As Fujiwara pointed out...
The Saturday of the Gathering really was the start of the Lunar New Year. It was a new moon (when the month starts in the old Japanese and Chinese calendar). The night before, on the news, they were broadcasting the preparations for Year of the Dragon Celebrations from Chinatown in NYC. Imagine that the date that we chose because it was the only time we were free all month just happens to be EXACTLY the date of the true beginning of the Lunar New Year. How auspicious that our random choice led us to this! Amida smiles upon us!
The Induction of Matsumoto:
Oyakata-sama and Okugata-sama presided over the induction of Matsumoto into the Clan. During the ceremony, Oyakata-sama honored Matsumoto (whom he believed to be a cultured drinker from the capital) with a superior quantity of sake. Strong in their resilience, both the lord and Matsumoto drank heartily adding merriment to the ceremony. Okugata-sama was somewhat less than impressed.
Matsumoto was appointed the official Yin-Yang Diviner of the Clan. He was presented with the traditional article of clothing, a shaku as a symbol of his rank at the Imperial Court, a set of I-ching divination sticks, and a token bearing the mon of the Clan.
Afterwards, Okugata-sama made an additional request. A recently slain bird was presented to the new Diviner and the Lady asked him to discern good or ill omens for the coming year. Matsumoto was somewhat nonplused by this, saying that the bird was too long dead. However, borrowing a blade from Akikage, he bravely cut into the carcass and emptied the entrails into an iron bowl. His keen eye predicted that there would be another great gathering in our future, but that it would be marked by confusion. He also predicted growth and much sushi. This after finding a fish in the entrails. Very odd indeed.
Items of Discussion:
- It was decided to take a trip to the "Pine Breeze Villa" tea house in Fairmont Park. Tentative date - 8th or 9th of July.
- It was decided that the Clan would attend the next Twelfth Night as a group and all in their best Japanese garb for persona play. Another event, not during the hot season, might also be chosen for this.
Fujiwara and Tsukyo will present a class on Japanese fashion/cosmetics at this yearâs Northern Lights.
Fujiwara will be teaching at Pennsic. Those members able to attend the war plan to accompany her for support and learning.
Also at Pennsic, the Clan will gather for an informal tea, preferably in the shade.
The Clan will attempt to camp as a group at EK Soouthern Region War Camp.
Anyone wishing to get items from Japan through the good graces of Edward of Effingham needs to get a list to Fujiwara asap. The trip is on for May (?)
Tsukyo was appointed to create the "Tako Dance" - the first official dance of the Clan. She was overjoyed by this opportunity to show her prowess.
The Clan agreed that we would like to take one or more field trips to museums. The Met, Upenn, and Washington DC were mentioned, but no date or plan was made owing to our busy calendar. It was decided to call around and find special exhibits.
Oyakata-sama requested that a new indoor banner be constructed by the artisans of the Clan.
Several ideas for material culture items and camp decor were presented. Oyakata-sama suggested the purchase by each domestic unit of the Clan of one plastic goza mat for combined use in future Clan encampments, lounging areas at indoor events, etc.... He also volunteered to acquire the mats since he has a source.
A suggestion was made that the Clan try to find an opportunity to view cherry blossoms this Spring.
Fujiwara offered the use/copy of her new Tale of Gengi CD when it arrives.
Would the Clan consider assisting Oyakata-sama in the planning and execution of a Japanese event?
Towards the end of the meeting, the Clan members were surprised by the sudden arrival of the young Ashigaru at the door. He was clad in strange foreign rags and was exhausted. It seemed he had undergone a harrowing journey. At the end of the meeting, Oyakata-sama bade Ashigaru enter the court and explain himself. The young ward begged for mercy saying that he had encountered great difficulty in arranging transport to the Gathering. In the end, he had run all the way to the House of Matsuyama, barely evading bandits.
Oyakata-sama was not amused. He had informed the ward of his obligation to attend the meeting well in advance. He said he was disappointed that Ashigaru had left his arrangements to the last moment. However, Ashigaru also exhibited great courage in running the distance as well as humility. (with some coaching) Therefore, the Lord decided to forego any serious punishment of the ward. Instead, he decreed that Ashigaru would hence be known as "Mochi no Otoko." This demeaning name shall be his to bear until the time of the EK Southern Region War Camp. At that time, his punishment will be lifted and he will be expected to present a new, well-researched name to call his own. The Lord also considers that the Clan may hold a naming ceremony for the ward at this time.
The business of the day concluded, the Clan members retired and removed their courtly garb. They then went on a quest for Chinese food. Their final destination was less than favorable and the meal lingered on into the night. Nevertheless, a good time was had by all.
