Juhuse

Juhuse is a fictional concept used in speculative world-building to examine how communities respond to randomness. It is described as part of the imagined culture of the Juhaseans, a northern-seaboard society created for contemporary fantasy and science fiction narratives.

Definition and usage: In the fiction, juhuse denotes both the event of a random occurrence and the communal ritual that follows. The term can refer to the incident itself or to the formal gathering in which people share memories, assign meaning, and coordinate collective action.

Linguistic notes: The word is presented as a compound of a root juh- meaning "chance" with a nominal suffix -use that marks an event or practice.

Cultural role: The juhuse ritual typically takes place in a public hall or communal space. It begins with oral recounting of the significant event, followed by discussion, reconciliation, and decisions to prepare for future uncertainty. Object tokens or signs may be exchanged as part of the ritual.

Reception and adaptations: In stories, juhuse is used to explore themes of fate, agency, and community memory. Different authors adapt it with varying rules and consequences, making it a flexible device in world-building.