Holidays
- Hibernias -
Hibernias is and was always known as the day of giving, friendship, familial love, and all of the sorts. Taking place on what is also known as the Winter Solstice, this holiday is set on the Fourth of Tuesept, Hiberies. (December 21st OOCly) This not only acts as the time where it is the center of winter, but as a holiday for most, if not all cultures. These cultures might have different takes upon it, or slightly different ways of celebration, yet it all derives from Hibernias.
The celebration dates back far into history, and typically it actually isn’t quite a celebration as one might expect. It doesn’t compare to Arimbias, or the New Year. There isn’t an extravagant party, there isn’t shouting and pretty colors. Typically, Hibernias is spent inside with family and friends, at a warm hearth. It is the longest night, after all; and typically there’s a lot of snow. As such, the celebration part of it comes in the form of food, gifts, stories, and bonding. It’s about taking a break and staying inside for the longest night, and sharing time with ones family and loved ones. Hibernias doesn’t often have objects or pieces associated with it, as it’s mostly known for its purpose and time, marking the winter solstice. Most cultures in varying Kingdoms however, may associate objects or certain celebrations with it. Whether it ties into religion or other practices. But, the base idea of it is a constant. A time of warmth, giving, and family, along with the astronomical sign that it is; the longest night.
- Arimbias -
Arimbias, also taken as the Summer Festival or Summer Solstice, is the longest day of the year, marking the height of the daylight. It takes place on the Fourth of Tuesept, Arimber. (June 21st OOCly) It not only marks the astrological time of this event, but for most cultures and people, it is a festival and is widely celebrated by all.
Celebration varies from culture to culture, but the baseline that is certain is that it is extravagant and wild. In some cultures dyes are thrown and tossed about in the streets from buildings, there’s dancing and music, and everyone enjoys the hot summer day with colors and feast. It is often a time for merchants to set up stalls and enjoy profits made for the celebration, for ladies to dance their heart away, or for men to drink and jest with their friends. It is a time of joy and happiness, and is often regarded as a day off for most aspects of trade to let workers celebrate with the crowds. There is no gifts given like Hibernias, or scary moments such as the Festival of Shadows, as the gift is the warmth and joy spread through the streets and cities, and the scary moments often occur with the hangovers that may occur the following morning.
- New Years -
New Years, of course takes place on the first of every year, that being the First of Monsept, Glacies. (January 1st OOCly) It marks a new start for some, and is merely another year for others.
New Years isn’t often celebrated, at least not as much as Hibernias or Arimbias. It marks the start of a new calendar. As far as celebrations do go, there is often a stare off into the sky as the moon reaches the center, and that marks the true end, at midnight. There may be drinking or some partying, but nothing as extravagant or as heartwarming as Arimbias and Hibernias. Some cultures take this differently. Some don’t even celebrate New Years, while others do.
- Harvest Festival -
The Harvest Festival, also known as the Festival of Shadows, is a unique celebration. While most holidays last only a single day, the Harvest Festival is known among most cultures and in its original state, to last multiple days, even weeks. It primarily revolves around the prospects of the end of the harvest and summer, and the coming of winter.
As mentioned in the prior paragraph, the length of the celebration lasts days to weeks, and it is filled with moderate celebration. Nothing extreme such as Arimbias, or mellow as Hibernias. There is drinking, harvest activities such as bobbing for apples or corn mazes. Though, it often comes with a twist. While most cultures celebrate the Harvest Festival, a good chunk of them do also recognize and participate in the Festival of Shadows. Taking place during the same time-frame as the Harvest Festival in late Folina (October), the Festival of Shadows takes a darker and scarier twist on the whole ordeal. Often dealing in twisted magic, and costumes. Though, there is still certainly a celebration involved, and a long one with that.
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