Holidays

Holy days for different faiths and peoples. These are just the most common.

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Abstinentia (Abstinence)

Fertilimens 1

A holiday of the imperial church wherein everyone, even married couples, practice abstinence as a holy sacrament. Those who violate this on this day are considered in a state of sin by the church and must seek redemption. The church polices this mostly by seeing if women give birth nine months later; any who do are punished with public humiliation.

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Aestuslunaris (Moontide)

The first full moon after the first day of winter

In the ancient seafarer religion, this is the day they celebrate those still at sea and those lost at sea. It is a day of mourning, a day of hope for return, a day of rituals to protect from winter storms, a day to calm the seas. Those who are at home waiting perform rituals and share a small feast of preserved fish and fresh bread and cold water. Those at sea perform a ritual to the seas and storms that sacrifices wine brought specially for this purpose. If someone drinks this wine before it can be used, it is bad luck (and punished harshly).

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Aestusmessis (Day of Harvest)

The first full moon after the first day of autumn

In the ancient seafarer religion, this is the day to make deals, to fish deeply, to harvest the bounty of the seas. Divers seek pearls, fishers seek the best fish, traders make the best deals, and those waiting at home perform rituals to give them good fortune in these endeavors. Some beachcombing takes place. Children enjoy the last comfortable days of playing in the seas before it gets too cold. And those who wish to become sailors and other special roles in the seafaring culture make it known their goals so they may begin training.

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Aestusreditus (Tide of Return)

The first full moon after the first day of spring

In the ancient seafarer religion, this the day to celebrate returning ships. It is a day of celebration, a day of happiness, of giving garlands to the returning sailors and fishers and traders. It is a day of thanksgiving rituals. Any who have not yet returned are prayed for in ancient rituals of flower-giving. Those who have already returned are given presents. Their family feast them with fresh fish and fresh wine. Those still at sea perform a ritual of song and dance and share drink and food. It is a happy day no matter where you are.

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Aestussolis (Suntide)

The first full moon after the first day of summer

In the ancient seafarer religion, this is the day they celebrate the departure of ships on the suntide. This is a day of goodbyes, wishes of good harvest (for fishing) or trading, and giving of special charms to sailors. On this day, sailors' children are given presents from any sailors in port, sailors are given kisses from elders (of any gender) if welcome, and any who stay home perform special rites to bring protection to those who go out to sea.

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Ag Ardu (Rising)

Reginamens 16

A holiday of the fey peoples wherein the fey or anyone who celebrates this day gather at dawn to dance, gather flowers, and share trinkets of appreciation. Children are encouraged to frolic until they tire; couples have hand fasting ceremonies; and special songs are sung until midmorning.

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Albaclarus (White Bright)

Any night with a full White Moon and one other new moon. Those who follow the ancient cosmic faith honor these nights by caring for the elderly, remembering the recently dead or lost loved ones, and studying the movement of small orbital bodies such as mesoplanets, centaurs, and satellites of other planets.

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Albanox (White Night)

Any night with a White Moon and two new moons. Those who follow the ancient cosmic faith honor these nights by caring for the elderly, seeking out people they have not seen in a while, and studying the movement of distant stars.

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Albanox Magnus (Great White Night)

Any night with a full White Moon and two new moons. Those who follow the ancient cosmic faith honor these nights by performing rituals led by the elders of their communities, burying any recent dead who have not yet been buried, and studying the movement of the dimmest stars.

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Animadies (Soul Day)

Messimens 7

A day honored in the imperial church during which everyone attends a church ceremony to cleanse their souls, confess sins, and perform a special ritual sacrament of placing small offerings in a large basin of fire. On this day, anyone who confesses a terrible sin (pessimus) faces the church's judgment, which can range from public humiliation, imprisonment, death, or other horrible treatments. This is usually coerced from prisoners or targets of the church.

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Annus Novus (New Year)

Pugnamens 1

The first day of the year, celebrated by everyone in different ways:

• Imperials and the church celebrate it with rituals of new beginnings, confessions, pardons, transitional actions, and special meals to bring luck, wealth, and achievement.
• Those who follow the ancient nature religion celebrate this day with a small, simple meal shared among the entire community, special songs, and blessings for new borns, new couples, new anythings.
• Those who follow the ancient cosmic religion celebrate this day by cleaning and restoring their tools of observation of the cosmos and drinking special drinks at night.
• The fey celebrate this day by taunting the Wild Hunt, toasting the nearest fairy queen and the Queen of All Faerie, and eating special meals for luck, change, and wisdom.
• Those who follow the popular faiths celebrate through a special breakfast, honoring those who have not been freed, and having small parades honoring their heroes.
• And many other traditions.

