Elanthian Holidays/Estival Holidays

A selection of various summer celebrations found across Elanthia. This collection encompasses ceremonies from the summer solstice to just before the autumnal equinox.

Lumnea

Brewer's Bounty

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Brewer's Bounty

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Day before the summer solstice

Who celebrates it: Elves and other enjoyers of ale, stout, and other brewed concoctions

Where is it celebrated: Sylvarraend

A short description of the holiday: To celebrate the summer solstice (and to give participants enough time to recuperate before their patrols), brewmasters gather together to showcase their craftsmanship within the woodland hamlet of Sylvarraend, a tradition blossoming from the camaraderie of the Sapphire Guard and Crimson Legion as they shared a pint or two well away from the city walls. Traditionally celebrated the day before the summer solstice, citizens and visitors alike gather together to spend the evening in one another's company, often opting to set up tents within the hamlet as the ale pours until the early morning light.

Day of the Summer's Fortune

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Day of Summer's Fortune

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Day of the summer solstice

Who celebrates it: Elves

Where is it celebrated: All city-states, nearby bodies of water

A short description of the holiday: The longest day of the summer season is a nostalgic celebration of childhood and the sheer joy of a day of play.  The daybreak heralds a colorful display of kites flying across the skies, the morning and afternoon spent in the company of friends and family around a picnic of sweets.  As the sun begins to set, the blessings of the solstice are set adrift in the nearby waters, a reminder of the gratitude one feels to be afforded a day of carefree fun.  Elves write their wishes and favored memories on small cards of parchment, folding these pieces into paper boats before sending them forth into the waters.  These warm greetings are love letters to those who were not able to join the revelry, messages of love and light as the evening arrives.

Ushkarn Thagrim

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Ushkarn Thagrim

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Day of the summer solstice

Who celebrates it: Ariame Sun Clan

Where is it celebrated: Across Elanthia

A short description of the holiday: Broken down into several parts, the Ushkarn Thagrim is a celebration on the Summer Solstice that is part of Ariame Sun Clan's culture.

Dawn Rite of Passage for the Young:

At the break of dawn on the summer solstice, young members of the Araime Sun Clan, those nearing adulthood, are sent off alone into the wilderness as a rite of passage. Armed with only basic supplies and their wits, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and initiation into adulthood. This solitary quest allows them to connect with the natural world, test their skills, and gain insights into their strengths and capabilities. Each child's quest is unique to them and not all complete or even pass this test. There is no shame in that, as there is always another year and another chance. All quests are delivered as a collection of small items and a single Ikarrak rune by the local apprentice to the art.

Preparation for Sun Worship:

While the young set out on their journey, the older members of the clan gather to prepare for the sun-worshipping celebrations. They adorn themselves in ceremonial attire, including garments adorned with symbols of the sun and elemental motifs. Ritualistic preparations are made, including the construction of altars and the gathering of offerings such as fruits, flowers, and incense.

Sunrise Ritual:

As the sun begins to rise above the horizon, the entire clan converges at a sacred site overlooking the desert landscape. Led by the elders, they perform a sunrise ritual to honor the sun and invoke its blessings for the coming year. Prayers are offered, chants are sung, and symbolic gestures are made to express gratitude for the sun's life-giving energy and nourishment.

Feast and Festivities:

Following the sunrise ritual, the clan gathers for a sumptuous feast and joyous festivities to commemorate the summer solstice. Tables groan under the weight of an abundance of culinary delights, each dish carefully prepared to honor the occasion. Platters of succulent roasted meats seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices, take center stage, embodying the bounty of the land and the skill of the clan's hunters. Tender cuts of venison, wild boar, and marinated fowl tempt the senses, their savory aromas filling the air. Alongside the savory offerings, an array of vibrant salads and vegetable dishes showcase the diversity of the desert's bounty. Fresh figs and dates mingle with crisp greens, drizzled with tangy citrus dressings, and sprinkled with toasted nuts and seeds. Fragrant rice pilafs, infused with saffron and cardamom form a comforting and aromatic accompaniment to the hearty meats and salads. Golden grains of rice, studded with jewels of dried fruits and nuts, beckon to be savored with each flavorful bite. To satisfy the clan's sweet tooth, an assortment of decadent desserts awaits, featuring delicate pastries, honeyed confections, and rich, creamy puddings. Plates are piled high with flaky pastries, while bowls of creamy rice pudding, scented with rosewater and cinnamon, offer a comforting end to the meal. As the feast unfolds, traditional music and dance performances entertain the gathered clan members, filling the air with lively rhythms and infectious energy. Laughter and conversation flow freely, as old friendships are renewed and new bonds are forged in the spirit of celebration and unity.

Midway through the festivities, the clan's elderwoman leads a processional to the edges of the gathering where they await the return of those taking part in the Dawn Rite of Passage. As each return, they must present to the elderwoman the result of their quest. She will not look at the contents until the following day, but for now, offers each youngster a blessing of the sun. In the rare case when a participant does not return by the allocated time, hunters and trackers are sent out to find the missing and return them to the clan. This is an automatic failure of the trial and they will be expected to try again the following year.

Closing Ceremony:

As the sun sets on the horizon, signaling the end of the summer solstice celebration, the clan gathers once more for a closing ceremony. Offerings are made to the departing sun, expressing gratitude for its warmth and light, and prayers are offered for abundance and prosperity in the days ahead. With hearts full of reverence and unity, the Araime Sun Clan bids farewell to the longest day of the year, knowing that the sun will continue to guide and bless them on their journey through life.

