#11magicalschools

[hunterartemis]

Vishakhatantra Headcanon #5: Society, Caste and Class system in Indian Wizarding World

This was requested in my profile, and since Caste system is a controversial topic in Indian Society, I was hesitating to write this. But I did this anyway.

Caste did not exist in Ancient India, but Class did. Class and Caste are different. Caste is discriminatory and hereditary but Class is based on wealth and job. The Classes in Indian Wizarding Society are misinterpreted as Caste in the Muggle world.

The Chatur Varna (Four Classes) The four classes denote occupation and social standing in Wizarding society. These differ greatly from Muggle system and are based on merit, wealth and job.

Bramhin (The Scholar Class)

Bramhin is considered as the “Priest caste” in Muggle world. However in the Wizarding Society, whoever chooses Academic pursuit, research, writing, education and studentship as their livelihood is called “Bramhin”. To become a Bramhin in Wizarding World one has to clear a special degree commissioned by the Indian Wizarding Government. This is considered one of the toughest exams in Indian Wizarding World. This exam has six levels:

Class 1 : Adhyapak (Qualified for teaching position in the primary-intermediate position) shall be signified with single string Janau (a thread worn across the chest) made of white pearl

Class 2: Upadhyaya (Qualified for Teaching position in higher level) shall be signified with a two string white pearl janau.

Class 3: Acharya (Qualified for doing Upadhyay’s job and vocational training) Shall be signified with a single string of Yellow pearl Janau.

Class 4: Pundit (Research scholar on a specific subject, can take teaching position is he wants, is entitled to access any archive, resource or wealth for his research on the subject) Shall be signified with blue pearl Janau

Class 5: Dhrishta (Acquired Legilimens, someone who enabled himself to make one as enable as a natural legillimens. Directly goes under the protection of Indian Wizarding Government for secret services and intelligence) Shall be signified with pink pearl Janau

Class 6. Guru (Prodigy level, not defined clearly but possesses all the qualities of the above and more) Shall be signified with black pearl Janau

One can pursue academic life and teaching job regardless, but they won’t be called Bramhins or such title signified unless they pass the exam. The exam is voluntary and passing percentage are really low. Bramhins gets a few extra perks for accessing rare resources which a normal scholar cannot. It also allows them to travel freely into restricted areas with 60% leniency on all kinds of permits. Thus this exam is competitive and the clearers are well respected.

Kshatriya (The Warrior Class)

Kshatriyas in Muggle world are often denoted to Royals, aristocrats and soldiers. They are ruler class and the wealthiest amongst all. However in Wizarding world “Kshatriya” means “warrior” and “protector”. Whoever takes up a job to protect the civilians by arms and forces is called a Kshatriya. Thus in Indian Wizarding Government, the term “Kshatriya” refers to the “Aurors”, “Exorcists” and “Wizarding Polices”

The types are:

Mahamatya: Highest military rank in Wizarding Government. He is the chief of Wizarding Militia and Intelligence agency and chief strategist. In the time of crisis (attack on government, coup etc) he becomes the proxy prime minister.

Amatya: Department head of any military/ combat department. He is the military administrator and in-charge of the paperwork. He is half bureaucrat and half military officer. At times, he would be the chief negotiator between two states’ military officers.

Nyayadhish: Head of Wizarding judiciary. The Chief Justice and the only one who can punish the Prime Minister when he is found guilty. All the lawyers and prosecutors work under him. The council of Law is called “Nyay Parishad” under which lawyers are employed.

Mahopadhyay: this position is dedicated to a full bureaucrat, at any field. They have specialised departments under them and they are part of the Chief Advisory cabinet to the Prime Minister. There have been many Mahopadhyay who are Bramhins by degree.  

Pratihari: Wizarding Polices. They are autonomous and thus free from any political authority. Their ranks range from a “Village guard” (lowest) to a “Magistrate” (in charge of every police unit of a Maya Janapada)

Types of Wizarding Warriors:

They are defined in the western world as “aurors”, “exorcists” “defenders” etc. However in Indian Wizarding world, they are classified thus:

Marak (one who kills) : Pretty straightforward. They are the most vicious units in the Indian Wizarding defence. They are deployed during dangerous missions or nearby the settlements of the Rakshasa Gana creatures. A “Maraka” is classified by their “Astra” or weapon. 

