There are a number of days in the Poku Saeruo Degonjo Mâi (year) that have significance to the Poku'vonai. They are called Ousaenori, which originally meant life days; the term has since come to mean days of festivities or remembrance. The singular form of the word is Ousaenor. The following Ousaenori are the current ones. It provides some basic information as to the origin, and customs.

This is the start of the new year for the Poku'vonai. The original celebration on Otâgolisoy (Birth world) lasted from when the sun touched the land to the east, and continued until it set beyond the western coast. The current form of the celebration lasts the same number of hours.

All Clan members are expected to participate in the day by hosting parties, games and feasts; celebrants travel from one gathering to another. Business is not conducted on this day, but marriage engagements are sometimes announced during the Meyâ Mâi celebrations.

This day is a celebration of the baqlii (children) of the Poku'vonai.

This day marks the anniversary of the death of the first Clan leader of the Poku Saeruo Degonjo. Adherents of the Sae Fuâmy'ai (Star Watchers) belief system commemorate the supposed disappearance of Kotoz Mui, rather than his death.

This day is dedicated to the Sects of the Clan. Members volunteer to perform important tasks for their Jael. Groups will often cooperate on projects such as the repairing of Jael properties, or by visiting members of the Jael who are sick or infirm. Other participants spend the day helping others outside of their Jael; these deeds are said to be 'A gift from their Jael' to the recipient.

This day celebrates the momentous event where the Clan rediscovered and rescued the passengers of the lost Uâo Wunyaka Vonai (Stormy Sky) Ark. Parents retell the tale to young children, and Jolur and the Graz'ir are honored as heroic figures.

This marks the date that Otâgolisoy (Birth world) was lost. It is a solemn day marked with fasting by the adult members during the traditional daylight hours. Some members will go the entire day without eating. At each hour of the day, bells or tones sound. All activity stops, and the adults and sometimes older children will, at the end of each tone say, “Before the Great Divine, we swear an oath to never forget.” Once the 'sun' has set, the fast is broken and celebrations begin. The participants celebrate their survival of the Day the World Died, and they recognize and honor the accomplishments of the Clan since that dark day.

This festival is a two-day event that celebrates the achievements of the current Mui (Clan Leader). The first day is dedicated to the personal aspects of the Mui. The second day is devoted to their accomplishments as the Mui. It is typically a non-work day for the majority of the Poku'vonai with festivities held in the parks of the Vonaieano'ka (City State) or colony.

Clan members pay a tithe as part of their Lelpa'jyaon (Money Rules). On Tithe Day, each person family collects a month's equivalent of tithes and spends it on an assortment of useful items and resources, such as clothing, tools, and non-perishable food. During the day, the family ventures out into their city state or colony to find someone who is not part of their family or House; they then gift one of the items to that person. A family is expected to give of their stockpile of gifts until it has run out. This activity is meant to celebrate prosperity and abundance, and to bind the community together with gift-giving and gratitude.

This is a five day festival beginning on the 36th day of the month. During these events, the Poku'vonai reflect upon a different theme each day, and take actions to honor those themes. The different days and themes are listed below:

• 36 - Ruoka (House) this day is spent with members of the same House, recalling and retelling significant events that House that occurred in their history.
• 37 This day is for the fallen, and is spent remembering those who have died.
• 38 The early part of this day is spent in quiet personal contemplation. In the evening, large parties and events are held to celebrate the events of the year.
• 39 This is the first day celebratingPunla (Family). It is a festive event where gifts are exchanged within the family. Close friends are encouraged to come and visit and share in the celebration.
• 40 This is the second day of celebrating the family where all, including even the most distant Wumyi (Friends), are invited to come and share in the celebration. The family traditional gives gifts to the friends at this event.

Poku'vonai living away from the World Station or the colonies attempt to replicate the rituals of their holidays in small-scale. Gift-giving is done among the crew of a starship, and day-long festivities instead occur for a few hours instead. Events are presided over by the ship's assigned Detis Goa'a (Faith Walker), or by the Tin-Ta'a (Ship Commander) or some other designated crewmember.

These are personal events that are typically celebrated by the individual and their friends and family.

• Fofijo (Cleansed)
• Baqnor (move from youth)
• Sumanâpa Punla (Making Family)

• Article by Nashoba. Updated by Hollander.