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Aphelion

Barbatamens 6

The day the sun is furthest from Shem. Those who follow the ancient cosmic religion honor this day by sleeping bare under the stars, drinking only fresh water and eating only simple bread, and observing the most distant stars.

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Athbhreith (Rebirth)

Purumens 28 (29 in leap years)

The final day of the year is recognized by the fey as a special time, when promises and kept and deals are honored, when the dead may rise or the lost may be found. It is a time of transformation and becoming. They honor it with strange masquerades, vast celebrations, and elaborate dances.

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Auramessia (Golden Harvest)

Messimens 20

A holiday honored by many different peoples, especially the fey and those who worship or honor nature. It is the time of harvest, and many workers honor it even if they do not belong to those cultures. It is a time of hard work, building, and harvesting; it is a time of special meals and rituals to prepare for the day.

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Binneas (Sweetness)

Portamens 26

A fey holiday for being kind, forgiving debts, and sharing candy and sweets with children. It is a day where saying "Binneas Shona" is a customary greeting, having a little trinket or candy for every kid you see is expected, and you go out of your way to be nice. Anyone who is cruel or mean on Binneas is liable to be cursed. Tea and cake are a popular afternoon meal on this day.

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Campiondies (Champion's Day)

Fertilimens 2

The final day of chariot racing season during which the final races occur. The champion is crowned with laurels and gets to reign for the rest of the year. They also win a money prize.

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Carrodies (Chariot Day)

Pugnamens 2

In Lupposto, this is the first day of chariot racing season, which ends three months later. It is a big day for opening ceremonies and celebrity races.

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Catenadies (Day of Chains)

Fertilimens 13

An imperial holiday wherein there are no taxes or levies charged for slave trading. Prisoners may volunteer to be enslaved to avoid the death penalty on this day.

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Ceneridies (Ash Day)

Magnamens 24

The anniversary of the most destructive eruption of Violabruccia, honored by massive sacrifices by the vulcanists and island cultures. The sacrifices are usually cows, goats, or sheep cast into the volcanoes, but sometimes it is captured enemies or special objects (even gold). Rituals are performed on this day, grief is shared, histories are told, and people visit the ashen ruins of the lost cities.

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Codladh Fada (Long Sleep)

Hiemmens 21

The longest night of the year, during which the fey perform rituals before they go to sleep so that they might have sacred dreams. The rituals always involve special teas before bed, tellings of the most ancient bedtime tales, and being in bed and not leaving from sundown to sun up.

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Coronafracta (Broken Crown)

Messimens 3

The day Santamaria celebrates their independence from the old empire and new. This is a day of national pride and civic service. People do public work projects, make sure everyone is taken care of, and have big parties at night. Everyone is encouraged to participate and accomodations are made to make sure this is possible. The city leaders spend the day in service, each one taking on a role such as custodian, server, cook, caretaker, and so on, while those in those jobs get the day off. Turns are taken to make sure everyone can participate, and no one is allowed to work all day or work a full day. Special rock candies shaped like broken crowns are given to the children.

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Criochnu (Ending)

Equumens 31

Fairy halloween. The Wild Hunt rides, and all fey wear costumes to hide from them. Other mortals also join in the fun, wearing costumes and playing pranks.

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Debitiadies (Day of Debts)

Equumens 12

Called Iocaiocht by the fey, this day is a day set aside for paying debts. If someone makes an earnest attempt to pay their debts on this day, even if they cannot meet the full debt, there is an onus on the debtee to forgive part of what is left, postpone deadlines, and find clemency. Imperials celebrate this in a very similar way, while the church uses it as a day to coerce people into confessions and paying tithes.

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Dies Matrum (Mothers Day)

First Soladies in Reginamens

Among those who honor their matrilineal ancestors and follow the teachings of the alleged witch cult, this is the day to honor those ancestors, to honor mothers and others who care for the children, and to take the burden off those who engage in anti-patriarchal work. It is a sacred day, and any who worship a mother goddess honor her with great rites and rituals. Others simply honor their ancestors or relatives, and others still honor all women and non-men.

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Dignatiodies (Day of Dignity)

Apertamens 1

A day held holy by the imperial church that requires an hour of prayer in the morning, a public offering at noon, and a special meal at night that is simple.

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Dimidium (Halfway)

Magnamens 30

The halfway point of the year according to imperial standards. The day is a day of rest for all. It is illegal to engage in certain kinds of work on this day - anything not necessary to survival - and anyone who violates this can be punished with hard labor. Most people stay inside and rest, except those who must do the vital tasks, such as fighting fires, healing and medicine, providing food, or serving the rich.

