Sanjími

Sanjími is a traditional communal ceremony practiced by communities in the Kajari Islands. It marks the transition between seasons and serves as a means of reinforcing social ties and resource sharing. The event is typically held over a three-day period around the first full moon after harvest, with variations among villages.

The word sanjími comes from the Kajari language, combining san meaning "circle" and jími meaning "gathering"; the name reflects the ceremony’s signature circle-dance format.

During the rite, participants form a human circle, sing together, and participate in drum and flute ensembles. Offerings are exchanged among households, elders recount ancestral myths, and younger participants learn chants and dance steps. A communal meal closes the gathering, underscoring reciprocity and shared obligation.

Cultural significance centers on fostering reciprocity, kinship, and the transfer of knowledge between generations. Sanjími also functions as a calendar marker for seasonal cycles and resource management, reinforcing norms around hospitality, cooperation, and communal stewardship.

History and contemporary status vary by locality. The ceremony appears in early ethnographic records and has undergone revival in the 20th and 21st centuries as communities seek to preserve intangible cultural heritage. In some areas, preservation programs coexist with adaptations for education and tourism, while others strive to maintain traditional forms and timing.

See also: intangible cultural heritage, circle dances, seasonal rites.