Post by Admin on Jun 26, 2016 12:33:43 GMT -5
In the region of Calandria, there are a total of seven holidays, several of which are encompassed as festivals. The people of Calandria take their celebrations seriously, whether they are the seasonal holidays or the religious ones, and seldom will anyone who can participate not be found joining in; visitors to the region are welcomed to join in as well.
Founding Day (April 15) - A day set to honor the Deliambre family, who led the settlers from the Seravino region to establish the colonies in what came to be Calandria. The vassals travel to Catanara to host a grand feast and ball for the nobility of the region, while the cities and countryside host their own celebrations. Each region presents a gift, the best of that area, to the ducal family, and will present a very talented child for the Duke’s blessing and sponsorship in their field of expertise. (Secular)
Day of Remembrance (May 31) - A somber occasion devoted to the remembrance of those who passed to the great beyond during the year, the Day of Remembrance is under the gentle watch of Aeternia. Frequently, family and friends will gather to commiserate, celebrate, or contemplate their lost loved ones. The day culminates in the release of paper lanterns to signify the passage of loved ones into the comforting arms of Aerternia and the Triune. (Religious)
Midsummer’s Eve (June 21) - Set on the longest day of the year, Midsummer’s Eve is a time for youths and maidens. A time of feasting and frolic, many celebrations are held in the woods and meadows, celebrating the rebirth of the world after winter. Celebrants gather flowers and greenery, weaving wreaths to wear on their heads; new mothers receive baskets of fruit in honor of their gifts of life. Celebrations start at sunset the night before and endure until dawn. All work is suspended - master and servant alike share in the celebrations, where each serve the other as equals. (Secular)
Children’s Day (August 1) - Set in the heart of summer, Children’s Day is exactly what it says - a day to celebrate the next generation and the hope they represent for the future. The day begins at dawn where children wake to find a small gift on their pillow from their parents, guardians or from their local noble. Often, the day is enjoyed by families at picnics where they play games, dance and receive their local noble’s blessing. Noble children who are coming of age are granted a gift that marks reaching adulthood; many betrothals are established on Children’s Day. (Secular)
Harvest (October 29-31)- Set in the heart of autumn, the Harvest Festival is a three day long celebration to give thanks for successful harvests, to show appreciation for the workers and honor the bounty of the lands. Commemorated by open-air feasts, bonfires, dances and games of skill, Harvest is also a time where the people seek the blessings of the Triune for good health and safety. (Secular)
Day of Atonement (November 1) - On this day, the people reflect, repent and atone for the sins they have committed during the year while under the stern gaze of Filios. Atonement comes in many forms ranging from apologies to charity and good acts within the community. People seek out priests to issue their confessions while receiving advice on how to atone for their sins. (Religious)
Midwinter Festival (December 18-25)- Set on the shortest days of the year, Midwinter is a week-long time for families and friends to gather, exchange gifts and make merry. Theorized as the days the world was created by Paternos, Midwinter is a quiet celebration that honors the year’s end and the start of a new year. An honorary log, decorated with greenery, is set alight at dawn and is kept burning in the hearth until the strike of midnight on Midwinter’s Eve, also known as the Day of the Triune. Candles are set alight in the windows of each home to keep the darkness at bay and to welcome the Triune into the home where a place is set at each table in honor of the Triune. Numerous marriages are celebrated during this time, especially among the peasants, as winter is a slower time. (Secular/Religious)
Day of the Triune (December 21) - This is a day of celebration set in the middle of the week long Midwinter Festival. That the Triune have provided watch and guidance over the people is a true comfort for which they are thankful. To show such, devotions are made to each of the Triune and are done so in a variety of ways ranging from acts of charity and gift giving to shows of strength and might to settling old arguments and embracing a new future. To signify the day, an honorary log festooned with greenery is burned from dawn to the middle of the night. (Religious)