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Elscanintin (Day of Return)

Apertamens 12

The day Lautians celebrate the death of Lauti. It is said by those who believe he will return that this is the day it will happen. They honor his sacrifice every year by watching the dawn to see if he appears in it, then spending the day helping one another, sharing gifts (usually something their friends, community, and family need), sharing meals, and performing special rites. It is a day to rest as well.

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Festadies (Feast Day)

Epulamens 20

A massive day of feasting that is celebrated by everyone. The last great feast before winter, the feast at the end of autumn, the feast to celebrate the maturity of the harvest. This is a day for community and family, for gratitude and love, for peace and good humor.

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Flagellatiadies (Day of Punishment)

Reginamens 5

A holiday of the Imperial Church on which those who wish to confess their sins, come forward, and are punished and forgiven. This is a day of clemency with very strict rules. Heretics and murderers will be spared death if they confess on this day, but still face severe punishment. Minor infractions range from one lash to ten. Moderate infractions may face minor prison time or more lashes. Major infractions face prison, enslavement, or worse, but the punishments are always less than what they would be if they were confessed to on another day.

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Gladiadies (Sword Day)

Pugnamens 13

A day of celebration of veterans and soldiers, and a day to watch the gladiatorial games' championship from the previous year. On this day, veterans and current soldiers get an extra decenumis (in their pensions or current pay) and often get quinquags given to them by commoners who see them. There are usually military parades, and people bring confetti to throw and celebrate with.

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Gloriadies (Day of Glory)

Magnamens 13

The start of the official gladiatorial season. A day to celebrate past victories. A day to honor the brave and bold, a day to act boldly. A day to brag and boast. A day to emulate the proud and powerful. This day sees special ceremonial gladiatorial combats, ones where nobles and rich people pretend to be gladiators and engage in mock fights with unarmed or padded-armed damnati. (If the noble or rich person is actually harmed, the damnati is executed on the spot.) On this day, anyone can volunteer to fight in the open melee game at the start, and the winner may be chosen for special glory or clemency if they are a criminal.

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Griseclarus (Grey Bright)

Any night with a full Grey Moon and one other new moon. This is holy to the followers of the ancient cosmic faith. On this night, parents are given rest while grandparents or other older community members take care of the children. Adults without children celebrate by engaging in romantic or sexual liasons or their own personal pleasure (bodily or not). Children are encouraged to go to bed early.

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Grisenox (Grey Night)

Any night with a Grey Moon and two new moons. In the ancient cosmic faith, on these nights, they all engage in community events, usually games and feasts, and share stories of the ancient constellations, especially the dominant ones at the time.

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Grisenox Magnus (Great Grey Night)

Any night with a full Grey Moon and two new moons. This is one of the holiest nights of the ancient cosmic faith. Witches lead major communal ceremonies. Everyone gathers and drinks clear, pure water, shares a humble meal, and then perform rituals and rites together that culminate in a ritual of looking to the stars. They sing together the ancient songs of the cosmos, honor the elemental spirits and cosmic spirits, and then sacrifice a cow (if there are multiple nights in a row of this, this happens on the last night or middle night). The sacrifice is taken away to be prepared for being shared out to the community, and then everyone shares presents with one another before sleeping under the stars together if they are able.

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La Amadan (Fool's Day)

Apertamens 1

A day of fey pranks, tricks, and hoaxes. April fools, but with fairy magic. It can get outright dangerous.

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La Banriona (Queen's Day)

Magnamens 12

The alleged birthday of the Queen of All Faerie (alleged because it is celebrated on different dates in different parts of Faerie). On this day, one honors one's mother, has social gatherings (dancing parties), and gives presents to any special women in their life. If anyone has a debt to the Queen, they must pay it (at least in part) on this day or be marked for the Wild Hunt. Every fey has cake on this day if they can.

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La Maith (Good Day)

Pugnamens 20

A day celebrated by the fey as the founding of Fortebianco. A day to honor history, parade in the city, and have dances and feasts. A day to be good to one another, to forgive small debts, to encourage someone to adventure, or to set out on one of your own. A day to honor the start of things, similar to the first of the year, but for those who put it off.

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La na Firinne (Day of Truth)

Barbatamens 28

A day the fey tell true tales. Honored especially by those who honor the true stories as part of their fey tradition, but embraced by many fey, this is a day to tell the truth, to speak true tales, to recount histories and current events, and to share news. It is a day not of honesty but of telling stories that were or are true. It is a day of reporting tales, not of making them up. Those who honor this day do so with well proven tales, known tales, not things once kept secret.

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Liberalidies (Day of Liberties)

Hiemmens 10

A day imperials celebrate their freedom. This is a day that is spun as a day to celebrate personal and individual freedoms, but truly, it is a day where they flaunt privileges. They do things others can't. They flaunt wealth and power in public displays. They use more resources than others - burning more firewood or coal, riding magnificent steeds, parading their houses and power. It is a day most view as cruel, but the imperial powers-that-be celebrate as the patriotic height of their freedoms.

