Heiri Arumaze/Household

~Theme of Kazuko~

## General Information

The Sakurai Household was born from the marriage of a lineage traced back to Iron Country and a family that had grown to create an orthodox religion that primarily worshipped spirits of nature. They keep to themselves but are nontheless well known around the region and countries as Doctors, scholars, tailors, and engineers. The majority of the household has been made to be protectors in some form, be it monks, shinobi, samurai, or naval officers. The Sakurai pride themselves in their work and even more so their collection of knowledge in their extensive library and armory. Those of the Sakurai Clan are welcome to stay and raise their families on the estate, however it is expected that they will earn their keep and eventually move out of the estate to set their roots elsewhere. Though the household has a history of members with no present bloodline, they were formed in present day from the union of Senju and Arumaze men and women. They had not gained official nobility until 11/16/619 with Senju Heiri being the head of the house, and her two biological children being the heirs.

## Tenet Of The Sakurai

While the Sakurai had no set rules or commands within their family, the current matriarch in the year 619 had created a list of ten tennets to live by as important values within the family estate and their daily lives elsewhere. It's believed that these tennets should be upheld and followed as a way to carry the family name proudly throughout history. Breaking one of these tennets can be seen as dishonorable, and often results in punishment enforced by the lord and Matriarch of the house.

*1- Be thankful to those who would teach you. Knowledge is a gateway to 'power' and prepares you for the future. Should there be an oppurtunity to learn, take it.*

*2- Be kind, respectful, and giving. Live by the saying "Give and you shall recieve", But be smart and wary of those that may use this kindness against you.*

*3- Katoism is the main family religion, and should be taught through the generations*

*4- It is encouraged to find your own path and follow it to the best of your abilities to gain fame and fortune, Giving up is never an honorable decision*

*5- Faithfulness to your House is a must. Betrayal, lying, or giving what is sacred to the household to others will be punishable.*

*6- Everyone should pull their own weight through some sort of work. As soon as you are able, it is expected that you will work around the estate or find work outside of the household.*

*7- Manners and elegance in behavior is a must. To uphold the family image you must carry your head high.*

*8- Should any major decision in the family be made, it will be done under the advice of the Matriarch, as the most knowledgeable member of the household.*

*9- All life should be respected. Nature is considered sacred and should be treated as such.*

*10- Each member of the household should contribute to the mass array of knowledge in the Estate library. Spreading the secrets of the Estate history is a disgrace*

Above all else, The Sakurai believe in four virtues: Truth, Loyalty, Bravery, and devotion to one's family. It is believed that these are the pillars that keep the family's head held high.

## History and Myths

The Sakurai household is considered a reformation of an older house: a combination of the "Sho Matriarchy" and the beliefs of Heiri's biological family. The reformation took place over the course of the year in 619 and was not acknowledged as official nobility until November 15th, 619 on a special celebration known as Shichi-go-san. A milestone not only for the Sakurai household's children but for their family name as well.

It is believed that the family has always held a woman in power due to samurai clan practices adopted from Heiri's previous household. Heiri is the first of the Sakurai line, named Nobility to the public on her 22nd birthday, January 9th 620. Upond speaking to the Daimyo of land of fire and holding a celebration, her title of nobility was awarded. Her two biological children; Senju Nemurin and Arumaze Sotasashi would be the hiers to the family name.

It's been stated in the past that the matriarch posseses knowledge of the unknown. Of the past, present, and suspected future through unknown means. However this is just a myth derived from stories held around the land of fire. Many stories arise around the world from the family. As young as the household is it seems to hold a vast and effective history. Some say that the Lady Heiri has destroyed partial continents with her bare hands. Other's say she holds an ultimate key to life. in her earlier years there were even rumors of her potentially being a goddess, to which she still mirrors in image this day.

One thing is certain however, The household is taking firm root within the country and branching outward in knowledge and resources with Heiri paving the path to the future while safeguarding something precious within their estate.

## Main Religious Customs

The household religion while not public to many outside of the family has customs and seasonal practices. These customs range from small every day occurances to grand celebrations but hold strong roots to the family's religion of Katoism which places great importance on a man and woman named Medoka and Kato. Their story having been passed through the generations as a life lesson has reflected in their everyday life.

Divination in the form of card reading or meditation over a crystal is used to see one's past, present, and future. it is often referred to in times of need. When a person is in a dire situation or close to passing, the matriarch of the household will offer a prayer unto the crystal as a rite to either deliver protection or peace.

A strong connection with intelligent animals and beasts is to be made and respected. The household reveres these animals and keeps themselves knowledgable on them as they have use in chakra manfestations, medicine, and the world around them.

The estate holds a vast library where all knowledge accumilated by the famly is gathered and locked away. There is also said to be an armory and array of oddities that have only been used in great time of need. Knowledge is a strong foundation and should not be taken lightly. Stories and history are to be passed down and all members are to be home schooled until the age of 13. The estate also includes An infirmary to take care of the injured or ill, teachng medicine, psychology, chemistry, anatomy, and biology.

Around the solstices, baked goods are produced and left on altars as an offering to those passed. It is also believed when a friend or family member passes, a plant will be placed in the garden in their honor. The larger the plant the more important the life was. Funerary services often consist of dressing the deceased in pure clothing and leaving them with a prized possession before letting them lay upon a bed of flowers or within a wooden coffin in either a tree hollow or cave to represent both Medoka and Kato.

Marriages are held in nature and involving a handfasting ceremony, in whch both parties take hold of each other's hands and bind them via a self woven cord. comprsed of ribbon, vines, or twine. Vows are exchanged and sealed with a kiss before the cermony comes to a close and celebration is allowed. These celebrations often involve feasts and large bonfires.

## Trivia

The House Kammon, or seal, is made up of the combination of the sakura flower and a wreath of stretching vines commonly found in samurai culture. It was created by Heiri as a warped version of the original Kammon.

The House animal is the Red-crowned Crane. Representing Joy and Patience.