Manifestations of Rank

Because of the great weight given to the class system in Seanchan, it is not surprising that physical representations of certain higher stages in the class system are well enforced.

Baldness

One of the most striking rank manifestations is the strict rules regarding baldness. A member of the Blood has the hair on either side of their head shaved. The Imperial Family will shave all their head hair, but other members of the Blood will leave a crest in the middle that is usually grown to flow down the back.

A so'jihn to the Blood will shave the left side of their head, but braid their right, whereas the so'jihn to the Throne does the opposite, shaving the right side of their head and braiding their left.

In those not of the Blood, public displays of baldness are not allowed: the person in question would be expected to buy a wig, or at least a cap of some description, to hide their hair loss. The Imperial Family, if they wish to act as a member of the Blood and not of the Family, may wear a veil.

If one was newly raised to any of these positions, one would be expected to take measures to conform to these conventions as soon as possible.

Nail Lacquer

It is the style of the Blood to wear their nails long and exaggerated. Of these, the lower members of the Blood will lacquer the little finger of both hands, High Lords and High Ladies will lacquer the little and the ring finger of both hands, and the Imperial Family will lacquer these and their middle finger. Only the reigning Emperor or Empress will lacquer all their fingernails.

Lacquering is done in the colours of the person's house, and often in a range of designs. If one was newly raised to any of these positions, one would be expected to take measures to conform to these conventions as soon as possible.

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