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 10 | Valor's Vigil (Thallos) |
| Mudens 28 | Lord Karga's Day (Kratos) |
| Lunasa 7 | Saint Anne's Day (Selene) |
| Lunasa 18 | Trial of St. Salas (Thallos) |
| 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)
Betasha 22
Observed by: Worshippers of Abaris
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
Betasha 22
Observed by: Commonplace, though particularly in areas where equestrianism is culturally significant
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
Betasha 22
Observed by: Commonplace where Betshaba is worshiped, particularly in coastal regions
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
Betasha 28
Observed by: Common in urban areas
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
Mudens 14
Observed by: Commonplace, though particularly in wine-growing regions
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
Mudens 28
Observed by: Common where Kratos is openly worshiped and most nations formally at war, particularly by soldiers
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.
Valor's Vigil
Around Mudens 10th
Observed by: Outside of Thallean Gymnasia, Ascendant's Dawn tends to be only observed in cultures with a strong bardic or oratory tradition
A day dedicated St. Bartholo, challenges are arranged that force participants to face fears and overcoming obstacles. Worshippers engage in trials that test their bravery, such as symbolic battles, a journey through a dangerous wilderness or nighttime challenges that push them to confront the unknown. These challenges are usually individual in nature, with the participant competing only against how well he's done in previous Vigil Trials.
Lunasa
Arrival of the Stonehands
Lunasa 28
Observed by: Commonplace where the Triad is worshiped, particularly in countries formerly part of the Old Empire
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
Lunasa 7
Observed by: Common
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.
Trial of St. Salas
Around Lunasa 18
Observed by: Outside of Thallean Gymnasiae, the Trial of St. Salas is rarely observed
The Trial of St. Salas focuses on perseverance in the face of adversity. The day usually includes some sort of endurance challenge, such as a long-distance race or obstacle course, where participants demonstrate their unwavering commitment.
Sheldsmet
All Troth's Day
Sheldsmet 28
Observed by: Commonplace, particularly in urban areas
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
Sheldsmet 14
Observed by: Commonplace where the Triad is worshiped, particularly in countries formerly part of the Old Empire
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
Sheldsmet 7
Observed by: Commonplace where the Triad is worshiped, particularly in countries formerly part of the Old Empire
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
Sheldsmet 7
Observed by: Common on Gallorea, where Thalia is highly revered, observation is relatively recent in the rest of the known world
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
Sheldsmet 21
Observed by: Commonplace
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
Sheldsmet 28
Observed by: Commonplace
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
Sheldsmet 26
Observed by: Common, particularly in urban areas
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.
Trial of St. Sébastien
Around Sheldsmet 26
Observed by: The Trial of St. Sébastien is celebrated publicly in any region where Thallos is worshipped
The Trial of St. Sébastien (also known as Sébastien's Day or Sébastien's Games) celebrates the quest for personal and communal excellence. Competitions in various disciplines are held, from athletic contests to skill-based challenges, all aimed at achieving the highest standards. Unlike many Trial Days, success is achieved by beating an established standard distance, time or total score, not by individual success over other competitors. Participants who have participated in multiple Trials of St. Sébastien will often have an individual standard set based on their own past performance at the games.
Unification Day
Sheldsmet 12
Observed by: A national holiday in Koramia
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.