Inye'saq yt'Sakat

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Inye'saq yt'Sakat or Star Ceremony of Summer

Date of Holiday/Celebration: The night of the summer solstice

Who celebrates it: The Inyexat

Where it is celebrated: Atan Irith

A short description of the holiday: The Great Capybara constellation is at its peak over Inyexat lands around the summer solstice, and it factors prominently in the Inye'saq yt'Sakat. Unlike the spring ceremony that is often celebrated with the erithi, the summer star ceremony is a more private affair. On the night of the solstice, participants gather on and around the step-pyramids of their enclave. Children are first gathered and taught basic rites and rituals, such as identifying the prominent constellations of the summer and the significance of each. Teachers tell stories about the Great Capybara and how its presence assists in divinations that protect the Inyexat, and as it gets darker, children take turns identifying the individual stars. While they are allowed to stay up throughout the ceremony, the youngest often fall asleep, so the ceremony area has numerous comfortable and safe locations for slumber.

As the teaching winds down, the Summer Star Ceremony begins. A Starlit leads the ceremony, going into deeper recitations and teachings about the importance of the constellation and its stars. Several Children of the Starlit Wilds perform readings beneath the Great Capybara, divining broadly for the health of the local communities first and foremost. As the night progresses, individual divinations occur as desired as well.

Overall, the ceremony is one of teaching about the night sky and divining key pathways for the next several months for each community and a chance to draw together in harmony.

A Note on the Great Capybara Constellation: Comprised of thirteen primary stars and seven secondary stars, the constellation roughly forms the outline of a capybara, with a shimmering nebula near the top of its head called the Nightjar Nebula. While these celestial bodies are obviously visible in Elanith, the constellation does not have an analogue on that continent.

Lythela

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Lythela

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Summer Solstice

Who celebrates it: Residents of the Wyrdeep Forest

Where it is celebrated: Wyrdeep Forest

A short description of the holiday: Lythela ceremonies are held throughout the communities found in the expansive Wyrdeep Forest. While the specifics of the ceremony may vary from community to community, the intent does not.

Lythela honors the wyrwood trees first and foremost, the mysterious faeriekin of the forest next, and the Wyrdeep communities third. In the Wyrdeep culture, there are strong ties between the solstice, the forest, and all who live within it, and it is imperative to them that they honor this.

During the morning of Lythela, young children weave garlands of bluebells, violets, and merrywood blossoms, while older children are tasked with whittling hawthorn and rowan poles. After the noon meal, the entire village reverently travels to the oldest and most sacred wyrwood near them, bearing these poles and garlands. The garlands are strung from the poles in crescentic patterns about the tree by the children, under the watchful eye of village elders.

The afternoon is spent in proximity to the tree, reciting tales and cautions for living within the forest, myths and folktales about the more magical and unseen denizens, and histories of the communities and how each came to be. As the evening looms, the children leave offerings of mead and honeycakes for the faerie folk along the perimeter of the gathering. Teenagers then shepherd home all the children, leaving the adults to participate in the Lythela rituals of the summer solstice.

Under the cover of the garlands, magic-weavers cast spells in conjunction with the rising of the moons. These incantations are said to appease the forest and its faeriekin, allowing the Wyrdeep residents to remain in peace and harmony with the land for another year. The rituals often include some blood sacrifice, but never the actual taking of a life. The priestess slicing her palm with an athame then allowing her blood to mingle with that of the forest has especial significance to many, for example.

After these initial incantations, the Lythela rituals vary wildly between individuals. How one chooses to spend the night beneath the moons and the wyrwood on the summer solstice is quite personal, and the bowers of garlands laid about earlier in the day allow for these individual rituals to be done with some modicum of privacy as well.

When one of the Wyrdeep shares their moonlit rituals with another, it is a sign of great trust and respect. In Wyrdeep culture, it would be considered quite rude to ask for specifics and a great honor to be given them unasked.

Well before dawn, rituals completed, the adults return to their community, and the next day, the elder teenagers tasked with the burden of watching the youth celebrate "Af'Lytha" -- a day with no chores and no responsibilities. Many a parent may roll their eyes slightly and remark that this is every day for a child, even an elder one, but they indulge the tradition of Af'Lytha. Some communities even allow their teenager to make a single wish and try to grant it (such as allowing them to eat nothing but chocolate for the day).

A Note on the Terms: Both "Lythela" and "Af'Lytha" are said to have their roots in Sylvan; however, the only known use of these exact terms is found in the Wyrdeep around this holiday. Lythela is translated into Common roughly as "Summer's Ethereal Light" while "Af'Lytha" is "Light's Rest." Some linguists believe the "af" is actually just "after" and "lytha" is a shortened version of Lythela because of how the word flows upon the tongue. In other words, Af'Lytha is probably Wyrdeep slang.

Nethyriar'Asmat

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Nethyriar'Asmat or Sea Dragon Festival

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Starts on the last Feastday of Lumnea

Who celebrates it: Evashirans

Where it is celebrated: Evashir

A short description of the holiday: Each year on the last Feastday of Lumnea, the Evashiran fleet brings out their evetepas to parade along the coast of Evashir. These "sea dragon ships" are uniquely Evashiran boats from their earliest days of navigating the surrounding seas. While not used by the fleet any longer, a small contingent of evetepas are maintained for the Nethyriar'Asmat or Sea Dragon Festival.

Legend has it that during a lengthy trade voyage thousands of years ago, the storm-tossed and hopelessly lost crew of one such evetepa allegedly saw a nethyriar (loosely translates to sea dragon or sea serpent in Common). A mage on board from the Lyx'Nethyn lured the creature nearby using a mixture of kitirasi (a strong rice wine) and jalask (a water-reactant powder). The mage then spoke in the sea dragon's tongue and requested assistance. Placated by the offerings, the creature took the ship within its undulating loops and guided it to familiar waters.

The annual festival serves as a reminder that Evashir, while small, is mighty enough to bend even the greatest of sea creatures to its will when needed.

