Zansho

One of the Yuriban deities, Zansho is the goddess associated with the summer. Additionally, she is often connected to both love and lust due to her common portrayal as a very flirtatious, open, caring woman.

Common Mythology

Zansho is most often portrayed as the lover of Kikoutei, although some myths tie her to other goddesses as well, notably including even the often solitary Akibimi. One mildly racy myth claims that the sun rises earlier in the summer because of Zansho's efforts to coax her rather lazy lover out of bed each morning. Among the native kitsune, a common saying is "Summer heat and Zansho's purr are the two things that can turn any woman from industry to idle play."

Zansho is believed to be the second oldest of the seasonal goddesses, younger only than Harumeku, and is commonly identified with the direction south. Traditionally prayers to her are done facing said direction while holding a blossoming flower of some sort.

Zansho by nature is shown to be a fickle goddess, prone to flights of fancy and wanderlust. Many folk tales which Zansho is a part of have her usually playing a minor role, appearing for a moment or two to help out then wandering off or chasing something that has caught her fancy. Zansho's propensity for travel and wandering crosses over into depictions of her; of all the seasonal goddesses Zansho usually shown in some sort of motion. In fact, it is considered bad luck to depict Zansho as a stationary woman.

Zansho and Akibimi

Zansho and Akibimi's relationship is best laid out in the myth of how the first change of seasons happened.

Long ago Zansho ruled over an eternal summer, a constant stream of hot days and warm nights where frolicking and wandering were encouraged. But as time grew, Zansho began to grow worried. She had wandered everywhere she could find, and had seen all the things that she thought she could see melancholy began to come to the world. The days became less warm and brilliant, and the nights became somber and forlorn. Distressed, Akibimi came to Zansho and asked her to explain why she seemed so sad.

I have seen everything there is to see. Zansho said sadly. I have wandered the valleys and the streams. I have slept everywhere the sun can reach and beyond. And still nothing comes to me. I am tired, and I am afraid that it will be like this forever.

Akibimi was moved by Zansho's sadness and took her in her arms. Perhaps you have grown tired, Zansho, the reserved and level Akibimi said with somber eyes. A world of eternal brilliance is beautiful indeed, but tiring, so tiring. You need rest. After sleep comes renewal, playful Zansho. Even the places you have known forever can seem different once you are refreshed.

Zansho considered Akibimi's words and laid her head down in her lap. Slowly she closed her eyes and began to drift off into sleep. To comfort the sleeping Goddess, Akibimi asked the trees to cover her with a blanket of leaves so that she may stay warm. The flowers which so loved Zansho closed and slept with her. Then, silently, Akibimi wandered the earth giving rest and comfort to the tired creatures that had frolicked so long in summer's warmth. Even Kikoutei, tired from how busy she had been during Zansho's reign answered Akibimi's call for rest, appearing for a shorter time each day. And so Akibimi came into possession of the world, giving it calm and respite after such a busy time. Legend has it that she continued to do so until she herself grew tired, wishing to rest with Zansho to awaken later to summer's light. Therefore did she lay a blanket of frost upon the world, preparing it for her slumber. And it is said that from that frost Fuyuzora was born.

Associations

In addition to summer and heat, Zansho is often portrayed with felines; some religious art depicts her with features like a catgirl. Of course, Maonyanniichuan is said to be her sacred spring. Her colors are deep pink, deep purple, and a shimmering, pale yellow. Legend says that the Powder Grapefruit is her favorite food.

It is said that Zansho's love of cats comes from the time of the very first summer when while basking the warm light of a particularly hot afternoon she saw a cat stop to sleep in a sunbeam. Zansho became curious and decided to try to nap there as well. Zansho, true to her form, did not sleep, but enjoyed the experience so much she followed the cat for 6 days mimicking its motions and habits. It is believed that this experience is why Zansho determined that cats were the only creatures that truly knew how to enjoy summer and embraced them as her creature.

Zansho is usually depicted with summer flowers and those who worship her often pray with a blooming flower clasped in their hands. Myth states that the Goddess is attracted to the smell of flowers, and holding one while praying is thought to draw her attention.

The Goddess's habit of wandering off is so famous that young girls who show a tendency to wander off during warm days are playfully called 'Zansho's girls'. Additionally, while Goddesses do not require sleep, it is Zansho herself who is sometimes referred to as the "Ever Waking." Summer Insomnia is sometimes referred to as "Zansho's Curse" or more politely "Zansho's Blessing", in reference to a myth that Zansho never slept until the first Fall.