Holidays and Festivals in Feyworld
Religious and secular holidays are extremely important to the people of Feyworld, though each holiday itself is of varying importance, depending on the event celebrated or the deity honored. Refer to the table below for a listing of the holidays celebrated by the Koramian and Imperial peoples. Months are listed as according to the Davidian calendar. Those holidays specifically celebrated in Koramia are listed with a parenthetical K, and religious holidays note the deity worshiped on that day.
Dates below are given according to the Durian months, used in the Koramian Calendar and the Neptaran Calendar.
Spring Holidays
| Spring Holidays | |
| Folloch 15 | Spring Equinox
Marageddon (the Healing) (Abaris) |
| Folloch 21 | The Beckoning (Selene) |
| Folloch 28 | Saint Justinian's Day (the Walk) (Pavor) |
| Giblean 7 | Disjunction (Cthos) |
| Giblean 21 | Start of the Phemoan Games (Phemos) |
| Giblean 28 | End of the Phemoan Games |
| Beltain 1 | Saint Pomerius' Fair begins (Minos) |
| Beltain 7 | Day of the Patron (Thalia)
Saint Pomerius' Fair ends with the Spring Summit (Minos) |
| Beltain 22 | Greysword's Day (K) |
| Betasha 1 | The Revelation (K, Vortumnus) |
| Betasha 7 | The Annunciation (K, Vortumnus) |
| Betasha 20 | Prelude to the Waters begins (Betshaba) |
Folloch
The Beckoning
The Beckoning is the high holy day to Selene, though it is observed in most human cultures. The day is filled with revelry, drinking and adult worshipers are expected to engage in the sexual act at least once in the day (whether wed or not). In many regions, young women are expected to wear sheer clothing and heavy makeup to beautify themselves, while young men are expected to be anointed by oil and run naked through their city or village. If such a runner is caught by a woman, they are expected to copulate. At a feast at the end of the day, a Rose Queen is selected as the most beautiful woman at the festival and a Green Man is chosen from among the ugliest of men (meant to symbolize Selene and her husband, Podalirius). These two are given the seat of honor at the feast table and, if they copulate that night, it is believed Selene will particularly honor the group in attendance for the following year. In more conservative areas, a kiss can suffice for the sex act.
Marageddon (the Healing)
The spring equinox is referred to by worshipers of Abaris as the Marageddon, the Healing, and is observed with a service at the Mysteriorum at dawn, followed by a day of contests of magical aptitude and scholarly intellect. During the Marageddon Symposium, potential Apprentices are tested and selected by their Masters. Those who cannot attend service are expected to pray to Abaris at dawn in thanks for their knowledge and for the strength to continue to expand their knowledge. Adherents typically wear a Hyacinth cluster on this day.
The Planting
The Planting is a festival on the Spring Equinox observed by farmers and is holy to worshipers of Podalirius. The day is marked with traditional cleaning of the residence in the morning, followed by dancing, drinking and general revelry in the afternoon. Many regions incorporate celebrations to other deities, particularly for Drames, Selene and Taygete, something encouraged by the clergy of Podalirius.
Saint Justinian's Day (the Walk)
Saint Justinian's Day is observed by messengers, laypeople and worshipers of Pavor as a day to honor Saint Justinian the Wanderer. Celebrants participate in "The Walk," a parade that begins at dawn, stopping every three hours to tell a tale or, in more urban areas, watch a play about Pavor or one of his saints. The Walk ends in a feast at dusk, where there is singing, dancing and more tales are told. In many areas, it is considered particularly favorable to cross a river (in honor of Pavor's mother, Adrasteia) on a log (in honor of Pavor's father, Virtus) during the Walk.
Giblean
Disjunction
Disjunction is one of the two high holy days of Cthos and occurs on the 7th day of Giblean. It is during this day that Cthos relinquishes his hold on the spirits of the damned and permits them to walk the mortal world. Most spirits who elect to visit the mortal world do so to remind the sinful of the horrid afterlife that awaits them or relate some important piece of information they took to their grave, but some come to do harm. Mortals celebrate this holy day by attending Church and repenting of their sins during the day and decorating their houses with Yew branches at night, to ward off the angry dead.