During their parade along the coastline, the evetepas release jalask and kitirasi in great measure, as the combination creates a roiling reaction resembling that of a sea serpent writhing just beneath the surface. In the main port of Vta'Samic, the navy puts on a large display of the latest in magic-driven, oceanic technology after the evetepa parade concludes.

The following Restday has the Sea Dragon Races. Small boats carved from iriswood and decorated like dragons are raced either along the coast (for coastal areas) or along rivers and large enough streams. These boats are long and thin, with no more than three rowers. After the race, the entrants are judged again off decoration, so each "dragonboat" (nethtir) is intricately adorned.

Children also participate, making tiny origami nethtir to float in small pools, and being judged based on intricacy, longevity in the water, and decor. The origami competition may also have an adult contingent as well, especially in areas not near a large enough stream but that still wish to participate in the festival.

On Restday eve, feasts are held, and the magicians of several Orders set off myth and nautical-themed fireworks to end the affair.

On Evetepa: Evetepa are "sewn" ships, with fiber-sewn planks fastened by wooden pegs and utilizing a square sail. Despite its unusual craftsmanship, the evetepa was an integral part of Evashiran coastal life and could go long distances and be built to fairly large dimensions. After the sea dragon encounter, the long stem of the evetepa's bow has always been fashioned into the head of a sea dragon and the stern's into its tail. Some may paint or inlay the sides to indicate the body as well. As their ship-building prowess grew, the Evashirans gradually phased out these boats for general use (at least in the fleet. Some Evashiran independent merchants may still use them).

On the Lyx'Nethyn: The Order of the Dragon is dedicated to the gathering of Elanthian mythology and folklore, and its factions are Fabled Wing, Eldritch Fire, and Fey Scale. Its symbol is an ultramarine sea dragon.

On Kitirasi and Jalask: Kitirasi is a popular Evashiran rice wine that is a pale yellow or pale orange in coloration typically and can be dry or sweet. A pale brown kitirasi may be used in cooking, and it is this somewhat lesser version of the wine which is used in such abundance during the Sea Dragon Festival. It is unknown, or lost to time, why a sea dragon may like kitirasi.

Jalask is a pale azure powder that creates a major reaction with water, causing the water to bubble and roil. It is especially effective in salt water, but any water has some effect. Certain types of jalask allegedly have various psychotropic or mind-controlling effects, but there are household jalasks that are used to just liven up one's drink. The making of jalask is a carefully guarded secret, as are all of the potential types and effects of each.

Ta'Ardenai: Estival Court Celebrations

Name of Holiday/Celebration: The Diurnal Vanguard, Festival of the Split Sheaves of Phoenatos, and Banishment of the Mad King

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Throughout the summer season

Who celebrates it: Ardenai elves

Where is it celebrate: Ta'Ardenai

A short description of the holiday: See the Vernal Court section of the Ta'Ardenai Seasonal Courts document

Koaratos

Founder's Market

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Founders' Market

Date of Holiday/Celebration: the first Niiman through Feastday of Koaratos

Who celebrates it: Everyone in and around Oblone, but especially half-elves

Where is it celebrated: Oblone

A short description of the holiday: While the population of Oblone has shifted in the centuries since its founding, they still honor their roots as a half-elven settlement with a lavish market that spans three days in early Koaratos, the first Niiman through Feastday of that summer month. Elven influences feature heavily in the craftsmanship of the goods brought to this particular market, as well as the flavors of the foods served up. The wagons of the Vanadre Chiras are a common sight at the Founders' Market, with multiple vans invariably in attendance with their own wares, music, and performances to add to the festivities.

Salty Dog's Day

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Salty Dog’s Day

Date of Holiday/Celebration: 11th day of Koaratos

Who celebrates it: Kraken's Fall

Where is it celebrated: Wandering Eye Market

A short description of the holiday: Salty Dog's Day is a celebration of the joys of pirate life, and no better place to celebrate such an achievement than the den of Kraken's Fall.  It is difficult to organize any sort of activity for Salty Dog's Day, but the prevailing activity involves a copious consumption of rum and grog and the airing of grievances in the Wandering Eye Market.  A brawl or three is the end result of such, hence some pirates procuring their own siegery miniatures to conduct their battles with minimal damage.  Legend states that one particular argument resulted in both parties' ships sinking into the Tenebrous Cauldron, despite neither captain being in the vicinity of the piers.

Day of the Wandering Artist

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Day of the Wandering Artist

Date of Holiday/Celebration: 13th of Koaratos

Who celebrates it: Ta'Loenthra and Ta'Illistim

Where is it celebrated: Open streets and vars (avenues)

A short description of the holiday: A tradition begun in Ta'Loenthra and newly celebrated in Ta'Illistim, the Day of the Wandering Artist is a celebration of expression drawn across the city streets, the ephemeral artwork glimpsed by many before surrendering to the elements, typically the summer rains.  Vibrant portraits, landscapes, and everything in between are created utilizing chalk, the medium spread across the cobblestones and brick as the artist works, and the visitors standing across the periphery to watch each creation come to life.  Loenthran markets often bustle during the Day of the Wandering Artist, their wares of selanbel honey and belien mead a favorite amongst visitors and citizens alike.

Latsuli y Ayxia (Festival of Lights)

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Latsuli y Ayxia (Festival of Lights)

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Third Niiman of Koaratos and the following three days

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Erithi

Where it is celebrated: All erithi celebrate it, with major festivals in Eloth-Ra, Nathala-Ra, and Tynathi-Re

A short description of the holiday: In late Lumnea or early Koaratos over 15 centuries ago, the erithi found themselves suddenly in the heart of Atan Irith. Lost and confused, early accounts describe being in complete darkness and having a sense of almost nothingness around them. Accounts vary as to what happened next. Some claim they communed for guidance and assistance, for knowledge, for illumination. Others claim it was a confused cacophony of fear and confusion. While still others insist there was a calm and measured acceptance of change. Scholars assume it was a mixture of all three. Regardless of which account is read, however, they all end the same.