Rakshak (One who defends): They defend borders, and usually deployed during rescue missions. They are also stationed near the Deva Gana settlements. Although they are of Defensive nature, they are often very powerful wizards. Also selected by the basis of their “Astra”

Samharak (One who vanquishes evil): Wizarding Exorcists. Usually deployed when there are powerful magical activity around to neutrilise that area. There must also be a Samharak standby in the Wizarding Court to check and “cleanse” a dark wizard with Spirit Fire. They can also perform Ablation and carry on with Court Martial. 

Ghatak (One who performs sacrifices): Ghatak’s duty overlaps with that of executioner, but unlike the executioner the Ghatak only performs ritual sacrifices. Ghataks are extremely sensitive individuals and very hard to find and place. Their job is also very mysterious.

Vaishya (The Merchant Class)

Vaishya caste in Muggle world is called the third lowest caste: peasants, merchants, labourers, manual workers who provide resources to the society are called Vaishyas. In Wizarding world Vaishyas are anyone who are producers, creators, entrepreneurs that provide and control four aspects of economy: Land, Labour, Capital and Organisations. 

Vaishyas in Wizarding world are very influential, they are wandmakers, investors, architects, producers of magical goods and objects and own many financial institutions such a Banks, reserves and funds. Anyone who works for and with their might and mind for livelihood is called “Vaishya” in Wizarding world. Many Wizarding Families of India such as Yadav, Kaunteya, Vishalya and Shaivi identify themselves as Vaishyas. Some Magical Settlements (Maya Janapada) such as Dwaraka and Saptagram were established by the Vaishya class.  

Sudra (The Server Class)

Sudra is the lowest servant caste in Muggle world. However the Sudra is Wizarding world someone who renders service to others. They are usually and almost always denote the Wizarding Government clerks and servants. This is classified into two categories:

Sevak (the one who provides comfort by service): They are “Servants” by choice. Such as Healers, Nurses, Public Servants, voluntary workers etc. They sell their service for livelihood by their own free will. They are usually granted as noble workers. They can come from any other classes, be it Bramhin, Kshatriya or Vaishya. 

Agyavaha (the one who is bound by command): Agyavaha are “servants” that resigned their wills to their masters by their own choice. The resignation of will has to undergo through a lengthy process by rigorous training.

The Agyavahas are usually assigned for the toughest of jobs. One of them is being the Executioner. Executioner in Indian Wizarding World needs to relinquish their voice before they can enter their job. Agyavaha is always assigned under government and having a private agyavaha is forbidden by law. 

Wizarding Society and Bloodline

Purnanga (lit: Full bodied, born of all magical parentage) Purnanga is "pureblood" wizard of Indian Wizarding world. Purnanga wizards hold prestige and respect because of their lineage, however there is not much difference between them and the rest of the categories. There are 108 Purnanga wizarding families; some of them are known even in the Indian muggle stories: like Kuru, Panchal, Yadav, Raghu, Soma etc. 

Parasab (lit: biracial, born of one magical one muggle parent) Parasab is also known to ancient Indian muggles, that meant a baby begotten by a High Caste man and Low caste woman. Parasab were stigmatised in muggle India but not so in Wizarding India. Parasab means the child begotten by a non-magical or a magical parent. Parasabs are fairly common in the Indian wizarding society and they excel quite well. A lot of Purnanga families have Parasab successors.

Atmaja (lit: self born, born out of non-magic family) Atmaja means a person who had no traceable magical bloodline before them. They are equivalent to Muggle Borns. Atmaja are highly protected branch of magical bloodline and Atmaja children are under protection of Magical Government upto 18 years old. Since many rural muggles were highly suspicious of wizarding bloodlines, this Protection Law went into effect at 1857, the time Muggles revolted against the British Colonisers (who brought the stigmas around witchcraft and Indian spirituality). 