Laurel Day
Laurel Day is the high holy day of Phemos, god of sport. On years where the Phemoan Games are held, it is on this day that winners are announced and rewarded for their victories. Even in years where the Games are not held (or in regions where it is not observed), Laurel Day is a day to recognize great heroes and athletes (though it would be sacrilege to recognize a gladiator on this day). Feasts and triumphal marches are held for those chosen to receive the Laurel Crown and songs about their deeds are sung. A foot race for young men or children is usually held on the day, if the day is not celebrating the conclusion of the Phemoan Games.
The Phemoan Games
The Phemoan Games is a series of sporting events conducted to honor Phemos, the god of sport. Particularly popular in Aebasa and in some of the nations formerly part of the Great Empire, organized competitions include wrestling, horse racing, boxing, foot races, discus throwing and javelin throwing, though regional variations often include sports specific to those regions. Unlike most holy weeks, the Phemoan Games take place only once every four years (a period of time sometimes referred to as a Phemiad). The games conclude with Laurel Day, where the winners of the events are awarded and lavished with gifts. Adherents to Phemos consider the Phemoan Games a sacred time for enemies to put aside their weapons and compete peacefully... conducting war during this time is considered a sin. The only worse sin to a worshiper of Phemos would be conducting a gladiatorial combat as part of the Games (there are legends of wicked tyrants daring to do so and invariably they are deposed, rather bloodily, with a Phemiad).
Beltain
Day of the Patron
One of the high holy days of Thalia, the Day of the Patron is a day set aside to honor fathers and fatherhood. Traditionally, it is a day where fathers are granted a day free of work, where their family attends to their needs, where practical. The day begins with a ceremonial footwashing, conducted by the man's wife (or, lacking such, one of his daughters). Children are expected to give a small gift that they crafted themselves to symbolize their thanks to their father. In the Old Empire, it was also considered a day for clients to recognize the beneficence of their patrons, even between client states and the Emperor himself. Though this tradition has waned since the fall of the Empire, the day has recently been celebrated in a more traditional manner.
Greysword's Day
The birthday of King William I Greysword, Greysword's Day is still observed in Koramia even a century after his death. Veterans of the Koramian military are honored on this day, including former soldiers and city guardsmen. In Paeldain, it is a day of great pageantry, where knights and nobles march in a parade through the city, ending with a service at the temple to Vortumnus to honor the memory of their king.
Saint Pomerius' Fair
Saint Pomerius' Fair is a week-long market fair holy to Minos as a week to honor Saint Pomerius the Young. As with most of the Minoan Fairs, the Fair takes place in a designated Market Town where merchants from nearby countries gather to sell and trade. Traditionally, Saint Pomerius' Fair is also when new craftsman or merchant Apprentices are judged and, if they pass the tests placed on them by the Masters of their crafts, are chosen for Apprenticeship. It is also a time when many new contracts are initiated between merchants and craftsmen. Saint Pomerius' Fair ends on Beltain 7, with a morning service at the local temple to Minos where new Apprentices are presented to the congregation, followed by the Spring Summit among local guildmasters.
Spring Summit
Spring Summit is a holy day of Minos where local guildmasters are expected to gather at the nearest temple to Minos to discuss plans for the following year, set prices (where it is legal to do such) and settle any inter-guild disputes from the previous season. It takes place on the last day of Saint Pomerius' Fair, which is why guildmasters observant to Minos are generally absent from the Market Towns during that festival.
Betasha
The Annunciation
The highest of holy days for worshipers of Vortumnus who follow the Koramian Heresy, the Annunciation is believed to be the day that Saint Garimund of Ryard was commanded by the archangel Michahel to spread word of what was revealed to him in the Koram aboard the Glorious Galleon. Where observed, it is a solemn occasion marked by five Great Masses throughout the day.
Prelude to the Waters
Prelude to the Waters are feast days holy to Betshaba celebrating the bounty of the sea, leading up to the Rise of the Waters ceremony on the summer solstice. The solemnity of the event varies widely depending on differences in local culture: some Preludes are loud, drunken affairs where sailors tell tall tales and eat vast amounts of crab and oysters while others are more subdued celebrations with calm music and various fish dishes prepared. Sailing on the open ocean during Prelude is considered bad form at best and, unless the Rise is observed faithfully, tempting Betshaba's legendary rage.