"A hush fell over our nothingness, and an intense feeling of peace filled us all. And then, tiny luminescent insects swarmed about us, their colorful intensity breaking the darkness and illuminating the valley in which we found ourselves. They shot toward the sky, and suddenly there were stars. Many claim these first glimaerflies were created by Lumnis, and when she noted their sacrifice to give the People of the Sky light, she created more, in all the colors of the rainbow." – from a first person account written roughly two hundred years after the incident.

Each year in Koaratos, the erithi gather together for the Latsuli y Ayxia, the four-day Festival of Lights. The biggest celebration is in Eloth-Ra, but the next largest is in Tynathi-Re where an abundance of glimaerflies gather. Nathala-Ra also hosts a well-known Ayxia (as it is colloquially known).

At the Hour of Tonis on the third Niiman of Koaratos, the festival begins with personal and familial celebrations. These are held in the family home if one is not traveling to a larger festival; otherwise, small gatherings are held in the inns for those traveling. There is no requirements or standards for this; each individual and family has their own traditions to start the festival.

On the Day of the Huntress, just after nightfall, the festival begins in earnest with the releasing of the "hotu'ayxia." These floating lamps are crafted from a light wood frame and hand-painted rice paper. Intricate scenes of glimaerflies and erithi are often detailed upon the lamps, and tiny candles with colorful flames representing the glimaerflies are placed inside. Erithi followers of Fash'lo'nae and Lumnis along with local leadership perform the ritual, meant to represent the glimaerflies' sacrifice to the sky. As the lamps float away, elders are brought forward to tell stories and tales from the early years.

Feastday lives up to its name during the festival. Depending on the locale, hunting and fishing parties and boats leave early to gather fresh ingredients to supplement the weeks of food preparation that will go into the feast that starts in the early afternoon.

Both Feastday and Restday are also days of celebration and shopping. Much like festivals the world over, local artisans gather to sell their wares, and there are games, activities, plays, and concerts throughout the weekend.

Cholen's Eve

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Cholen's Eve

Date of Holiday/Celebration: 14th of Koaratos

Who celebrates it: Various

Where is it celebrated: Various

Race, Culture, or Area Details:

• Erithi: Erithi enjoy arts and theatrical pursuits, so they have embraced setting aside this day for special presentations of plays, despite its proximity to their older and more revered Festival of Lights
• Inyexat: Given their general focus on the stars and not the Arkati, Inyexat do not typically do anything special on this day
• Dark Elves: While the nod to Cholen is often more cursory than reverent, the port town of Vta'Samic in Evashir is well-known for their festivities around this day. This is typically attributed to their oceanside status and the influence of visitors prevalent throughout the area. There are numerous parties and plays across the town. Other than this, however, this is not a celebration popular with any dark elven culture as a whole. As always, individuals may embrace this celebration, but no other organized event around Cholen's Eve is known at this time.
• The Great Piratical Flotilla: Cholen's Eve holds no special allure for the flotilla, but if someone wishes to stage a play, it is allowed. Of course, pirates often have a different method of giving and receiving "constructive" criticism, so these endeavors, regardless of the day, tend to end in bloodshed and brawls, and what applause may be attributed to the latter and not the art.
• River's Rest: While there are not town-specific traditions around Cholen's Eve in River's Rest, it is overall regarded as an opportune time for theatrical antics. One year, an enterprising actor attempted a one-person play dramatizing the feithidmor cycle, and another year, the same person spent the evening crouched near the herb gardens, allegedly imitating the one-eared rabbit as allegory for the dangers of sailing. No one quite understood either of these attempts, but the artist supplied winterberry ale, so a decent gathering was obtained.

Dance of the Maedat and Seapony

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Dance of the Maedat and Seapony

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Late Koaratos/Early Phoenatos

Who celebrates it: Ta'Nalfein

Where is it celebrated: Typically portside or lakeside

A short description of the holiday: Dance of the Maedat and Seapony is a celebration of the bounty of both land and sea, as culinarians across Ta'Nalfein travel portside or lakeside to showcase their cooking skills in several food and wine festivals hosted by the city-state.  The Seapony Regatta takes place in the early afternoon, an annual race in which participants build their own elf-sized "seapony," utilizing woods and other various contraptions, then race them across lakes or the sea.  The ever-popular Maedat Cotillion is hosted in the evening, a ball full of gowns, fans, and baby maedats serenading the dancers alongside bemused musicians. Revelers often celebrate into the early morning hours, the music and singing echoing across the waters to the boats returning the verse in kind.

Respite's Decadence

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Respite's Decadence (colloquially known as "Do Nothing Day")

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Last weekend in Koaratos

Who celebrates it: Ta'Vaalor

Where is it celebrated: Anywhere

A short description of the holiday: In the height of the summer, the Vaalorians set aside their normally structured day to simply do absolutely nothing. The day is marked by long naps, exquisite baths, lounging in the sun at the riverside, partaking in imported thuja and high-end spirits, feasting on excessively sumptuous cuisine, and generally disentangling from the bustle of the fortress. The holiday extends all weekend such that the Crimson Legion can participate by splitting the two days among themselves while still leaving adequate legionnaires to protect the fortress against any potential threats. It is common in recent centuries for shopkeepers to split the days among staff as well, to allow essential businesses to remain open during this time. Those without any particular responsibilities will often take advantage of doing nothing for the entire weekend. Ironically, the daily workload of the typical Vaalorian increases the day before the weekend, as they complete necessary chores and prepare elaborate meals for their respite.

Phoenatos

The Day of Our Allies Observance

Name of Holiday/Celebration: The Day of Our Allies Observance

Date of Holiday/Celebration: First Volnes of Phoenatos

Who celebrate it: Those that follow the practices of the Order of Voln

Where it is celebrated: Turamzzyrian Empire & everywhere that the Order has a monastery.