Paulkash (lit: water bearer, born out of one human, one non-human parent) Paulkash is a child begotten by a magical/non-magical parent and a non-human parent. In wizarding world, Fleur Delacour would be called a “Paulkash” because she is a daughter of a Veela and a human father. There are some Paulkash who are still famous in muggle narrative, such as Ghatotkach, son of human Prince Bheem, and a Rakshasi Hidimba. Paulkash children are sometimes more intelligent, physically stronger, and distinctly different looking from their human peers. They can attain magical education if they possess 60% of human physical qualities and have a anthropomorphic shape

Swayambhu (lit: one who creates himself, a non-magical being who attains magic through rigorous methods) Swayambhu is a person who is born of muggle lineage but somehow attains magic through rigourous disciplines. It is said that the first Rishis or sages involved in the establishment of the Vishakhatantra were all Swayambhu and from them many magical bloodlines emerged. Thus Swayambhu wizards are very well respected in Indian Wizarding world. Only in Indian Magical Learning it is acknowledged that even a non-magical being (human and non-human) can attain magical knowledge and powers through rigorous process and enlightenment. 

Sadharan (lit: ordinary, a non magical person, i.e: muggle) "Sadharan" is the term Indian Wizards use to denote non magical population. Unlike European wizards who hold muggles with contempt because of their history with persecution of wizards, in India things are pretty cavalier. Neither the muggles nor the wizards hold each other in contempt, in fact many prominent Mythological figures of Indian Muggle world were actually great Wizards; many are glorified in Indian epics. It is the only society where Wizards and Non magical population coexisted in harmony but in discretion with each other

Hina (lit: deprived, a non magical person born out of magical parent) Hinas are Squibs of Indian Wizarding world. Again, not stigmatised but rather seen with pity which brews contempt from Hinas to the Wizarding side. A Hina is registered seperately and they are given choice to reside in either Wizarding or Normal world. A Hina can also undergo rehabilitation program if they are subjected to persecution. Children of Hina origin are protected by the Wizarding law until the age of 18. They are provided with muggle style education and vocational training for livelihood by the "Deen Ain" of 1567

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[hunterartemis]

Indian Magical School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Headcanon #1: The legends of it’s foundation

I love JKR and her magical world, but she completely ignored the South Asian region and a culture diverse as India, which could have been a great background for magical population. So I took the matters in my own hands and created some headcanons like I did previously with Mahoutokoro. Hope you will appreciate it.

The legend and the history of the school is so very overlapping that it is sometimes hard to distinguish between what is truth and what is myth. However the story goes something like this.

When the First Emperor of Aryavarta (Ancient India) Daksha was given the job to bring all earthly prosperity to the world, he was assisted by Seven Sages. These Seven Sages were the seven stars of the Great Dipper Constellations, who were called: Marichi, Atri, Angira, Pulascha, Pulaha, Kratu and Vashistha. To other Interpretation, these seven sages were called, Atri, Agasthya, Bharadvaja, Bhragu, Kashyapa, Jamdagni and Gautama. These Seven sages were wise and learned an knew many supernatural powers that governs the land of man without their common knowledge. Emperor Daksha wanted to control the seven sages and therefore made relations with them by marrying off his daughters with Bhragu, Kashyap and the sons of other sages: his demand was to have their power to his disposal only. The seven sages could do nothing, as in the Law of Dakshraj, harming or betraying the Kutumba (relatives and in-laws) were considered High Treason.

