Yanjin
The Yanjin people are an ethnic group from the Northwestern Region of Great Ring. They are the dominant culture of the Empire of Wamato, and have a rich cultural heritage that spans generations.
Physical Characteristics
The Yanjin people have a range of physical attributes that reflect their active lifestyle and cultural traditions. They tend to have a lean and muscular build, with a relatively low body fat percentage. The average height of Yanjin men is around 5'6" (168cm), while the average height of Yanjin women is around 5'2" (157cm). Their skin tones range from pale to tan, and their facial features tend to be slightly rounder, with almond-shaped eyes, a slightly flatter nose, and a small mouth. Yanjin people often have straight or wavy black hair, which may be styled in a variety of ways.
Culture
The Yanjin people have a rich cultural heritage that emphasizes honor, duty, and respect. They are a deeply religious people, with a state religion that focuses on ancestor worship, nature worship, and the worship of local gods called Kami. They believe that the Emperor of Wamato is descended from the Kami, and has a divine connection to the land through them.
Arts and Entertainment
Yanjin people have a rich tradition of arts and entertainment, including calligraphy, painting, and poetry. Poetry is particularly important, and is considered the highest art form. They also have a rich culinary tradition featuring a variety of seafood and freshwater fish, as well as vegetables and fruits. Rice is the staple food and is served with a variety of side dishes such as pickled vegetables and fish.
Occupations
Yanjin people have a wide range of occupations, from farming and fishing to martial arts and military service. They are well known for their martial prowess and often serve as samurai, the warrior class of the empire, or as skilled craftsmen, such as blacksmiths or woodworkers.
Culture
Major language groups and dialects
The primary language spoken by the Yanjin people is Yanjinese. There are also several dialects of Yanjinese spoken throughout the Empire, each with its own regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Some of the major dialects include Hoshimoto dialect, Sazanami dialect, and Kojima dialect. These dialects can sometimes be difficult for speakers of other dialects to understand, although standard Yanjinese is generally understood by all Yanjin speakers.
Shared customary codes and values
The Yanjin people have a strong sense of community and place a high value on social order and harmony. They believe that everyone has a role to play in society and that each person should fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the best of their ability.
One of the most important values in Yanjin culture is respect for authority, particularly for elders and those in positions of power. The Yanjin believe that respect and deference are key to maintaining social order and stability. This respect is also extended to one's ancestors, who are believed to continue to play a role in the lives of their descendants.
Another important value in Yanjin culture is the idea of group harmony. The Yanjin believe that the interests of the group should always be placed above the interests of the individual. They value cooperation and collaboration, and believe that individuals should work together for the common good.
Yanjin culture also places a strong emphasis on education and scholarship. The pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is seen as a noble and worthy endeavor, and those who are knowledgeable and wise are highly respected in Yanjin society.
Finally, the Yanjin value personal responsibility and self-discipline. They believe that individuals should take responsibility for their actions and strive to improve themselves through hard work and discipline. Laziness and irresponsibility are frowned upon and seen as a threat to social order and stability.
Common Etiquette rules
Yanjin society places great emphasis on proper etiquette and manners. The following are some common rules of etiquette:
- Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to bow slightly and say "yoroshiku onegaishimasu" which means "please be kind to me."
- Gift giving: Gifts are an important part of Yanjin culture, and it is customary to bring a small gift when visiting someone's home or office. It is also important to wrap the gift nicely and present it with both hands.
- Dining: Yanjin cuisine is often served in small portions, and it is customary to try a bit of everything that is offered. When eating with others, it is considered polite to wait until everyone has been served before beginning to eat. It is also important to use chopsticks properly and to avoid sticking them upright in a bowl of rice, as this is associated with funerary rites.
- Conversation: Yanjin people value modesty and indirect communication, so it is important to avoid speaking too loudly or directly. It is also important to listen carefully to others and avoid interrupting them.
- Bowing: Bowing is an important part of Yanjin etiquette, and the depth and duration of the bow can convey different levels of respect. A slight bow is appropriate for casual acquaintances, while a deeper bow is appropriate for superiors or in more formal situations.
- Respect for elders: In Yanjin culture, respect for elders is highly valued, and it is important to address older people with honorific titles and to show deference to their opinions.
- Personal space: Yanjin people value personal space, so it is important to avoid standing too close to others or touching them without permission.
Overall, Yanjin etiquette emphasizes respect, humility, and consideration for others, and following these customs is an important part of showing respect for the culture and its traditions.
Common Dress code
The traditional dress for men is the kimono, which is a long robe that falls to the ankles and is fastened around the waist with an obi, or sash. The kimono is typically made of silk or other high-quality fabric and features intricate designs.
For women, the traditional dress is also the kimono. Women's kimonos are generally more colorful and decorative than men's kimonos and may feature floral patterns, animal designs, or other decorative motifs.
In addition to kimonos, the Yanjin people may also wear other traditional garments, such as the haori, which is a short jacket worn over the kimono, or the hakama, which are loose pants worn over the kimono.
When dressing for formal occasions, the Yanjin people may also wear traditional footwear, such as geta, which are wooden sandals, or zori, which are straw sandals. However, for everyday wear, modern footwear such as sneakers and loafers are also common.
Overall, the Yanjin people place a high value on personal appearance and dressing appropriately for different occasions. It is considered impolite to dress too casually for formal events, and showing too much skin is generally frowned upon.
Art & Architecture
Yanjin art is often characterized by delicate and intricate designs, reflecting the attention to detail that is highly prized in Yanjin society.
In the visual arts, Yanjin artists have excelled in traditional mediums such as calligraphy, painting, and pottery. The art of calligraphy, in particular, is highly respected, and Yanjin calligraphers are often sought after for their expertise. In painting, Yanjin artists often depict nature scenes and landscapes with vivid colors and fine brushstrokes, reflecting the beauty of their natural surroundings.
