Santusant

Santusant is a fictional term used in speculative fiction and worldbuilding to denote a ceremonial social practice that blends storytelling, music, and collective memory. It appears in various works as a device to explore community identity and continuity, rather than as a real-world tradition.

Etymology and background: The term is invented by authors; no single historical etymology exists. Some narratives describe santusant as derived from an extinct language meaning “to listen together,” while others present it as a modern ritual name. In most depictions, it has ancient roots within the imagined culture.

Practice: A santusant ceremony typically unfolds during major communal events. A circle of participants voices, sings, and recites short narratives from shared history. A lead voice or coordinator, sometimes referred to as the santusant, guides the sequence and ensures equal participation. The ritual can last from several minutes to multiple hours, ending with a communal vow or blessing, depending on the story.

Function and symbolism: The practice serves to transmit oral histories, reinforce social roles, and renew social bonds. It emphasizes listening, symmetrical participation, and the co-creation of memory, with the performance repeatedly reenacting past events to maintain continuity.

Representation and reception: In literature, santusant is used to examine themes of cultural preservation and generational change. Some authors experiment with integrating technology, such as digital echoes or augmented soundscapes, to alter the ritual’s dynamics.

See also: ritual, oral tradition, communal memory.