SAIYAN LORE & CULTURE HEADCANONS #1 - SOCIALIZATION.

In this post, socialization refers to how each Saiyans greet each other, common phrases, and other such things.

HANDSHAKES: THEY DO NOT EXIST.

Instead, Saiyans grip each other by the forearm, and shake roughly/firmly or gently up and down, twice. Three times is pushing it-- reserved for strained bonds or to quietly say "I don't like you", while four shakes is considered mocking/disrespectful. Most times this is done silently, but there can be verbal greetings to accompany this 'arm greeting' (or replace it entirely).

GREETINGS & COMMON SAYINGS.

"May Yamoshi guide you/her/him/your childling/sister/brother [insert other bond/relation here]." This is the Saiyan version of Bless you/May God bless you/Good morning or goodnight. There is a belief system/religion/spirituality amongst the Saiyans, and it is called Yamoshism. Depending on one's philosophical standing, Yamoshi is either a Patron Saint for the Saiyans or the equivalent of an Ascended Master/Saiyan who underwent a process similar to apotheosis. Either way, this is the best thing to hear if you are a Saiyan or carry Saiyan blood as it is usually impossible to utter it maliciously. It denotes a large amount of care and thoughtfulness.

"May Eelnana shine upon you/grace you/smile upon you/your troop, etc." It's the same as above except it involves the Goddess embedded in Yamoshism. Depending on one's philosophical slant, Eelnana either exists as a separate and real entity (hint: Maiz is a believer in this school of thought), or she's purely symbolic. To be told the Goddess of External Power, Inner Strength and Innovation/Change is smiling down upon you and/or guiding you is no small thing to say. This is explicitly saying you are trusted to know what you are doing, and who you must be.

"May our suns rise on you/never set on you." This is the non-religious/non-spiritual version of the above two sayings.

CHILDLINGS & PROPER CONDUCT.

Baby Saiyans are called childlings up until adolescent age (16). Other affectionate names are not translatable into Universal, or other dialects as easily, but the pronunciations are suspiciously similar to the following words: hellspawns, hellhounds, critters and runts. Childlings who stay on the planet are expected to learn hand-eye coordination as soon as they're able to talk. Childlings are who sent away, aka "infiltration babies" are typically abandoned/not talked about until they come back stronger. Until then, they are out of sight, out of mind. Childlings staying on the planet are treated nicer than their weaker counterparts (unless like Maiz, they have a visible birth defect that can impede their ability to fight and defend themselves). In this case, they are pushed harder to overcome their limitations and only then, are they treated with more grace than their counterparts. Outside of that, childlings are typically encouraged to interact with their environment and make connections. If it turns out they're the type of Saiyan who cannot bond easily, this is when they figure that out and plan "ahead." If they can bond, their lives will be a bit easier-- they'll have a second family to fall back on (Team Bardock as an example). However, just because a Saiyan can bond doesn't mean they will get close with everyone. (Ex. Karne was atypical in this regard; she was warm and bubbly on the surface and actively sought out friends, but she was picky about what bonds she wanted. She was insistent on becoming Bardock's first friend* even when he was being difficult. She genuinely loved and doted on Seripa/Fasha, who took over as the more "hot-headed personality" as they both grew up. She ruthlessly killed Artichoke after confirming her pregnancy with Maiz, who she actually wanted. She was emotionally available for her daughter and spoiled her rotten with love and affection. She loved her so much to the point of shoving her into a space pod to save her life during the Genocide). Maiz is the same way, and she's aware of it to varying levels**.

Most Saiyans were either trained to be independent or part of a collective. Individualism spiked post Yamoshi's generation, but especially under Frieza. Incidentally, King Cold didn't do much meddling; he found their ability to work as a collective amusing and intriguing. It was Frieza who took issue and thus, started nitpicking at them little by little until a schism was later created-- one that would give rise to the very thing he feared; a union of Saiyans. (This union and their old, ancient traditions that were taken underground would later give rise to the legend he tried to erase: the Super Saiyan).