Theocracy of Xochimechatl
CULTURE

Society
Traditionally, Xochimechatlan society was divided into four specific classes: nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. In modern Xochimechatl, the last two classes, serfs and slaves, no longer exist, but the distinction between nobles and commoners is still noticable. In the Lendian regions of Xochimechatl, this does not exist, but in the rest of Xochimechatl, particularly the south, there are clear divides between the upper and lower classes. In ancient times, the divide was such that the lower classes were considered inherently inferior, and were required to show deference to the upper classes, but in modern Xochimechatlan society, most of the distinction lies in the ownership of material possessions (for example, only upper class Xochimechatlans own an automobile). Because wealth is inherited, and because there are few chances for the poorer citizens of Xochimechatl to become wealthy, there is very little movement between classes. There is no real middle class in most of Xochimechatl, with people being polarized as either very rich or very poor. The notable exception to this rule are the the Lendian-settled regions, where a substantial middle class can be found.

Family
The concept of family has always been very important in Xochimechatl, with family loyalties considered to be critical to one's sense of self. Traditionally, the man has been head of the family, making all important decisions about all matters concerning it (although this was less true in Chitec, where the man controlled only financial matters and the woman was responsible for all other family arrangements). This is less true now than it has been at any time in the past, and Xochimechatlan women are far more independent than they once were allowed to be, but old attitudes still persist in many areas. Women are expected to show deference to men who are not significantly below them in social status or age, and are generally expected to avoid discussion of serious matters (politics, for example). One notable change that has occured within the last twenty years, however, is that women are now able to be employed in full-time jobs, whereas in the past, women were expected to stay at home for most of the day.

Arts
The arts have always been fairly important in Xochimechatlan society, although since the Lendian conquest, they have been in a state of decline. Particularly important is traditional music, which for most of Xochimechatl, consists of fairly simple pieces performed using flutes, drums, and rattles. Traditional music is often accompanied by singing or chanting (singing being used when the music is for entertainment, and chanting being used when the music is for ceremony). In the last few decades, a unique synthesis of traditional Xochimechatlan music and modern pop music has begun to grow in popularity, and has even begun to attract a small following outside Xochimechatl. The Chitec and Irominan cultures also have their own unique musical styles. Traditional dances are also important, and have begun to gain in popularity once more. Craft has also been important in Xochimechatlan tradition, with standard crafts in the past being woodcarving, weaving, and pottery. In Chitec, stonecarving was also very common, but this tradition has become rare in modern times.

Shopping
Despite the influence of the Lendians in Xochimechatl, most day to day shopping is still conducted in large outdoor markets which often form the centre of a town. Originally, the markets were places where citizens would barter goods with each other, exchanging things that they had produced for things that they needed. When currency was invented in Xochimechatl, markets became more regulated, with vendors selling their wares from stalls set up after purchasing a licence from the town authorities. Gradually, as trade routes were established, the range of things available at markets became wider and wider. Even in modern Xochimechatl, markets are still common, and are in fact almost the only places to purchase food - supermarkets are very rare in Xochimechatl. Only in Lendian dominated areas will one find department stores and the like.

 

The Theocracy of Xochimechatl is a fictional state on the world of Vexillium.