Summer Holidays
| Summer Holidays | |
| Betasha 20 | 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)
End of Fair Week (Minos) |
| Mudens 14 | Jubilee (Furinus) |
| Mudens 28 | Saint Kargas' Day (Kratos) |
| Lunasa 7 | Saint Anne's Day (Selene) |
| Sheldsmet 7 | Day of the Matron (Thalia) |
| Sheldsmet 12 | Unification Day (K)
Arrival of the Triad begins (the Triad) |
| Sheldsmet 14 | Arrival of the Triad ends (the Triad) |
| Sheldsmet 21 | Dedication of the Triad (the Triad) |
| Sheldsmet 26 | The Strands (Paelemona) |
Betasha
Betasha 20
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.
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.
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.
Betasha 28
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
Mudens 14
Jubilee
Mudens 28
Saint Kargas' Day
Lunasa
Lunasa 7
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
Sheldsmet 7
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.
Sheldsmet 12
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.
Arrival of the Triad
Sheldsmet 21
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.
Sheldsmet 26
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.