Yanjin architecture is also noteworthy, with traditional buildings made of wood and characterized by simple, elegant designs. Common features of Yanjin architecture include large, sweeping roofs, sliding doors, and open floor plans that allow for flexibility in the use of space. Traditional Yanjin buildings often feature a large central courtyard, surrounded by living spaces and other rooms.
One of the most famous examples of Yanjin architecture is the Imperial Palace in the capital city of Wamato. The palace is a large, sprawling complex of buildings, featuring a number of courtyards, gardens, and other features designed to reflect the beauty of nature. The palace is a masterpiece of Yanjin architecture, with intricate carvings, delicate details, and beautiful gardens that are meticulously maintained.
Foods & Cuisine
Yanjin cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, delicate flavors, and beautiful presentation. The cuisine is heavily influenced by the country's geography, as well as its religious and cultural traditions. Rice is the staple food in Wamato, and it is usually served with a variety of side dishes such as pickled vegetables, fish, and miso soup. Seafood is also widely consumed, including freshwater fish, crab, and shellfish.
One of the most popular Yanjin dishes is sushi, which consists of vinegar-flavored rice served with raw fish, vegetables, and sometimes egg or tofu. Another popular dish is tempura, which is seafood or vegetables battered and deep-fried. Yanjin cuisine also features a variety of noodles, including soba, udon, and ramen, which can be served in a hot broth or cold with dipping sauce.
Tea is the most popular beverage in Wamato, and it is often served as part of a formal ceremony. Green tea is the most common type of tea, but they also comsume black tea, oolong tea, and other specialty teas. Sake, or rice wine, is a popular alcoholic beverage in Wamato.
Yanjin cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and dishes are often garnished with edible flowers, leaves, and other decorative elements. The presentation of the food is just as important as the taste, and Yanjin chefs often spend years mastering the art of food presentation.
Ideals
Beauty Ideals
For women, the ideal is to have a small, oval-shaped face with delicate features, such as a high-bridged nose, full lips, and a slim neck. Women will often powder their faces with rice powder to achieve a pale complexion, which is seen as a sign of beauty and nobility. Black is was highly prized, and women wear it long and adorned with ornaments such as hairpins or combs made of precious materials.
In terms of clothing, women wear multiple layers of brightly colored silk robes, with each layer visible and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the outfit. Accessories such as fans, parasols, and jewelry are also important to complete the look.
For men, the ideal is to have a lean and athletic build, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. They would often grow facial hair and wear their hair long, tied back in a topknot. In terms of clothing, men wear formal robes made of silk or linen, often adorned with intricate patterns or embroidery.
Yanjin ideals of beauty also place a strong emphasis on facial features. For example, large, expressive eyes are often considered particularly attractive, and many traditional Yanjin beauty practices involve enhancing the eyes with makeup or other adornments. A straight, narrow nose is also often valued, as are small, delicate lips and a well-defined jawline. Overall, beauty is highly valued in Yanjin society, and individuals who are considered physically attractive are often viewed as more desirable partners, both in terms of marriage and social standing.Gender Ideals
Gender roles and expectations are deeply ingrained in Yanjin society, and are heavily influenced by their traditional beliefs and values. In general, Yanjin culture has historically been male-dominated, with men holding positions of power and authority in both the family and in society.
Women are expected to be obedient, subservient, and supportive of their husbands and male family members. They are typically responsible for domestic tasks, such as cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing. In Yanjin society, it is believed that a woman's primary duty is to produce children, particularly sons, who will carry on the family line and provide for their parents in old age.
However, women are not entirely powerless in Yanjin society. Women of high social status, such as those from noble families, are often highly educated and have access to resources that allowed them to exercise significant influence over their husbands and male relatives. Women in these positions are also expected to be skilled in the arts, such as calligraphy, poetry, and music.
Yanjin society also places a strong emphasis on sexual purity and chastity, particularly for women. Women who are perceived as impure or unchaste risk bringing shame upon themselves and their families, and are often subject to harsh social ostracism.
Overall, while Yanjin gender roles are relatively rigid, there are still opportunities for women to exert power and influence in certain contexts. However, these opportunities are typically limited to women of high social status and are heavily regulated by societal norms and expectations.
Courtship Ideals
Yanjin courtship is typically based on the principles of mutual respect and compatibility. Traditionally, parents and matchmakers were heavily involved in the process of finding a suitable partner. The ideal match was based on factors such as family background, social status, and financial stability.
During courtship, Yanjin couples would often exchange poetry and letters as a way to express their feelings and get to know each other better. Once a couple had established a strong connection, they would seek the approval of their families before moving forward with a marriage proposal.
Relationship Ideals
Yanjin culture places great emphasis on respect, loyalty, and commitment in romantic relationships. Once a couple decides to pursue a relationship, they are expected to be faithful and committed to each other. Divorce is highly stigmatized and considered a failure of both partners to uphold their obligations to each other and to their families.
In relationships, both partners are expected to prioritize the needs and wishes of their partner and to work together to build a harmonious life. Communication is highly valued, and couples are expected to be able to openly and honestly discuss their thoughts and feelings with each other. Displays of affection in public are uncommon, as modesty and reserve are highly valued in Yanjin culture.
The Yanjin also place great importance on the role of the family in relationships. The couple's families are expected to be involved in major decisions, such as marriage, and to provide emotional and financial support throughout the relationship. The couple is also expected to prioritize the needs of their families and to contribute to their well-being.
Overall, Yanjin relationship ideals prioritize commitment, loyalty, and respect, and place great importance on the role of the family in romantic partnerships.
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