The Revelation
One of the high holy days for Vortumnus in the Koramian Heresy, it is believed that this is the day that Saint Garimund of Ryard first boarded the Glorious Galleon and discovered the Koram in 186 IC. Where observed, it is the start of a week-long series of tournaments where knights compete in jousts and duels for honors. In Koramia itself, a King who has acceded to the throne is formally crowned on this day (recently, this tradition has been observed in Narbonne as well). The holy week ends with the Annunciation.
Summer Holidays
| Summer Holidays | |
| Betasha 22 | Summer Solstice
First day of Abarisian Calendar (Abaris) Garnheggan (the Brightening) (Abaris) Prelude to the Waters ends (Betshaba) |
| Betasha 28 | Saint Basilieos the Wanderer's Day (Cebren) |
| Mudens 14 | Furinalia (Furinus) |
| Mudens 28 | Lord Karga's Day (Kratos) |
| Lunasa 7 | Saint Anne's Day (Selene) |
| Lunasa 28 | Arrival of the Stonehands (Baelthor) |
| Sheldsmet 7 | Arrival of the Seaqueen (Betshaba) |
| Sheldsmet 12 | Unification Day (K) |
| Sheldsmet 14 | Arrival of the Father (Ptharos) |
| Sheldsmet 21 | Dedication of the Triad (the Triad) |
| Sheldsmet 26 | The Strands (Paelemona) |
| Sheldsmet 28 | All Troth's Day (Fides)
Saint Michael's Day (Michaelmas) (Erato) |
Betasha
Garnheggan (the Brightening)
Garnheggan, the Brightening, is observed by worshipers of Abaris on Betasha 20th, the summer solstice. Observers are expected to attempt to reach the nearest Mysteriorum for noontime prayer, followed by the Garnheggan Symposium, where lectures are given on new theories in magic and prominent magi are expected to share their discoveries with their fellows. Wearing a red carnation is customary on Garnheggan and those unable to attend Mysteriorum are at least expected to pause at noon to give thanks to Abaris for the Gift of Knowing. It is also the deadline for delivery of research papers for inclusion in the previous years' Codex Annuus Abaris.
Ophion's Day
The high holy day of Ophion, Ophion's Day is traditionally celebrated by conducting the Ophionic Games on the summer solstice where horse-racing, chariot-racing and other horse-related sports are played by young men. Some regions (particularly Narbonne and Koramia) observe Ophion's Day by holding a tourney with jousting as its focus. Though traditions vary by region, one of the most popular rewards for the overall winner of the games is for a local sponsoring tavern to grant the victor free wine for a year and a day.
Rise of the Waters
The high holy day of Betshaba, the Rise of the Waters is a ceremony that takes place at a high tide in daylight on the summer equinox. The local priests and any congregants present wade into the largest body of water (preferably the ocean) and give thanks to Betshaba, imploring her for calm seas and a safe summer season. Though the Prelude to the Waters, the feast days preceding the Rise, can often be a raucous occasion, even the most debauched sailors will maintain their solemnity during this event, lest they risk attracting Betshaba's ire. Women who are believed to be particularly beautiful (or believe themselves to be) are expected to wear plain or hideous masks, so as to avoid Betshaba's jealous rage.
Saint Basilieos the Wanderer's Day
Saint Basilieos the Wanderer's Day (often called 'Saint Basil's March' on Duria) is a holy day for Cebren the Piper in honor of Saint Basilieos the Wanderer. Celebrants march through the streets of the city (or between towns on well-worn pilgrimage routes) singing and dancing. Celebrants are prohibited from purchasing food or drink and so entreat their audience to give them bread and wine in appreciation for Cebren's Spirit invoking music in them. In some regions, groups of singers go from house to house, singing a song at each until food or wine is given.
Mudens
Furinalia
The high holy day of Furinus, Furinalia is a day of revelry, dance and, most importantly, wanton drunkenness. In regions where it is celebrated, masters are expected to give their servants a day and a half free of work (Furinalia itself to celebrate and the first half of the following day to recuperate). Traditionally, a goat is sacrificed by a group of women tearing it limb from limb (symbolizing the defeat of wickedness), though more recently many regions prefer to ceremonially slaughter the goat, which becomes the centerpiece of an evening feast. Bread and wine are also consumed in copious amounts during these feasts. In some areas, a local simpleton or fool is crowned "King of the Day" and treated as royalty by the revelers. In more conservative regions, the day is celebrated only by having mutton, bread and wine at an evening meal.