But the sages being the wise and kind men they were wanted to spread the greater knowledge of supernatural powers to the common man in order to help them understand their infinite potential. So they started to sought resources from the sages who were considered “outcasts“ in Daksha’s rule for learning about the end of things (because Daksha wanted his kingdom to be eternal, these concepts were forbidden). One sage, named Dadhichi came to help the Saptarshi (the seven sages) and instructed them to journey southwards to the door of the Yama (the God of death). It was shocking enough for the sages, but one of the sage: Agasthya or in some other texts Marichi agreed to journey southwards. He bid his colleagues farewell and told them not to look for him and return to the capital; if their calling is true there would be a day they would meet again.

when the sages returned, they found themselves in a chaotic position. Daksha had insulted his youngest daughter and her husband in the front of the Royal Court and to protect her honour the youngest has self-immolated. The Husband of his youngest daughter was Shiva, the God of Destruction who was not worshipped or even mentioned in Daksha’s kingdom as something “unholy”. Although the sages did not mention Shiva in Daksha’s presence, but they knew that the Creation cannot last forever and to exist, it must always be destroyed and transformed. Thus when the sages could not convince Daksha to ask forgiveness from Shiva, they publicly renounced their special status and that of their being the Princes Consort and left the palace forever. Later Daksha was slain by the God of destruction Shiva in the crime of Pride and pushing his own flesh and blood to kill herself.

In the path away from the Capital, the Sage Agasthya appeared before the rest. The sages knew that it was not real Agasthya, but his astral projection. He did not speak but pointed towards the south, towards the deep forest surrounding a mountain that no human can cross. The sages understood that Agasthya had given his life to seek it. The sages, after thinking day and night, could think no other plan to reach the place, let alone establish a school there, because it was not ordinary mountain, but a Volcano. After great thinking, Bhragu, the master of Astrology came up with a plan and decided to summon Seven Celestial Planets and pray them to guide there. The Planets summoned were: Surya (sun), Soma (moon), Budha (Mercury), Shukra (venus), Mangal (Mars), Brihaspati (Jupiter) and Shani (Saturn).

The sages prayed for 14 lunar days and the Seven Celestial Planets were pleased with their dedication and each one promised one reward to the sages. The sages told them everything about their wish to build an establishment to teach sons of man about the infinite power of the universe, but they didn’t know how to go to the place Agasthya had instructed them to go.

After hearing everything the Sun said “I shall rise from the east, pure white on the blood smeared sky and my light shall point the way to the hallowed place.”

Then came Mars said “I shall follow the path of the sun and destroy every obstruction that stands on the way to put the standard of victory on the hallowed land I won in the name of the Sun”,

After Mars, the Moon said, “I shall call upon the sky, ask it to rain on the Volcano so that the lava solidified and creates ground for the building”,

after Moon Mercury said “I shall bring about such designs with my mind that no human has ever seen, A house that shall be marvelous and impenetrable to any ill-wisher”.

After Mercury, Venus says, “I shall give that design a habitable form, strengthen and beautify it with the igneous stones from this volcano”.

Then Jupiter said “Like my illusive body, I shall expand it to 1000 times greater, and bless it so that no occupant in this house ever experiences obstruction in learning and nourishment. And as the Eldest of the Planets, I name this house Vishakhtantra , a house where high magic spreads out like branches of holy banyan tree”

when all of the planets were done doing their jobs, everyone looked at the dark figure that lurked at the background, with a smirk in his lips. The sages asked why the last one, Saturn did not come forward and requested him to contribute. Smiling he said “illusive planets and sages, you are all brilliant but you have done wrong.” It evoked fear amongst the sages because Saturn, the God of Justice and Time is elemental to any establishment and angering him could be catastrophic. Bhragu asked Saturn’s pardon and asked him to correct them. Saturn smiled and said, “The mistake, illusive sages, was committed when you called us. You have forgotten that we are Navagraha (Nine Celestial Planets), not Seven. You have chose to ignore two and I know why. You fear that the North and South Node might Eclipse the Sun and Moon and chose to ignore them. But you have forgotten, they too have purposes and are deserving of contribution.”

This statement angered Sun and the Moon. The great luminaries decided to withdraw if Rahu (North node) and Ketu (South Node) joined, but Jupiter mediated amongst Saturn, Moon and Sun. Jupiter, the Eldest planet vowed to keep the mischievous side planets in check and implored Saturn to return. Saturn then called upon Rahu and Ketu, and a great bodiless head appeared through a storm.