A short description of the holiday: The Day of Our Allies Observance is celebrated heavily by the Order of Voln, as well as those communities where the Order is prevalent. As the sun rises to its zenith on this day, all workers are released from their duties and sent home. The only business that remains open are the communal baths, due to so few individuals having private bathing facilities, as cleanliness is an important component of this holiday.

Fasting begins at noon on this day in recognition of all those that have fought in the long, hard battles against the enemies of Lord Voln and the suffering they have endured during their fight.

As the sun begins to fade, celebrates dressed in black begin to file into the streets, each holding a lit votive. They walk slowly as they make their way to the nearest Voln Monastery, where they will sit in quiet contemplation until dawn and hold their silent vigil.

Kris'Sailah

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Kris'Sailah or Hope for Future's Power/Future's Powerful Hope

Date of Holiday/Celebration: First week of Phoenatos

Who celebrates it: Dhe'nar

Where it is celebrated: Eh'lah

A short description of the holiday: Kris'Sailah is a week-long event in Eh'lah amongst the Dhe'nar. Part commemoration of the Sharath they thought lost and part celebration for the Eh'lah that rose from that devastation, the first several days of Kris'Sailah are solemn affairs with fasting, recitations of histories, and remembrance ceremonies by Tishi'qa-guarded loh'zhrimikah (often shortened to lo'mah). The loh'zhrimikah are exalted high priestesses of the Dhe'nar, who perform An'iru or the Keening in remembrance of Sharath, as well as several other holy observances for the Dhe'nar of Eh'lah.

After the first four days of solemnity and ritual, a Hunt begins. Unlike the coming of age ritual known as Gisu Ishitsa or Great Hunt, the Kris'Isha is a two-day hunt for any who wish to participate. This is an individual competition to see who can bring in the most game over the course of 48 hours. Hunting methods vary with warriors and more physically oriented individuals compared to sorcerers, mages, and others more prone to brain over brawn.

An enormous feast is prepared with the bounty of the hunt, and those who do not participate spend the 48 hours of the hunt preparing breads, vegetables, and other dishes to complement the meat to come. The feast is presided over by the loh'zhrimikah and loh'zhrimai (high priests, also known as lo'mai), and while the aura is more festive, this is still a remembrance of the fall of Sharath and a blessing upon Eh'lah.

The final day of Kris'Sailah is taken up by the feast, the presentation of the winner of the Hunt, a few ceremonies, and then celebrations. Eating, drinking, and games abound on the final day, and it is also a time for artists and craftspeople to sell their wares. It is on this day that outsiders may participate, but only in the areas around Eh'lah that allow their presence, and typically only to trade wares. Merchants and traders do appreciate this small insight into Dhe'nar culture and enjoy the opportunity to procure Dhe'nar creations to sell elsewhere.

As the night falls on the seventh day, a final ceremony is held. Similar to the more regular Keenings, this ceremony also includes additional blessings upon the Dhe'nar and recitations of the hopes for the future.

Fowl Fashion Feastday

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Fowl Fashion Feastday

Date of Holiday/Celebration: The first Feastday of Phoenatos

Who celebrates it: The flotilla and its inhabitants

Where it is celebrated: The Great Piratical Flotilla, near Ta'Nalfein

A short description of the holiday: This exercise in absurdity involves dressing birds, typically ducks, in high fashion and parading them around the decks of the flotilla to be voted upon. Afterwards, the flotilla celebrates by, unsurprisingly, overindulging in drink and food. The winning duck gets to sit upon the Flotsam Throne during the feast, and a cabin boy is tasked with keeping the duck happy for the day.

The origin of this ridiculous day started decades ago when a Nalfein student was rejected for apprenticeships and denied the opportunity to participate in Nalfein annual fashion traditions. The student left for the sea, joining a privateer with a penchant for fashion. The student was able to exercise her unique stylings upon the captain and crew, and the vessel became known for its outlandishly elaborate dress. The now-privateer/pirate collected a variety of ducks from the holds one day while docked at the flotilla, about the time of the annual Nalfein tradition of dressing up the pergolas was to occur, and instead, dressed up the ducks and paraded them about, much to the delight of the rest of the flotilla.

The rest is, as they say, history. The flotilla's contained chaos was the perfect setting for this, and each year, ships dock at the flotilla carrying ducks to dress. The Nalfein continues to make a living dressing pirates and privateers, and she often comes to judge the contest she started. Initially, releasing the ducks fully clothed upon the streets of Ta'Nalfein was attempted (the pirate was still bitter), but the potential for harm to come to the feathered fashionistas quickly stopped this practice as no one wished foul play upon their fowl.

Pandemonium has frequently ensued at these events, most notably the geese debacle of 5100 and the seagull spectacle of 5081. Ducks, for some reason, are much more tractable to being dressed up than other birds and attempts to use other fowl have resulted mostly in regrets, bleeding, and a lot of swabbing of the decks. One pirate captain tried entering his pet macaw a few years ago, and many pirates learned several new swear phrases (from both captain and parrot) when the attempt to put it in a jacket and ascot failed.

Privateer's Evening Wagers

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Privateer's Evening Wagers (or commonly shortened to The Wagers)

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Throughout the evenings of Phoenatos

Who celebrates it: Residents and visitors of Ta'Nalfein, Ta'Loenthra, and Ta'Vaalor

Where it is celebrated: Cities and locations close to elven ports, or elven-influenced locales

A short description of the holiday: The Privateer's Evening Wagers is a series of evenings in Phoenatos dedicated to the decadence of liquor and luck, as historically the most profitable of seizures occurred in the warmer seasons. The celebrations begin in the cooler summer evenings, a much-needed respite from the sweltering heat and unforgiving sun upon waters during the daytime hours. Casks of liquor flow well into the morning hours as games of chance are played along promenades, and the sounds of knuckle bone dice (or any dice, really) hitting the planks blends into the din of roulette wheels. The boardwalk lanterns are often obscured by a haze of cigar smoke as each participant wagers throughout the night in hopes of changing their destiny.

