Ja'loja (event)

This article is about the Moclan urination ritual. For the episode, see Ja'loja.

In the sight of those who stand with me, and those for whom I would sacrifice my being, I begin the release.— Bortus

A Ja'loja, or "Great Release," was an important ritual in Moclan culture celebrated annually during the start of a Moclan's urination cycle.

The ritual site was called the n'kafas, a place selected during one's childhood. Moclans were expected to return to their n'kafas for the ja'loja ceremony.

The ritual symbolized the cleansing of the spirit and beginning of a new year in the celebrant's life.

Description

Ja'loja, literally "great release" in the Moclan language, was a ceremony celebrating urination by the Moclan species, occurring once a year.

The ritual itself consisted of the celebrant standing over a cliff while whispering a prayer followed up by them urinating into the cliff's abyss. After its done the celebrant shouts "ja'loja" and then the observers shout it as well.

The Great Release was seen as a moment of celebration. A party often followed with the celebrant's friends and family.

Production

Creator Seth MacFarlane has confirmed that ja'loja was based on pon farr in the Star Trek: The Original Series episode Amok Time. In the show, First Officer Spock must return to his home world of Vulcan once every seven years to copulate with a mate. Vulcans return to a ceremonial place for a koon-ut-kal-if-fee ("marriage or challenge"), which corresponds with the Moclan n'kafas.

Trivia

• Guests to the Ja'loja were strongly encouraged to bring a partner to the celebratory party, as going alone is believed to be bad luck.

Gallery

Bortus relieves himself in the presence of his friends and family.

Star Trek's Spock walking to his koon-ut-kal-if-fee served as the inspiration for Bortus' n'kafas.

Appearances

• Episode 2x01: Ja'loja