The term Winter Court was generally applied to any extended court that a member of Rokugan's nobility held for the duration of winter. It was considered a time of great political opportunity, as well as a place where those of all walks of life can demonstrate their skill and ability. ^[1]

Starting Month Edit

During the first week of the Month of the Rooster, the Emperor officially announced the location of his Winter Court for the year. ^[2] It was normally convened to begin at the Month of the Dog, but there were several that began one month later, in the Month of the Boar. ^[3]

Background Edit

Winter in Rokugan was an extremely harsh time of year, with freezing temperatures, strong winds, and large amounts of snowfall. It was customary for many people to gather together for the winter under one roof, and shared the resources needed to survive the season. ^[4]

For the aristocracy of the Empire, this situation had traditionally been an excuse for a noble to invite guests from all over Rokugan to spend the winter with them at their own personal estates. ^[4] These guests often brought small retinues with them to help them in the event of some difficulty or emergency.

But these dignitaries were not the only ones to be invited to attend a winter court. Artisans and performers of many kinds were brought to winter court to provide a noble's guests with leisure activities to pass the time. ^[5] Naturally, the greatest of these entertainers (such as the Kakita Artisans, or the Shiba Illusionists) were in great demand, and often must be lured with many expensive gifts and favors. ^{[citation needed]}

Invitations Edit

The invitations 'officially' given by the host but written by the Imperial Scribes at the command of the Emperor, represented the only individuals permitted to stay the winter in the Emperor's presence. Other guests only had access to his court functions. The Clan Champion of each Great Clan and their guests, the Head of the Brotherhood of Shinsei, the family daimyos, Imperial Court members of rank and station, the Emerald Champion and his guests, were those individuals. Minor Clans received very few invitations and Ronin were rarely found in. The Imperial Advisor was responsible for tne conduct of all those invited. ^[6]

The Imperial Winter Court Edit

Traditionally, the Imperial Court under the Hantei dynasty would select a different location each winter to hold their own winter court. This was considered an enormous honor, not to mention an amazing opportunity: the host would personally have the ear of the Emperor for the entire winter.^[1]

The Toturi dynasty maintained few winter court activity during it's time, and few records remained of them. ^[7]

The Iweko dynasty did continue the practice, with the Empress taking part in her first Winter Court in Kyuden Bayushi in 1170 ^[3] and Kyuden Gotei in 1171. ^[8]

For further information on this section, please see Winter court timeline

Politics Edit

Courtiers tended to come into their own during winter court. With months to spend building up relations with the other dignitaries, a courtier could easily forge enormous political power for their clan, and themselves. They not only had time to address clan interests (which was ideally what they were there to handle), but could frequently work in some personal advantage or gain. ^{[citation needed]}

Competitions Edit

Winter court often saw a great deal of challenges. ^[5] There were games of go, shogi, kemari, sumai, and sadane, which were common in courts throughout Rokugan. Bushi often engaged in all manner of contests of skill, such as target-shooting, displays of swordsmanship, wrestling, and various athletic contests (like races). Even shugenja enjoyed the odd display of magic to determine which one was more skilled in their arts than others. ^{[citation needed]}

References