Monday, May 16, 2011

The Klingon Days of Honor

The celebration of the Day of Honor is an annual Klingon observance during which warriors, both male and female, test their physical endurance and honor by surviving a ritual ordeal.  The tradition includes eating from the heart of a sanctified targ, and drinking mot'loch from a Grail of Kahless.  The warrior must then proclaim his or her battles from the  past year before enduring a series of personal tests, which can include the Ritual of Twenty Painsticks, combat with a bat'leth master, or to traverse the Sulfur Lagoons of Gorath.

Regional differences exist, based on planetary topographical features, and clan traditions.  When away from home, and unable to use a holographic simulation of the celebration, then the warrior marks the passing of the holiday in his or her own personal way.

Begun in November 1997 by the Klingon Assault Group's Commander Khar'Ton, the concept of the fan Days of Honor was designed to be adopted by any Klingon-based fan, or fan group, regardless of club affiliation, to participate on the same weekend through a uniformed (aka costumed) activity of their own choosing which best reflects that individual's, or group's, preferences , and which also reflects Klingon honor.

Since the first appearance of the Klingon race on Star Trek took place in the Original Series' episode, "Errand of Mercy", which first aired on March 23, 1967; the fan Days of Honor has been set to occur over the weekend nearest to, or including, the date of March 23.

Those Klingon fans and groups wishing to celebrate should plan VERY PUBLIC-ORIENTED events, preferably ones that attract the attention of the local press and/or media outlets.  It should be something positive that makes Star Trek fans in general look good and also impresses the average person, or closet Trekker.  Of course, the event must be something honorable, or which involves the concept of honor.   Klingon fans participating in this celebration must be in uniform/costume.  Costumed "Aliens" representing "other" science fiction cultures can be invited to join in the fun and are welcome to participate.

The holiday was designed to also celebrate the honor of a Klingon's adversaries.  According to the Star Trek novels, the holiday was started by Captain Kirk and Commander Kor, after working together to defeat a common foe.

Possible events include Blood Feuds (Blood Donation Drives vs. other Trek-style fan club groups), a canned food drive for a local food bank, a charity event that benefits a shelter for abused women and children (Homeless people, etc.), cleaning up a section of highway or other public space, clothing drives to benefit a local charity (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc.), discussing and/or teaching the Klingon Language at a school or library, a Jail and Bail to benefit a charity or community group, a John M. Ford Trust benefit, reading to kids at a library or school, sponsoring an animal at a zoo, a toy collection for children in need, or visiting patients at a local hospital.  The list of possible events is as limitless as your imagination.

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