Jupiter came forward and addressed Rahu and said “This hallowed house shall be the home of instruction, of sacred knowledge. We the planets and sages have summoned you to contribute and correct the unjust. Are you willing to help us?” Rahu being the cunning demon that he is, said “yes, upon one condition. I want the highest place amongst all. I am a headless body and my wishes are infinite. It is the only way I would help you all.”

Saturn knew this would happen, he smiled and said “it shall happen” to everyone’s great dismay. It hurt Sun’s pride greatly but knowing Saturn, no one could protest. Jupiter and Saturn then turned to the great headless snake that coiled the entire mountain. When Jupiter addressed it, it said “Greetings my elders, I am glad that my other body, Rahu had his position acquired. But I am most perplexed because I could feel all the pains of creatures, demonic and divine who have been displaced for the creation of this place. Their souls will not leave the place in peace.”

Saturn came forward and asked him, “oh headless body, the giver of results of past life, lord of the isolated, reside as the Vastu Naga and the Bhitti (Foundation) of the hallowed place. Upon your great coil shall the institution stand and the lives lost shall receive the result for their sacrifice.”

With the Ketu entering underground, the head of Rahu had to choice but to reside exactly at the opposite side of his other body. Saturn grabbed Rahu by the hair and said “Sun the the highest light, Jupiter is the Highest Wisdom and none in the universe, not even me can exceed their position in the universe. So reside at your highest place, on the topmost towering peak of this place. I forcibly command you so that you can eclipse every form of mal-spirit and power from above.”

With that done, Saturn returned to the final place and said “and I, Lord of limitation, time and justice, mark the boundary of this place and veil it with the Tamas, so it could be hidden from the common eye.”

The sages were eclectic after the creation. The eldest, Atri said, “heavenly presences, you are the influences that govern the actions, fates and deeds of the world, would you be so kind to reside in this place as guiding principles so that we the Acharya (teachers) and the shishya (pupils) shall prosper in their ways.” Saturn called upon the sages: “so it shall be Illusive sages but do not disregard the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu, who represent the base and the peak of the house also have the right to represent: I deliver the choice to you.”

“Very well“, said Bhragu, master of Astrology: “Since the shadow planets are unstable on their own, I assign them to the Two Intellectuals: The Head Rahu with Mercury, and the Tail Ketu with Jupiter.“

Thus formed the Seven Sacred Houses of Sapta Kula of Vishakhtantra.

Uttarashada (Sun), Anantasoumya (Moon), Punarvasu (Jupiter and Ketu), Bhadrapada (Saturn), Yajurmitra (Venus), Ksharagam (Mars) Rahavyasa (Mercury and Rahu)

[hunterartemis]

Mahoutokoro Headcanon: #9: Living Quarters: (Dormitory and Baths)

Mahoutokoro Living quarters are traditional Japanese style. From time to time Chinese and Korean influence has been observed in the redecoration style. 

Male Dormitory

Every house (or Kazoku) has one Male Dormitory. The Dormitory is bare and minimalistic, covered with Tatami mats and has two sliding doors on the opposite sides (either East-West or North-South) that open to two long corridors. The Dormitory is usually a long room that some-time can range up to 20 feet in length. This long room is segregated by several sliding panels that make different compartments for a different class of boys. Each compartment is liberally equipped with futon, pillows, blankets and all the things required to stay the night in. The Male head of the Family sleeps at a compartment adjacent near the Family’s boy’s dorm and his duty is also to serve as Warden.

Boys are required to sleep in a specific way. Their heads must face the doors opening at the corridor and a small path must be left in the middle so that if someone wants to use the toilet they do not trade on anyone. Bringing food in sleeping quarters are strictly forbidden.

If anyone wishes to study late, prior permission must be granted, and they will have to retire in the spare lounge at the other end of the dormitory. All-nighters are often seen in exam seasons or during school festival. There can be maximum seven late-study permit a month per student.

All this arrangement is held within a single ‘’cottage”. Japanese Castle rarely has multifloored system, and it is only with the case of something very important. The Cottage of the Danshi (boys) are connected with the other part of the castle with corridors and bridges.

