Chestnuts

The chestnut is a tree, and fruit, highly significant to many cultures within the Empire. Growing richly in many of the hilly areas in the north, but also in certain areas of the south, they are an important source of sustenance wherever they are common, though they are more commonly venerated in the north and centre.

Names
Due to folk beliefs, the chestnut tree has several poetic or alternative names. In Itarakoské, for example, they are sometimes known as 'oath-trees', referring to the rural tradition of taking oaths and making decisions in the shade of a chestnut tree.

Description
Many different species and varieties of chestnut inhabit the Empire, and have been recognised and cross-bred for centuries to produce the best suited trees for human purposes. Some of the best known varieties include:
 * The White Chestnut, whose leaves are not in fact white but silvery grey; this species inhabits the northern coast of the Sovon Peninsula and all along the Ruyen Gulf and can grow up to 40 metres in height.
 * The Red Chestnut, one of the most common varieties, found around many of the mountain ranges in the eastern Empire, including the Ilan Mountains, the Chestnut Mountains and the Cloud Mountains. This species is best known for its sweet, relatively small chestnuts, and can grow to about 20 metres in height with a spreading canopy, making it ideal for shade.
 * The Dwarf Chestnut, a relatively short tree which occurs farther to the west and southwest; hardy and drought-resistant, it grows to about 12 metres in height, and is also prized for its especially delicious fruit.

Tarakasane
To the Tarakasane, the chestnut is one of the most revered trees.

Most villages will have at least one, and often two or three, red chestnut trees planted in the centre of their gathering ground; many will also have small shrines built of chestnut wood and dedicated to the trees. These trees are seen as symbols of hospitality and kindness for the shade they provide, as well as the harvest of nuts which is often ritually split among all the families of the village as a blessing.

The upright, straight growth habit of the chestnut tree is also associated with righteousness and honesty; it is believed that the spirits inhabiting chestnut trees are therefore the best spirits for ensuring the sanctity of oaths, village councils and the decisions made therein.