Lord Karga's Day
Lord Karga's Day is the holiest day to followers of Kratos the Steelhand. It is on this day every five years that the Test of the Myrmidon is conducted. Whether the Test is being conducted or not, followers of Kratos gather on this day to test their skills in a great fair in those cities where Kratos is honored. Contests include gladiatorial-style combats, combats on horseback, axe-throwing and archery contests. The most significant competition, however, is ironically the Kratai tournament. Kratai is a board game, played by two people, that relies on knowledge of tactics and strategy. The victor of the Kratai tournament is Master of the Feast for the night and must be served at a feast that follows by the others in attendance regardless of rank, even if one of those in attendance is the Warpriest himself! Ironically, fighting on a battlefield is forbidden on this day and enemy soldiers will often call a truce for the day to join in Lord Karga's Day celebrations with one another.
Lunasa
Arrival of the Stonehands
Arrival of the Stonehands is the first of three holidays collectively called the Arrival of the Triad, representing the return of the Triad from the chaos and the creation of the world. One of the high holy days of Baelthor, the festival day usually includes a trade fair where craftsmen working in stone or earth open their workshops to visitors or set up in the street so others may observe them working. There are often also contests of strength throughout the day, including wrestling, log-tossing and stone-lifting. The day ends with a mass at dusk, with a sermon on the arrival of Balthor from the chaos and the creation of Baltheron and a celebration of his children, the Ilum Balthoran.
Saint Anne's Day
A holy day to Selene the Vermillion, goddess of beauty, in honor to Saint Anne the Wise, Saint Anne's Day is a solemn celebration of marital love. Marriages on this day are common, particularly if the wedding is of free choice and not an arranged marriage. Married couples are forbidden to argue on this day, though they will often consult with a priestess of Selene on their differences in honor of the Vermillion goddess. The day usually ends with a mass at a local temple to Selene (where such exists) and a private evening meal with one's family. Of course, that evening observant worshipers who are wed are expected to engage in sexual intercourse with their spouse. Brothels dedicated to Erato, god of love and Selene's son, are typically closed on Saint Anne's Day and observant courtesans forbidden from taking a lover for the evening.
Sheldsmet
All Troth's Day
All Troth's Day is a high holy day dedicated to the god of oaths, Fides the Oathbinder. Traditionally, it is considered an auspicious day to enter into new contracts, treaties between nations are formally recognized and a day to affirm the renewal of annual contracts (many contracts initiated by the faithful of Fides will stipulate this annual renewal as a requirement of the contract). In most urban areas, this renewal is handled in a morning service at temple, where the congregation participates in a general promise to renew all oaths given in the previous year. Lying on All Troth's Day is considered to draw the particular wrath of Fides and children often play "Trothed or Durst" where a question is asked and the other must answer truthfully or accept a dare defined by the questioner.
Arrival of the Father
Arrival of the Father (also known as Arrival of the King on Aurea) is the last of three holidays collectively called the Arrival of the Triad. One of the high holy days of Lord Ptharos, the day begins at dawn with a traditional mass, followed by a festival that features plays depicting various stories of the creation of world. In large cities with a strong following, these plays are often elaborate affairs, with stages and costuming built well in advance by individual trade guilds who vie with one another for the most impressive display. Banners and windsocks are flown where possible, often by children enjoying the festivities.
Arrival of the Seaqueen
Arrival of the Seaqueen is the second of three holidays collectively called the Arrival of the Triad, representing the return of the Triad from the chaos and the creation of the world. One of the high holy days of Betshaba, the festival day usually includes a number of competitions in honor of Betshaba, including swimming, rowing, fishing and, for children, even knot tying. The festivities cease for a solemn noontime mass, which traditionally includes a sermon on how Betshaba gave water to Baltheron and the genesis of her children, the Ilum Bet-sha.
