San-Kha-Ra is a conglomerate word formed from the three deities that represent the family unit. Khajit, represents the father. His slight case of arrogance aside, he is both loyal to his wife and a great provider and protector. Next is Sango, and although not married to Khajit, she is the goddess of creation. Mothers create the stable household and life of a child. She carefully crafted many things including the earth and people with love and adoring care. Lastly is Sakura, who represents children. Her equal measures of innocence, mischief and curiosity remind us that though at times trying, they are merely exploring the world around them in their own ways.
San-Kha-Ra has been celebrated in Xelha since the late 1600s when High Priest Aku Salo declared the week after the Winter Solstace Family Week. The week was meant to bolster moral awareness and conversion to the fledgling faith by appealing to the strength of the family structure. Although Sango’s name is first in the holiday name, Khajit’s celebrations happen first. This is because Sango is ranked higher in the pantheon, so her name is first, while Khajit’s celebrations happen first as the father was the protector and head of the household. Over the years, people have tried to alter either the order of celebration or the name. In 1840, there was an attempt to name it Kha-San-Ra, but the name did not stick and it was reverted back to its original form the following year. There was also a movement in the 1950s to add another child to represent sons, but the Church refused to add to the pantheon and the subsequent thought to make Forte represent boys was viewed poorly. A petition was made to King Ivan to include a boy in the celebrations, but this too was shot down as it would make the Child Day celebrations too complex.
Originally there was no one story attributed to the festival as it was a declared holiday by the High Priest, however over time there has been the crafting of what is usually called the San-Kha-Ra Tale. And as such, it has become a staple performance during the final carnival day of Family Week.
Twas the Winter Solstace. It was the shortest of days of the year, so most people did not stray too far away from the encampment and instead told stories. When it was Khajit’s turn he got up and regaled those gathered with his tales of the swiftness and accuracy of his arrow. How he could hit a mouse from forty meters, and do it often enough to support his family with hearty meals every day. But he kept a blade with him, for larger enemies, such as mountain lions or giant wolves that tried to stalk him or the caravan. He could protect both from far away and near dangers that his wife would be able to pluck her laundry off the line without fear of being attacked.
The tale was well received and all applauded. Sango was next to tell a tale around the campfire, and since she did not appreciate Khajit’s notion that the man did it all she began a counter story. While the man is out killing the woman is home creating things so that the man can feel his home is a castle. Inside her grows the offspring of man. She goes out to tend her garden, carefully crafted and grown so that the sweetness of a fruit or the tang of a spice will always be present in a meal. A meal that is also created and made from the heart. It’s through her creations that the man is always able to come home to warmth and be provided the energy to continue to do what he does.
This of course annoyed Khajit and he would have engaged in an argument, but instead decided he would let a neutral observer provide him the winning blow he desired. He asked Sakura to comment on which she thought was the better and more accurate story.
Sakura thought for a moment, leaving both tale tellers with baited breath. She looked at them both before smiling and giving her response, "Both." This left Sango and Khajit perplexed and they demanded an explanation. "Well, Sango is full of love and warmth on those cold days. Even when I want to cause her mischief, she’s always there to welcome me back to her warm embrace. She makes the soup and bread that keeps me happy and healthy. Khajit keeps me safe every time curiosity gets the better of me; he’s there to bail me out. Both also teach me about the world, that my innocence not be a blinding cloud, but a sharpened blade. That I do not die unknowingly, but that I cut unwittingly."
And so all learned that day that each plays their part, father, mother and child. They all form a larger unit that works together, and during this week we celebrate their contributions by giving them a break to do what they like to do best. So it’s encouraged to let Khajit and the men have their day off on Monday, Sango and the women on Tuesday, and Sakura and the children on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday are then set aside as national holidays, so that the families may all enjoy each other’s company.231Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMrBM7hHm0
