Shra Cha Blou

A celebration of Shra grading

Overview

Every vnou will come of an age when their family will have their Shra graded. This is a mental aptitude grade that every vnou needs so they understand their place in life. Higher Shra are mentally dominate, able to suggest, coerce, and potentially command others while lower Shra are more receptive to those of a higher grade and have no outward ability. The lower Shra generally become Bya while the higher are granted the designator of Dha. These designators become part of a vnou's formal name, thus requiring every vnou to have one.

The bond between Shra is nigh sacred in vnou society. No law or social rule comes between a Dha or their Bya. Their is no separation, no way for them to be parted once connected even if there was a chance a pair might want it, and no family would think to call for a dissolution of a binding. Not only is it just not done, it cannot be done. Vnou are bonded for life.

Social Significance

Many vnou may not understand the natural origins of the binding - why they are drawn to one another or why the connections are meant to be made - but all vnou celebrate the forming of a bond in some form or fashion. Those of higher class or wealth tend to make more of the arrangements than the common vnou, using Shra pairings as political maneuvering, but common vnou see this as a marrying of souls, of finding that special someone, whether it is to be a friend for life, or a spouse. These relationships form naturally, whether the vnou go through any sort of official celebration. Because it is such a fundamental part of what they are, it's simply became an aspect of every culture that they celebrate it.

by Ricardo Honda

Specifics

Where?
At the familial home of the one being graded.
Who?
It is traditionally a family and close relative affair. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and close family friends are frequently present to celebrate the grading.
When?
Grading happens young. A vnou is set in their Shra from birth but many believe that time can develop it further while others believe the grading is a mark of growing up. Either way, many vnou are content to let their children be children for a short time, until they'll understand the significance of the grade they might receive and what it might actually mean. If a particularly strong-minded vnou is showing signs of using mental talents at a young age, they are likely to be graded sooner and enrolled in schooling.
What?
The Shra Cha Blou is, essentially, a party. There are a few choice things that are present in every one no matter the social class, but it is a celebration. A moment to come together, as a family, and share in the revelation. This involves stories, small gifts, food, and drinks.

What does a typical party look like?

A Shra Cha Blou is almost always an all day affair. It starts early with meal prep and picking out nice clothes. Invitations have already been sent out or, at least, people have already been invited days previous so there is already an idea of how many will be attending. For many, this is a casual celebration. Friends and family will show anywhere from early afternoon to sometime around lunch. It is customary that everyone bring some manner of finger-type food. Fresh dishes are customary. Sushi, rice, cut vegetables and dips, fruits, and all manner of creative displays are common and encouraged. This is a fun way for many vnou to splurge a little on food, craft interesting looking platters, and share something interesting or expensive with the family. For the wealthy, it is almost rude to have these events catered so even they will make it a point to go above and beyond crafting platters of elaborately plated foods. The entire point of the affair is the personal touch and effort gone into the dish. For it to be bought or made by another is essentially declaring you don't care about the one being graded, or the family. It is a pretty public, rude declaration.

by Giovanna Gomes

As lunch rolls around and the friends and family start to arrive, drinks are poured and they gather round for a light family meal. It is some time after lunch that a Professor from one of the schools will arrived. This is the only vnou who has a scheduled time for the day, so that they arrive after lunch is well over and before dinner. They are the one who declared the grade of the Shra. This moment is actually rather quick. A room or place is picked - sometimes the family room, sometimes a garden area outside - and the professor will declare the Shra to the parent or guardian. It's meant to be in front of as many family and friends as possible, so they are witness to the declaration. The professor is excused and the party continues.

Dinner is much the same as lunch. Light finger foods, drinks provided by the family, but it is now peppered with stories of their own Shra grading and what it might mean to be whatever the Grade the person might have recieved. Friends and family tend to linger well into the evening, to toast their newly graded Shra, to share tips on cooking and plating, or to simply spend the time with friends and family.

by Askar Abayev