The Silken Sylath Regatta

Name of Holiday/Celebration: The Silken Sylath Regatta

Date of Holiday/Celebration: A weekend of Phoenatos

Who celebrates it:: Residents and visitors of Ta'Loenthra

Where it is celebrated: Ta'Loenthra

A short description of the holiday: As befitting its name, the Silken Sylath Regatta is a spectacle of purely Loenthran imagination, born from a tiff between rival oarsman and fueled by the bright chartreuse beverage imbibed by the caskful every holiday. A series of contests are held between the most renowned of the city-states, though typically the rowers consist of well-known artisans, medaled fencers, and other champions of prowess and grace. One particular year, an entire shell of ballerinas won soundly after their closest competitors veered off-course, lured in by the inebriated crowd offering them sips of their sylath, as well as silken unmentionables tossed freely from the bridge above them. After a long day of racing, the holiday concludes with an entire evening full of dancing and singing along the bridges and waterways, the sounds echoing into the cool air.

The Vorshkag

Name of Holiday/Celebration: The Vorshkag

Date of Holiday/Celebration: 15th day of Phoenatos

Who celebrates it: Maeramil Wind Runner Clan

Where is it celebrated: A different route is selected yearly based on current struggles

A short description of the holiday: Every year, the Maeramil Wind Runner Clan organizes the Vorshkag, a monumental event symbolizing their unyielding dedication to liberty and their relentless opposition to slavery. This gathering draws members of the Maeramil Clan, allied tribes, and supporters who share their fervent commitment to justice and emancipation.

The Vorshkag is not just a race; it's a powerful statement against the chains of oppression. Participants embark on a grueling long-distance journey through regions where slavery persists or where the Maeramil Clan seeks to challenge its existence. Along the route, checkpoints provide opportunities for education, reflection, and solidarity, as participants learn about the plight of the enslaved and reaffirm their resolve to combat injustice.

As the race progresses, it builds momentum, culminating in a vibrant gathering or rally where participants, activists, and local communities come together in unity. Against the backdrop of shared determination and camaraderie, attendees reaffirm their commitment to freedom and pledge to continue the fight until all are liberated.

During the Vorshkag event, clan members don nothing more than loincloths and chest wraps, symbolizing their solidarity with those still in chains. By stripping away excess clothing, they honor the simplicity and humility of those who suffer under oppression. Most Wind Runners paint their faces with brightly colored warpaint, though for every 4-5 painted this way there is always one painted with white clay that enhances their bone structure. This is to represent the number of people that die in chains. While in recent years this number has decreased due to their efforts, it is still a poignant reminder of their cause.

Keh'Nireen Ingerral Keh'Nisar

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Keh'Nireen Ingerral Keh'Nisar

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Late Phoenatos/Early Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Aelotoi

Where is it celebrated: Cysaegir

A short description of the holiday: Keh'Nireen Ingerral Keh'Nisar, literally translated to mean "Beautiful Lady joins Handsome Man" in Common but roughly translated to "The Marriage of Beauty," is a weeklong event first started in 5112 by aelotian botanists specializing in various orchid species. The botanists cultivate their orchids throughout the year until this time, which is the beginning of the flowers' natural growth cycle. The orchids are removed from their pots, the soil removed and cleaned from their roots, and will be mounted to large pieces of bark or the trunks of trees using twine and sphagnum moss. Once the orchids are mounted and displayed, a floral commission known as Flyr Myhranim, or the Floral Elders, will judge both the blossom and its display, offering awards for each category and overall. Throughout the week, tents are set out by the botanists' assistants features cuttings from their preferred orchid species, regularly paired with verbal seminars for care, as orchids are notoriously temperamental. Non-botanists may also take part by selling themed wares in their carts and stands.

Pickle Festival

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Pickle Festival (or Picklefest)

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Late Summer

Who celebrates it: River's Rest residents

Where it is celebrated: River's Rest

A short description of the holiday: Picklefest is an offbeat town festival held in the summer, usually in Phoenatos. The pickle is lauded during the weekend of the festival and serves as the focal point for the various shops, foods, poetry, and other artwork. Games and other festivities often accompany the event as well. In recent years, Picklefest has been a small, barely remarked upon affair, as its popularity waxes and wanes (the popularity of the pickle in River's Rest, however, never appears to wane).

Oasis Bounty Celebration

Name of the Holiday/Celebration: Oasis Bounty Celebration

Date of the Holiday/Celebration: 31st day of Phoenatos

Who Celebrates: Citizens of Brisker's Cove, as well as other communities in Seareach

Where is it celebrated: Brisker's Cove, Seareach

A short description of the holiday: Oasis Bounty Celebration is an annual event celebrated in the County of Seareach and those of its towns that are situated on the border of the Sea of Fire. Many of these towns are characterized by groves of fig and pistachio trees, which are frequented by the cactus honeybees.

As the sun rises on the day of celebration, entire towns, cities, and villages are emptied into the various groves. Women head to the fig groves, as these fruits are considered sacred to women, while men head to the pistachio groves. Since traditionally this is hard, hot, and tiring work, the elders are left to teach the children about the importance of the honeybee. These elders take the children to communal apiaries and teach them to respect the bee, harvest the honey, and then return home to teach them of the delicious meals that can be made with the combined harvest. Throughout the day, young adults bring baskets home to the elders and assist them in preparing a banquet, which is a communal affair marked by bringing dining tables and chairs out into the streets.

