication and skill, only the highest level of Mok'bara veterans are finally recognized by the title of "Da'Har Master".

Other interesting facts concerning the "creation" of this particular martial art within the Star Trek universe:

* When the Mok'bara method was conceived, the writers came to Dan Curry (Co- Visual Effects Supervisor for TNG) who lent his expertise to the design and use of the Klingon bat'leth. He designed the movements seen within Mok'bara and coached actor Michael Dorn. Whenever 'Worf' is seen doing Mok'bara exercises, Curry is off-camera doing them as well, to help visually guide the actor on- camera. Curry studied with both Thai and Chinese instructors and holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Korean martial arts.

* According to the Star Trek Encyclopedia: Mok'bara is a ritual Klingon martial- arts form, resembling terrestrial tai chi. Worf taught a Mok’bara class to his Enterprise-D shipmates most mornings at 0700. (Man of the People [TNG]). Worf taught the Mok’bara to his fellow captives at the secret Romulan prison camp in the Carraya System in 2369. The exercises, designed to enhance one’s agility in hand-to-hand combat, helped to revive the dormant warrior spirit among the captives there. (Birthright, Part II [TNG]).

* An excerpt from the Mup'wi, the newsletter of the Klingon Imperial Weapons Guild: The Mok'bara or Klingon fighting style requires weapons that have a certain *flowing* quality to them. In all of the blades seen there is always a scimitar like shape. You rarely see straight edges accept in small knives. In a study of similar cultures who used edged weapons there is always an axe or axe-like implement. The feudal Japanese who the Klingons are most often compared to used several types of axes for tools and for weapons. With the right type of design, this style of weapon could be quite formidable in the hands of an accomplished Klingon Warrior. According to Okrand the traditional Klingon warrior's arsenal included the ax, an implement with heavy, flattened blade mounted crosswise at the end of a handle. The general term for ax is 'obmaQ. Its handle is its DeS and its blade is its ghIt. (Okrand's Klingon for the Galactic Traveler) For the primary blade I chose a shape similar to the bat'leth's main blade. The sweeping arch will enhance the natural moves of the Mok'bara. In order to keep the weight of the weapon down the blade itself was given a thin profile and this portion of the axe is offset to place the cutting edge of the blade in the same alignment as the bat'leth's main blade when held in one hand.

- Victory Song This was known to those on the planet in the Caraya System, initially only as a lullaby, until Worf arrived and taught it to Tog, one of the younger generation who had been brought up within the confines of the 'prison' while on a ritual hunt.

[Words to this song are found in the Advanced Culture Guide]