Each Male Dormitory has a name

Kekkain family is called Kagami (Fire God)

Hideyoshi is called Ryonnosuke (Noble Dragon)

Matsuyama is called Haruki (Life of Spring)

Nobuyuki is called Osamu (discipline)

Yonomori is called Yasuke (Great assistance: named after a Black samurai)

Courtyard of Boys Dormitory

Female Dormitory

The female dormitory accommodates exactly the same way the male dormitory, only there are some architectural adjustments. The Cottage of Female Dormitory is situated on top of a moat, amidst the water. When all it’s occupants are housed, the bridges that connect the cottage with the castle disappear and the cottage becomes an island of its own. Unless an occupant of the inside wishes to go out, the bridges won’t open. This was a clever device created by Yonomori to keep out the men from entering women’s quarters.

Every dormitory compound, male or female has a garden of their own. That means there are ten different house gardens that are taken care of by the students alone. Each of them has a different variety: for example Kekkain dorm gardens are famous for their red pine and maple, Hideyoshi dorms are known for their fragrant camelias, Yonomori gardens grow the best Devil’s snare, Matsuyama gardens are famous for medicinal plants and Nobuyuki gardens are famous for plum blossoms.

The names of the Female dormitories are: 

Kekkain (Amaterasu: Sun Goddess) 

Yonomori,(Aratani: Gem) 

Nobuyuki: (Ren: Lotus, symbol of eternal learning) 

Hideyoshi, (Tatsuko: Dragon Child) 

Matsuyama (Nagi: Calm)

The Connecting bridge between Girls Dormitory and other part of the castle: the cottage is surrounded by moat.

Outhouse and Bathhouse

As per the rules of traditional Japanese homes, baths are taken in open spring and toilets are situated outside the premises as well. Every dormitory has their own outhouse inside the cottage for excretion and for washing clothes. Modern facilities were introduced in 1980′s but the outhouses (now known as the bathroom) didn’t change entirely from it’s traditional setup: small wooden tubs, wooden reservoirs, and other traditional outhouse utensils co-exist with the modern equivalent of commode, flushes and cubicles.

Although the Spirit Akaname is in charge of cleanliness in the outhouses, they don’t wash the clothes worn by human. Students wash their own clothes and each dormitory has their own pond reserved for washing clothes. As the Washing Machine that requires electricity cannot be run within the campus, old fashioned scrubbing is required for washing clothes. Students can bring any utensils or objects required for cleaning from their home, but the school also stocks plenty in the Dormitory Reserve. Clothes can be washed any time of the day but since the beginning of the school, there has been an unspoken rule that the clothe-washing are done in the day off, as the activity itself has been observed as a socializing mechanism. 

Despite having different outhouses, Mahoutokoro has only two bathhouses or Ofuro.  These Ofuro are actually Onsen of Hot spring, that are enriched with 25 (multiple of Five) minerals. When the school was being made, Nobuyuki emphasised that the family baths should be separated, but Kekkain and Hideyoshi voted it out. The Onsen/ofuro are one for boys (danshi) and one for girls (joshi). One onsen is large enough to accommodate 100 people. It is a house neutral territory, and anyone can take a bath in these within appropriate time. The Bath or Onsen are the places to socialise and catch up with the people outside the house. This also encourages inter-family harmony and peace. The Onsens are located at the center of the castle, a position sacred to Matsuyama, who developed many healing recipes that will revitalise anyone who takes a dip in the water.

There are several etiquette that are observed during taking bath

1. Anyone who steps into the water must shower right before entering the water and must be clean.

2. The head must not touch the water, neither any bathing suit or towel.

3. No teasing, bullying or staring in the bathhouse. If anyone does any one of these, they will be punished by the spirits of the Onsen.

4. Nudity is mandatory.

5. No one can stay in the water for more than an hour.

The Onsens are located under open sky, and as Japanese are night-bathers, the view is simply magnificent. The Onsen is accompanied with a shower-room, which must be used before entering the bath. The shower room follows the common bathing etiquette of Japan: social distancing while cleaning oneself, sitting while taking showers to avoid splashing etc. The shampoo, conditioners and soaps provided there change their scent according to season: in Spring they are cherry blossom scented, in the later autumn they smell more fruity and intense etc. 