Day of the Matron
One of the high holy days of Thalia, the Day of the Matron honors mothers and the concept of motherhood. Mothers are typically granted a day free from work where the holiday is observed. The day begins with a ceremonial foot washing conducted by the mother's husband (or sons, if there is no husband). Flowers are common gifts from children to their mothers on this day. Many regions, particularly on Aurea observe the day with some levity, where husbands compete in traditionally motherly tasks, such as washing clothes, sewing garments or spinning, with their wives judging the winners.
Dedication of the Triad
A holy day to Lord Ptharos, Betshaba the Seaqueen and Baelthor the Stonehands, the Dedication to the Triad is an important holy day even in regions where the Triad's importance has waned. On this day, an immense bonfire is built as evening approaches. Children put on masks and run through the streets of their village or town, screaming and playing as loud as possible, to chase off any evil spirits who may seek to disrupt the ceremony. Then, as midnight approaches, the worshipers gather at the bonfire carrying a bucket of earth or water. They begin to sing a hymn to the Triad which empowers a casting performed by the ranking priest. If Lord Ptharos is pleased with those present and the ceremony itself, a wind will suddenly build at midnight, signaling the worshipers to throw the contents of their buckets onto the fire, dousing it. They then return to their homes, forgiven of the sins of the past year for as long as they keep their ceremonial bucket prominently displayed in their house. The event symbolizes the defeat of Dagon by the Triad, and its successful operation is extremely significant to the worshipers who participate. An unsuccessful Dedication of the Triad ceremony has resulted in more than a few villages being deserted by its inhabitants, who fear the displeasure of Lord Ptharos. Recently, a tradition has begun where those who do not wish to be disturbed by the rampaging children give them confections or toys to keep them appeased. Many church fathers are disgruntled at this behavior, but the Pontifex has not yet issued an official decree on the matter.
Saint Michael's Day
Saint Michael's Day (also known as Michaelmas) is a holy day to Erato honoring Saint Michael the Archer. In most areas, husbands and wives exchange flowers, paramours write poems for their intended and even children give little heart-shaped wreaths to one another. In regions where Erato is particularly honored, there are archery competitions throughout the day, with the victor being proclaimed "Lord of Love" and (if he is unwed) granted free visits to the a brothel dedicated to Erato for the following week. The day is also marked with a mass at noon, where the local priest entreats those harboring a secret love to reveal that love to the object of their affection.
The Strands
The high holy day of Paelemona, goddess of Fate, the Strands is a festival day for weavers and clothiers. In cities and towns, local guilds associated with weaving usually sponsor parades with elaborate wagons depicting anything from stories of Paelemona to more regional displays celebrating local rulers or heroes. Fortune-tellers often set up tents on this day to ply their trade and various forms of divination (whether actually empowered or conducted using more mundane means) are considered to be particularly accurate and favored by Paelemona. In cities with prominent temples to Paelemona, local rulers are expected to walk barefoot to the local temple to receive predictions on the year to come from the oracle. Unsurprisingly, it is considered very bad luck to kill a spider during the Strands.
Unification Day
Unification Day is held in Koramia to commemorate the Battle of Dragon Pass, where King William I Greysword accepted the surrender of the Iceni army under Prince Alric of the Iceni in 1210 IC. It is celebrated in Koramia with feasting, tournies and military parades in the nation's large cities. Veterans of Koramia's wars can expect to drink for free in most taverns on Unification Day.
Autumn Holidays
| Autumn Holidays | |
| Damhar 1 | Autumn Equinox |
| Damhar 10 | Saint Garimund's Day (K, Vortumnus) |
| Damhar 14 | Taskday (Ladon) |
| Damhar 21 | The Harvesting (Podalirius) |
| Sultain 5 | Foundation Day |
| Sultain 15 | Saint Amandus' Fair begins (Minos) |
| Sultain 21 | Saint Amandus' Fair ends (Minos) |
| Nollaig 5 | The Reckoning (Aridnus) |
| Nollaig 7 | Remembrance (Cthos) |
Damhar
Godric's Day
Godric's Day is a significant holiday to Baelthor, the Stonehands, and tends to be practiced primarily in rural, manorial areas, though some cities where worship of Baelthor is particularly strong also participate. The celebration, which takes place on the autumnal equinox, is a day-long feast dedicated to the bounty of the earth. It is held inside, where possible, and is supplied by the people who eat of it. On this day, the farmer may take his fill first, with the knights of the noble next, and finally, the highest ranking individual present, often the noble of the household, who must take the scraps left behind. The purpose of the ceremony is to remind the nobility that they subsist only through the hard work of their subjects. Most nobles take the ceremony in good humor, as there is rarely a paucity of food to go around. Nobility who refuse to partake are often viewed with suspicion at best and banning the holy day outright is typically seen as the sign of a tyrant. Godric's Day is dedicated to Heiliger Godric.