As the day draws to a close, the women stand at the entrance of the fig groves and await their male counterparts. Here they take part in a call and response song known as The Sun Woes the Flower. While the words of the song vary from community to community, the lead male is expected to play the part of Phoen and the lead female is expected to play the part of Oleani. A flirtatious exchange in song takes place, with the leads frequently changing the words each year. Eventually, once enough women agree, the lead accepts her counterpart's offer and they walk side by side, followed by everyone else, back to the village. The harvest is quickly stored; there will be time later for distribution, shipping, and other logistical needs, but for the end of the day everyone is expected to change into brightly colored garb and head out into the streets for the feast and festivities. Music, dancing, and excellent food amid friends and family continue well into the night.

Imaerasta

Forest Gnomes' Founder's Day

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Founder's Day

Date of Holiday/Celebration: 1st of Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Bloodline Basingstoke

Where it is celebrated: Basingstoke compounds

A short description of the holiday: The bloodline gathers together in their compounds on the 1st of Imaerasta to honor and celebrate the birthday of their founder, Doneagil Basingstoke. Recognition of both Phoen and Jaston occur as well for their part in the containment of a plague. Doneagil's poetry is recited (as well as newer endeavors done in his style or to honor him), and food and drink flow freely. For the children, kite-flying is quite popular (and honors Jason as the kites dance through his four winds), and they spend the days before the 1st creating and decorating their founder's kite. Whenever possible, adults steal away for moments of rest, lying on quilts to honor Phoen by basking in the sun. In the case of inclement weather, activities are moved indoors and modified.

See also: Lines of Blood: A History of the Gnomes

Tanbaxa Torqil

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Tanbaxa Torqil or Tangleball Tourney

Date of Holiday/Celebration: First week in Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Forest gnomes

Where it is celebrated: Typically hosted at a Greengair compound

A short description of the holiday: Held in the first week of Imaerasta, the Tanbaxa Torqil (or Tangleball Tourney as it is more commonly known) is a gathering of forest gnomes ostensibly to compete in a tournament of tangleball, but also to serve as a holiday celebrating the juxtaposition of summer and fall and the different forest gnome cultures.

Greengairs typically host the tournament since their more permanent compounds allow the development of the best tanbaxa courts outside of the Angstholm (who do not welcome visitors usually), but all forest gnome cultures are welcome to participate. If the event is held in a compound near other settlements, then other races may attend as spectators, but they do not participate in the tourney itself.

That said, throughout the year, forest gnomes may teach their friends how to play tanbaxa and hold interracial matches for fun; the Tanbaxa Torqil, however, is reserved for forest gnomes. Greengairs and Basingstokes make up the majority of the participants, with Wendwillows a distant third. Rosengifts are welcome, of course, but they must abide by certain rules (for example, no poisoning the tangleball, no hunting with poison while in Greengair territory, no tattooing the children, etc.). The mostly private Angstholm rarely attend en masse, but the various compounds may send a representative or two to the Tanbaxa Torqil for unity's sake.

Each year, two Tanbaxa Torqil are held -- one in the west and one in the east. The event lasts the entire week, starting on Volnes and culminating in the final matches the morning of Restday. Betting on favored players and teams is part of the fun, and big money can be made or lost at the Tourney. Between the various matches, a vigorous trade occurs as well. It is an excellent time for people to obtain desired goods in preparation for autumn, and everyone tends to bring numerous wares, often unique to their compound or area, to trade or sell.

There are smaller, informal tanbaxa games for children in off hours, and the Wendwillows have several showings of their ephemeral sand art throughout the week, each one different than the last. Each forest gnome culture has the opportunity to showcase something their culture or home enclave is known for as well. In addition, both the opening and closing ceremonies combine a variety of culturally specific traditions, and it is an opportunity for the representatives to dress in their finest ceremonial clothing for all to see.

If opening day falls on the 1st of Imaerasta, the Founder's Day ceremony follows the opening ceremony, which is scaled back in order to focus on Founder's Day. Differences that may normally cause rifts are minimized during the Tourney, especially if it occurs during Founder's Day, but the occasional drunken brawl may offer a sideline of entertainment here and there.

The closing ceremonies include awarding first, second, and third place in all three categories (individual, tandem, and team) and then an enormous feast.

On Tanbaxa: Tanbaxa, or tangleball, is both the name of the ball and of the sport itself. It is played on a large court split into four quadrants separated by waist-high nets and surrounded by low walls. The court itself is comprised of dense, springy organic material. This can be various types of moss, grass, or other plants that provide the necessary density when coupled with the soil beneath. The walls are typically made from matching material, but brightly colored plants may be interspersed with the greenery to represent different teams (or just for artistry's sake).

There are three types of tanbaxa. Individual tanbaxa pits four individuals (one in each quadrant) against one another, while tandem tanbaxa still maintains one player in each quadrant but they are paired with the person diagonal from them and work together against the other pair. Team tanbaxa puts a team of two in each quadrant.

The goal of tanbaxa is to win the best two out of three matches, by being the first person (or team) to ten points. Points are scored in two ways. First, by being the last person/team to volley the ball over a net (meaning the person or team in that quadrant failed to get it out of their area before the ball hit the ground twice, got caught in the wall, or stuck in the net), or by managing the difficult feat of hitting the ball into one quadrant and having it bounce into another quadrant (not their own) without anyone else touching it.

The ball itself is ideally crafted from a knot of tanbrika (a naturally curving, thorny bramble). If a tanbrika ball is not available, any other palm-sized (for a forest gnome) ball wrapped in appropriately thorny vines is acceptable. The ball will bounce on the springy court and wall, but the thorns do increase the ability for sticking, so deciding whether or not to allow it to ricochet off anything is a specialized skill for the tanbaxa athletes. Players choose between the tansiqa or paqtan implements. The tansiqa is a wide, flat bat carved from tanbrik wood, and the paqtan is a netted racquet. There are pros and cons to each. In individual and tandem tanbaxa matches, it is most common for all players to use the tansiqa, but in the team version, one will see more paqtan. However, there are some players who will insist on always using one over the other regardless of match type.