[hunterartemis]

Mahoutokoro Headcanon #8: Festival of the Hungry Ghosts

O-bon in the Tsunehito community is a Buddhist festival dedicated to the ancestral ghost. Buddhism was introduced in Japan when Emperor Asoka the Great of India took the initiative to spread Buddhism across Asia. It is a mid-summer festival dedicated to Hungry Ancestral Ghosts. It is almost equivalent to Halloween. In Madoushi community, O-Bon is called “Hachi-jiu-Hachi Onibi no Matsuri” or Festival of 88 Demon fires. This Festival indicates the end of the summer holidays, that was announced with the end of Tanabata Matsuri or Fireworks Festival on July 7th.

O-bon amongst Wizards are very ritualistic and elaborate. In Mahoutokoro it is observed with no less ostentatious. O-Bon begins with the fall of the 15th day in the 7th Lunar month, which usually comes at August 15th-20th. As per wizarding traditions, no fire shall be lit in the hearth and no food shall be cooked on that day. The night before the Obon, all the spirits are released from the kitchen duty, and after sundown, all the Fires that are lit in the courtyards shall be put out. Only a single Fox-Fire (a willow-the-wisp shaped black fiery orb) is lit at the front gate, which serves to repel evil at the absence of fire. The Night Fog Chariot shall arrive with the students right after the sun sets, and with the Yokai fire on, they will know that the preparation for the Onibi Matsuri has already begun. They will attend to themselves and wait for their Heads of the family in their respective houses. This night Head Teacher of the Families shall cook for their students. 

This tradition imitates the pre-funeral rituals amongst Japanese wizards. When a family member dies, the family members eat until they are fully stuffed, before the dead body leaves the house. The deceased person has to be kept in ice for two-and-a-half days. This is followed because the dead are given the chance to process that he is no longer alive so that he can pass on peacefully. After his body is out of the ice, he is cremated, and his ashes are buried in Hako or grave. From the moment the hearse leaves the house to the moment his cremation is finished, no fire shall be lit in the hearth, no food will be cooked, the family members can choose to fast, or their neighbors can volunteer to feed them.

However, in Mahoutokoro, this tradition is called “Okayri” or welcoming dinner after the summer holidays. It juxtaposes the grimness of the festival with the lighthearted welcoming banquet. The meal is lavish, indulgent and given to the young ones of the house so that they have a long and prosperous life, and enjoy every second of it. The head of the house sits with the students and eats along with them as if they are their own children. Dinner etiquettes are skipped only for this night, and a playful atmosphere is observed. This tradition was started by the Third Founding member of Mahoutokoro: Matsuyama.

On the night of the Onibi Matsuri the festival is started by the Ceremonial lighting of 88 Demon Fires or Cursed Blue Fires. The Heads of the houses goes around every periphery of the school and with their wands or by non-wand magic lights a single flame of Cursed Fire until they are 88 all around the compound. The Spirit flames are lit in the gratitude of the Five Founding members who chose not to leave their old non-magical homes of ancestors and therefore saved both magical and non-magical folks from the wrath of Hungry Ancestral Ghosts.

After the Fire is lit, the Onibi Matsuri officially begins. The central compound of the castle is soon occupied to stage the Kaguramai or ceremonial dance. Both students and teachers dressed casually (in yukata or otherwise) and wearing monster masks gather around the stage to see the Kagura. Head Prefects from five houses usually have the duty to perform this, and they usually prepare for weeks. This is not only traditional but sentimental as well, because it symbolizes the harmony of Five Founders in a terrible time. Kaguramai is also a dance performed during an exorcism, which also symbolizes the guidance and responsibility of the prefects in the time of crisis

 After the Kagura is over, the stage would soon be a stage where anyone can go up there and perform, it can either be a student or a teacher or the resident spirits. From staging Kabuki to Shamishen playing, From singing both modern and traditional music to Taiko drums concert, from showing exuberant magical (muggle) tricks to comic skits, all are performed by the students or the teachers of the resident spirits. 