The Harvesting
The Harvesting is a high holy day of Podalirius the Gnarled Man. This harvest festival is a day set aside to celebrate the year's harvest and to give thanks to Podalirius for his bounty. The day is marked with feasting and agricultural games, like plow races, baking competitions and hay-heaving. An evening mass is conducted at the local temple. Typically, any chevage due by the peasantry to their lord is paid or accounted for by this holiday.
Ralishar (the Coloring)
Ralishar, the Coloring, is observed by worshipers of Abaris on the autumnal equinox. Typically, a service is held at the Mysteriorum at dusk where Apprentices who are deemed ready are formally recognized as Masters in their respective Orders. If a worshiper can't attend the Ralishar Convocation, they are expected to at least observe a moment of prayer to Abaris at dusk. Most observers will wear a holly leaf or spring of holly on Ralishar.
Saint Garimund's Day
Saint Garimund's Day is a feast day for the god of honor, Vortumnus, dedicated to Saint Garimund of Ryard. It is believed that on this day in 198 IC Saint Garimund was martyred fighting in the Battle of Waite Crossing against giants who sought plunder from a temple to Vortumnus there. Nobility who observe the day grant their workmen a day free of labor for feasting, though there is typically a long services in the morning recounting the deeds of Saint Garimund of Ryard (though those who follow the Imperial and Aebasan traditions focus on his martyrdom and ignore the discovery of the Glorious Galleon in this youth).
Taskday
Taskday is a feast day honoring Ladon Stronghands observed on Damhar 14th. In regions where the worship of Ladon is respected, workers are granted the day free of labor, with feasting, dancing and games encouraged. Even in the few regions where the worship of Ladon is prohibited, slaves will often find a way to secretly celebrate the day at a communal evening meal.
Sultain
Foundation Day
Foundation Day is celebrated solely in the Freecity of Neptaris on Duria. On this day in 1 NC, it is believed that Zarakos of Taranio and his companions founded Neptaris after years at sea searching for a new home. The day is celebrated with triumphal marches, parades celebrating the independence of the city and the veneration of those gods popular among the people of Neptaris.
Saint Amandus' Fair
Saint Amandus' Fair is a week-long autumn market fair holy to Minos as a week to honor Saint Amandus the Venerable. As with most of the Minoan Fairs, the Fair takes place in a designated Market Town where merchants from nearby countries gather to sell and trade. Traditionally, Saint Amandus' Fair is when new Guildmasters are elected to office by trade guilds, retired guildsmen are honored and deceased guildsmen of import are recognized. Saint Amandus' Fair ends on Giblean 28 with a sunset service at the local temple to Minos.
Samhain
Nollaig
The Reckoning
The Reckoning is the high holy day of Aridnus the Fair, set on Nollaig 5th. The day is marked with a solemn morning service intended to remind adherents of their duty to truth and proper judgement. After this service, merchants and craftsmen are expected to come to the priests of Aridnus to have their weights and measures examined and approved. Particularly devout worshipers are also expected to submit themselves for judgement for any sins they have yet to atone for in the previous year. In regions where the priesthood of Aridnus act as secular judges, the day is usually marked with the execution of criminals and judicial fines from the previous year are to be paid on this day.
Remembrance
The second high holy day of Cthos, Remembrance, occurs on the 2nd day of Winter (the 7th of Nollaig or Ditilis). This is a day to remember and honor the dead. On this day, services are held to remember the dead and flowers are placed on gravesites to show one's respect for those who have passed. In some regions, a small gift (like a coin) must also be left behind at the grave-site as a sacrifice for the well-being of the deceased's spirit.