The Angstholm originated the sport and taught the Greengairs, and many say that the best tanbaxa courts can be found in Angstholm compounds. However, the Angstholm have, to date, declined the honor of hosting the Tanbaxa Torqil.

On the Tanbrika: The tanbrika, or tanglebriar, is a thick, curving bramble with large thorns. Smaller offshoots often curl up into densely knotted balls spiked with briars. These knotted offshoots are used to create the tangleball used in tanbaxa.

Vintner's Conquest

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Vintner's Conquest

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Several weekends in Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Elves and lovers of wine

Where it is celebrated: Ta'Loenthra, various city-states

A short description of the holiday: Highlighting the passion of winemaking and the love of competitive sport, Vintner's Conquest is a celebration of elven creativity spanning across the Nations. Renowned vintners compete alongside up-and-coming wineries for the coveted trophy, though the accolades and contracts stemming from such a win are also not something to scoff at. Elaborate displays are set up across the seridals, providing every visitor and anonymous judge an area to taste each sample, the wines are often paired with a myriad of various cheeses to enhance the unique flavors of the vintages. Recently, other city-states have adopted similar contests, as the opportunity to enjoy (several) glasses of wine in the cool autumn air is simply too tempting to ignore.

Taisa'Fyrenith

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Taisa'Fyrenith

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Second weekend of Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Faendryl

Where it is celebrated: New Ta'Faendryl

A short description of the holiday: The Taisa'Fyrenith, or Test of Fireworks, began its life as a student test. Any magic worker with a fire-based focus wishing to move from basic studies into advanced programs is required to pass a practical exam. The exam consists of firing elaborately worked fireballs at target mannequins then immediately shooting off fireworks in different patterns, with the goal being as near to simultaneous casting as possible.

Eventually, other students and professors came to watch, and a new test was added. Advanced students wishing to become masters are paired up against similarly skilled water-based practitioners, and while the end goal is the same, the target is each other and not mannequins.

The result of these early Taisa'Fyreniths was an amazing pyrotechnic display coupled with vast amounts of steam emanating from the college that eventually drew additional onlookers. At first it was just friends and family of faculty and students, but eventually, the demand grew, and the modern Taisa'Fyrenith was born.

Held now in a coliseum, the test is a two-day affair that draws in spectators from across New Ta'Faendryl. Food and drink vendors wander the stands, craftspeople hawk their wares in and around the coliseum, and betting kiosks dot the area. The general air across the city is one of, if not merriment, at least less seriousness than normal; it is a festive situation based around magical prowess, and most Faendryl enjoy it immensely. Watching new and upcoming practitioners under stressful situations that often have explosive results is the perfect way to usher out the heat of the summer for many Faendryl.

On the final night, those who have passed their exams (and are in good enough health to attend) gather together for elaborate fireworks displays developed by the professors and master practitioners as soon as night falls. Visible from great distances, the display garners watchers across the city, not just the ones in the coliseum. In addition, at the end, any who are skilled enough can and often do join the display by showing off their own fire-based designs.

Pearl and Mossbeard

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Pearl and Mossbeard

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Second weekend of Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Locals of Marshtown in Vornavis

Where it is celebrated: Marshtown

A short description of the holiday: Pearl and Mossbeard is a unique festival celebrated in the coastal town of Marshtown, blending maritime traditions with dwarven folklore. This festival commemorates the special relationship between the town's inhabitants and the treasures of the sea: pearls and the pen shell mollusk, fondly referred to as "mossbeard" by locals due to its lush, beard-like appendages.

During Pearl and Mossbeard, the small community comes alive with vibrant colors, lively music, and the savory aromas of fresh seafood. The festival begins with a ceremonial boat procession, symbolizing the locals' deep connection to the bay. As the boats glide through the tranquil waters of the Bay of Solhaven, adorned with colorful banners and lanterns, residents and visitors alike gather along the docks to watch and cheer.

One of the main highlights of the festival is the harvesting of oysters and the trimming of the pen shell "beards." Local fishermen demonstrate their skill and knowledge as they carefully gather oysters, while several other citizens demonstrate their lung power by diving into the bay to obtain byssus. Throughout the day, there are educational workshops and demonstrations where attendees can learn about the importance of marine conservation and sustainable fishing practices. Artisans showcase their craftsmanship, creating intricate jewelry and artworks inspired by pearls and the unique textures of mossbeard shells. As evening falls, the town comes together for a grand feast, where locals and visitors share stories, laughter, and the bounty of the sea.

The Legend: Legend has it that dwarven settlers, famed for their unwavering resolve, encountered pen shell mollusks adorned with their intricate, beard-like appendages. Struck by the challenge of harvesting these elusive creatures, they humorously dubbed them "mossbeards," drawing a comparison to the stubbornness of dwarven elders. This nickname, reflecting both the mollusk's resilience and the arduousness of their extraction, became a symbol of the perseverance required to trim their ornate "beards."

Oath Day

Name of Holiday/Celebration: Oath Day

Date of Holiday/Celebration: Last Feastday of Imaerasta

Who celebrates it: Dwarves and Giantmen

Where it is celebrated: Zul Logoth

A short description of the holiday: Those who live in and around Zul Logoth celebrate a day to honor to remember the Sunfist Pact. The day typically starts with a full tavern where everyone can enjoy a hearty meal, followed by a ceremonial account of the Sunfist Pact, then a renewal of oaths to honor the pact. Finally, a hunt for orcs, trolls, and giants who are sworn enemies of the dwarves and giantmen takes place and ends when Phoen's light fades into the horizon.