 As from the night, the fire was re-lit and spirit workers are reinstated, all served foods are either grilled or roasted food. This is called “Hi no ryori” or “The cuisine of the fire” The kitchen spirits cook the foods in open fire at the compound and the eating environment resembles like food-stalls from any school festivals. The surreal lighting of the Blue Cursed Flame makes everything equally ghostly and exciting. The Onibi Matsuri ends the chime of midnight, indicating the official end of Natsuyasumi or the summer holiday.

[hunterartemis]

Mahoutokoro Headcanon #7: Resident Spirits (Part 2)

Mahoutokoro not only has the intimidating spirits that guard the Families, but they also have some benevolent spirits which are part of everyday life.

Natto Kozo (Natto child) : it is mainly a kitchen spirit, a Japanese equivalent to house elf. However they are free and work on their own free will. They need to be made pact with to get service, which Mahoutokoro does every year. This spirit has a head made of tied hay, with Natto or fermented soybeans inside, and body of a dwarfed human being Their primary function is to cook at Mahoutokoro and to serve food on festive occasions. There are at least 50 Natto Kozo working at Mahoutokoro.

Tofu Kozo (Bean-curd child): another kitchen spirit with a body of miniature human male. However, instead of preparing food, they wash the dishes. Tofu Kozo too, are free spirits and require contract to work for a certain person. It is said that Tofu Kozo dislikes unclean vessels and will smash the plate with leftover foods upon the person who did not appreciated the food made in the kitchen. Like Tofu or soybean curd which has a delicate body and falls apart easily, Tofu Kozo have extremely delicate temperament and very powerful magic. Thus very few students leave leftovers when they are dining. There are 50 Tofu Kozo working currently as Mahoutokoro.

Akaname (filth licker):  this particular spirit looks like a human child with clawed feet and cropped heads. They too are independent spirits and require contracts to work. To be served by Natto Kozo and Akaname a wizard needs to make an offer with sake and sweets and a word-binding ceremony is done to set conditions. They do not take wages, and detest the practice of money exchange for service as barbaric. They are in-charge of cleaning the bath and toilet, so that no bad-aura or miasma rises from the filth and plagues the school.

Zashiki Warashi (guest room child): although it says ‘guest room child‘, the Zashiki Warashi at Mahoutokoro is more of a housekeeper. Although they are hundreds of years old, they appear as pre-teen boys with immense magical powers. Due to it’s fondness towards cleanliness and order, it manages the tidiness of the entire school. Zashiki Warashi are extremely fickle and temperamental, and thus they require a binding charm to stay in a certain place. It should be done so with their full consent which they rarely give. The binding of ‘Houtaro’, the first Zashiki warashi was done by Hanako Yonomori, who was not only an exceptionally talented Majou (witch), but also a skilled diplomat. They are shy and prefer seclusion. Till this day, the binding is done by the Head of Yonomori family in Mahoutokoro. There are five Zashiki Warashis in the school, each for one Family : Houtaro (Yonomori), Mizuki (Nobuyuki), Higen (Keikkain), Futa (Hideyoshi), Akito (Matsuyama)

Hinode (Sunrise): The classes of Mahoutokoro starts at cracking of dawn, and for centuries, students have had trouble getting up and be ready. So the Family head of Nobuyuki called upon the Hinode, the spirit of Dawn. Hinode is also very famous with the Tsunehito community, welcomed as the spirit of the sun. However, in the Madoushi community, Hinode looks like a small peasant girl with middle-length hair and flaming orange skin that goes around windows to windows in all the dojos where students are slumbering and wakes them up. Hinode no Uta is a song so powerful and melodious that whoever hears it cannot be asleep anymore. A punctual person in Japanese Madoushi community is called ‘awake before the Hinode’. Hinode falls between spectral and corporeal, and much like a phoenix it is temperamental.