Winter Holidays
| Winter Holidays | |
| Nollaig 8 | Winter Solstice
First day of the Hieronymide calendar |
| Nollaig 21 | Feast of the Yul (Alcyoneus) |
| Eanaire 7 | Sanctuary (Pavor) |
| Eanaire 14 | Accounting (Minos) |
| Eanaire 22 | The Ascension of Saint Garimund (K., Vortumnus) |
| Folloch 1 | First day of the Davidian Calendar |
| Folloch 14 | Saint Saraphina's Day (Drames) |
Nollaig
Clemency
Clemency is the high holy day of Clementia and takes place on Nollaig 8, the winter solstice. On this day, prayers for the unfortunate and oppressed are given from dawn to dusk at all temples to Clementia. Devout worshipers are encouraged to tender work in food houses, orphanages, hospitals and leper colonies, regardless of whether they are supported by the clergy of Clementia or not. Alternatively, worshipers can dress in the robes of a beggar and sit on the stoop or at the gate of the wealthy, imploring mercy for criminals and the sick to any who pass (this symbolizes Clementia's place at the doorstep of her mother, Betshaba, begging for her to be merciful). In some large cities, the day is marked by granting clemency to minor criminals currently in custody. In regions where the worship of Clementia is prohibited, there are often massive pogroms on these days as her worshipers steadfastly refuse to keep their beliefs secret.
Feast of the Yul
The Feast of the Yul is a high holy day of the god of youth, Alcyoneus the Yul. The day is celebrated with feasting and gift-giving, particularly for children. Generosity and kindness is particularly encouraged by celebrants. Groups of singers will often travel from home to home singing hymns or light ditties, expecting a warm beverage in a show of generosity and appreciation. Among the Valtang, it is traditionally a day to hunt boar, a tradition that has begun to spread even among their enemies across Aurea and Duria (though in regions where boar are rare, other animals will suffice).
Noxheggan (the Darkening)
Noxheggan, the Darkening, is observed by the worshipers of Abaris on the winter solstice. Observant worshipers are expected to attend service at the nearest Mysteriorum at midnight followed by the Noxheggan Symposium, where the mages who have passed in the last year are recognized for their accomplishments. Even if a worshiper is unable to attend the Symposium, they are expected to give thanks to Abaris silently at midnight for those mages that have come before them, noting particularly any deceased Masters or mages who influenced their work. The flower of the Black Hellebore is commonly worn by worshipers of Abaris on Noxheggan.
Eanaire
Accounting
Accounting, which takes place on Eanaire 14, is a high holy day for Minos, god of commerce. On this day, merchants and craftsmen observant to Minos are expected to balance their books, pay any remaining debts past due and submit their accounting to the nearest temple to Minos, where it is recognized and recorded (and often sent to the local lord to determine appropriate taxation and fines). Failure to comply with the tradition is, at least, considered disrespectful to Minos and, in some regions, considered an attempt to avoid paying taxes, subjecting the merchant to arrest and imprisonment for failure to pay his debts.
The Ascension of Saint Garimund
The Ascension of Saint Garimund (often referred to simply as 'Ascension') is a high holy day for Vortumnus, god of honor. It is thought that this is the day that Saint Garimund of Ryard rose from the grave and ascended into sainthood at Vortumnus' side. It is a solemn feast day where observed, marked with a morning mass for the dead and an afternoon mass celebrating the resurrection of Saint Garimund as a demigod.
Sanctuary
Sanctuary, held on Eanaire 7 is a high holy day of Pavor Longshanks. The day is marked with feasting and observers are expected to welcome any traveler to their feast table in return for stories from far off lands (or just the village down the path, depending on how far they have traveled). In some regions, outlaws are granted the right to travel into towns and villages unmolested by the local authorities, though they are expected to depart by nightfall. Outlaws specifically considered excommunicate by the clergy of Pavor (often for taking advantage of Sanctuary) are similarly excluded from the day and may be arrested if found.
Folloch
Saint Saraphina's Day
Saint Seraphina's Day is a high holy day for Drames, the Many-Sheaved, in honor of Saint Saraphina the Kind. It is a feast day in honor of handmaidens and midwives, but is typically also a day for young wives and their husbands to entreat Saint Saraphina to intercede for them with Drames for fertility or, if the woman is already with child, an easy child birth. Breads and beer are common at the feast and midwives are treated as guests of honor, served by those they have helped through childbirth (both mothers and, possibly, their children).
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