Ganjitsu

Ganjitsu is a fictional annual festival described in fantasy literature and game campaigns. It is observed by the inhabitants of the Gan coast and adjacent highlands, who mark the transition from the depths of winter to the first signs of spring. The festival typically lasts two days and culminates in a communal feast and a lantern-lit procession.

Its name is presented in various sources as a compound of local terms. In most narratives, Ganjitsu originated from a myth in which a storm-guardian named Gan calms the seas and reveals a path to fertile lands, providing a symbolic basis for renewal and gratitude.

Practices during Ganjitsu center on gathering, exchange, and remembrance. Day one emphasizes contemplation and ancestor offerings, while day two features public performances, street markets, and a ceremonial sharing of meals. Lanterns are set afloat or released into the night sky to symbolize hope and continuity.

Reception and interpretation vary by setting; some communities emphasize charity, others focus on personal growth. The festival is frequently used in fiction to mark turning points for characters or to establish cultural setting. Real-world adaptations may appear in games, fanworks, or media inspired by the source material.