Culture of Gurenn

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The culture of Gurenn has evolved greatly over the years. From the original Jitsubutsu culture to the contemporary hybrid culture, which combines influences from Ania, Asia, Europe and North America. There was a heavy importation of East-Asian culture since the 5th century.

Culture of honour

While western countries usually maintain cultures of law, Gurenn maintains a culture of honour. This means the Gurennese doesn't know the concept of sin. Honor and insult and accompanying shame are very important. Being laughed at should be avoided at any cost. This has been derived from old samurai codes of honour, which still have a very important role in Gurennese society. Suicide actions when one has lost his honour are common.

Loners by nature

Gurennese people are loners by nature. Children learn to be as independent as possible when they are young. People leave the family when they are graduated and many do not visit them anymore. Not much help is offered at schools and students are expected to solve their own problems. Gurennese usually don't keep friendly relations with collegues in a corporation.

Holidays

Date Holiday
January 1 Gurennese New Year
January 15 Coming-of-Age Day
February 3 Bean scattering celebration
February 11 National Foundation Day
February 14 Valentine's Day
March 3 Doll Festival
March 21 Vernal equinox
April 8 Flower Festival
April 29 - May 5 Golden Week
April 29 Greenery Day
May 3 Constitution Memorial Day
May 4 Between Day
May 5 Children's Day
July 20 Marine Day
August 28 The Emperor's Birthday
September 15 Respect for the Aged Day
September (day of full moon) Moon Festival
September 23 Autumnal equinox
October 10 Health and Sports Day
November 3 Culture Day
November 15 Seven-five-three
November 23 Labour Thanksgiving Day
December 25 Christmas
December 31 New Year's Eve

Festivals

Every big Gurennese city has annually celebrated festivals. These are centuries old and can be set up for several happenings: ranging from the start of a new year to the celebrating of a new season or the driving away of oni.

Geisha

These are Gurennese ladies in waiting. They are used at parties, dinners and meetings to entertain guests by conversing, singing, dancing and playing music.

Kimono

Kimonos are typical Gurennese clothes made of silk. They are commonly worn by women. A special type of kimonos made for males exists, called yukatas. Those are also commonly worn by men.

Samurai

Samurai are the defenders of the country in Gurenn. They make up the whole human part of the army and battle with cold weapons. Most important are the sword, bow and spear. They travel on horses and honour is very important in their culture. They are very loyal to the Emperor.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the arrangement of flowers and branches to represent a season or a feeling. It is centuries old.

Moon watching

The Moon Festival is a holiday on the day of the full moon in September when Gurennese all watch Luna. The full moon in September is regarded as the most beautiful of all full moons. Commonly eaten when watching the moon are moon cookies.

Flower Festival

The Flower Festival is a day on which all Gurennese watch the sakura trees, which are fully blooming at that time. Gurennese have a special connection with nature, which is highlighted on this festival.

Origami

Origami is a Gurennese custom of folding paper to make figures. It was introduced in Gurenn in the 5th century.

Presents

The giving of presents is very important in Gurenn. People give each other presents on New Year and birthdays. It is also given when someone is invited to one's house or when someone has done a favour.

Tea ceremony

The pouring and drinking of tea is a true art in Gurenn. Gurennese drink green tea daily, sometimes in tea houses.

Temari

Temari are Gurennese balls adorned with colored strings. The making of temari too is seen as a true art. Occasionally children can be seen playing with temari balls.

Wedding ceremony

Gurennese weddings usually happen either an aniatic or a christian way. This doesn't have anything to do with the religion of the couple. Women will wear very expensives dresses and men will wear tuxedos and top hats. After the wedding there will be a honeymoon.

Dead

When Gurennese people die they will usually have an aniatic funeral. All Gurennese are cremated to save space. After dead they become kami and join the other kami in the next dimension. When something hinders the kami from passing through, it will become a yurei.

Tattoos

Tattooing is a common practive in Gurenn. Usually, values regarded important in Gurenn are tattooed with their respective character.

Bath

Gurenn is very hygienic and people bathe daily. However, washing happens before entering the bath. The bath is meant for relaxing. A Gurennese bath uses very hot water.

Pheasants

Pheasants are very important birds in Gurenn. They are honoured by most people and are found on stamps and logos.