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Lupamater (Wolf Mother - Founding Day)

Apertamens 12

The day of the founding of Lupposto. It is celebrated only in Lupposto or by those originally from there. It is a day to share the tale of the founding by the she-wolf, the day to celebrate the perceived legacy of the Talunese Empire. It is a day of displaying the imperial power of Lupposto, displays of their pride in their history, and celebrating the remnants of the empire in Lupposto. People gather at the aqueducts, the ruins, the colosseum, the Wolf's Den (an historical cave), and other places of historical importance. There are parades, banners are displayed, noble houses show off their history by wearing older costumes (purple togas and such), and great sacrifices are made (usually boars and cows, but sometimes prisoners).

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Mediaesta (Midsummer)

Magnamens 5

In the ancient nature religion, midsummer is one of the most sacred days. People celebrate the middle of the summer with a feast, a riding into the woods or wilderness, a ceremonial hunt, and honoring the oak trees (if present) or other emblems of summer. Sunflowers are worn, green leaves are gathered, children go swimming, picnics are had. It is a day of embracing nature. The benendanti lead rituals, make sacrifices to the elemental spirits with what was caught in the hunt, and honoring especially the sun, the summer, and the greenery. Everyone is encouraged to enjoy this day and cherish the warmth while it lasts.

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Mediahiems (Midwinter)

Purumens 5

In the ancient nature religion, midwinter is one of the most sacred days. People celebrate the turning point of winter with a small feast, drinking cool, clean waters, and gathering together in community to share. Itis a day where people gather in-doors and let the benendanti share the old stories of survival, of the return of warmer days, and of what is needed to get through the last of it. The moons are honored, the nights are honored, the winter spirtis are sacrificed to with meat leftover from the summer hunt, and if there is snow, children build snowmen. It is a day of reflection, peace and quiet, and determination.

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Perditadies (Day of the Lost)

Portamens 13

To the imperials, this is the day to honor those who have died in the past year. It is a day of rememberance, a day to let their spirits move on, a day to toast to them. It is about forgotten memories and grief. It is a tradition to keep certain doors closed on this day, to reflect the sealing away of memories that cannot be recalled, the small moments no one remembers between themselves and the ones who are now gone. It is a day of quiet ceremony.

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Perihelion

Portamens 3

The day when Shem is closest to the sun, perihelion is sacred to the ancient cosmic religion. It is celebrated by honoring the sun, the moons, and the planets by observing them, telling their tales, and eating a big meal that has foods representing each of them.

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Primaestus (First Day of Summer) / Solstice

Reginamens 21

In the ancient nature religion, the longest day of the year is a day of getting things done. The benandanti perform a sunrise and sunset ritual, and the rest of the day, everyone gathers to complete community tasks that need doing. If someone has a special need they do not have the resources to complete, everyone helps out. If there is a major project for the community, everyone pitches in. As night falls, everyone gathers for a feast of acorn dishes.

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Primahiems (First Day of Winter) / Solstice

Hiemmens 21

In the ancient nature religion, the longest night of the year is a night of sharing and community. The benandanti perform a moonrise and moonset ritual, and the rest of the night, everyone stays up to keep each other warm. They share presents, people dress as mummers and visit one another just before twilight, and promises are made to those in need to get them through the winter. As dawn comes, everyone gathers for a breaskfast of berries and cream, cereals, and crisp, clear water.

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Primatumnus (First Day of Autumn) / Equinox

Messimens 21

In the ancient nature religion, the first day of autumn is a day of preparation. As the summer heat wanes and the chill winds come in, it is a day to remember the difficulties of winter. The people make a list of things to prepare - the hogs to slaughter and preserve, the drying and preserving processes to begin, the things to gather, the last crops to bring in. It is a day of community work, much like Primaestus, but with more routine and intention. The equinox is observed at midday and midnight by the benandanti with special rituals, and people gather to join them in honoring the autumnal spirits. At midnight, after the ceremony, they all go to bed and sleep in the next day.

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Primavera (First Day of Spring) / Equinox

Pugnamens 21

In the ancient nature religion, the first day of spring is a day of celebration. Spring has returned, winter is gone, and flowers are in bloom. Flowers are gathered. The flowerbearers engage in their ceremonies, and the benandanti perform rituals at midday and midnight for everyone to partake in. Fresh waters are drunk, fresh wine is drunk, simple foods and sweets are shared, presents are exchanged, and love is shard. Handfasting ceremonies are common.

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Redemptiadies (Day of Redemption)

Epulamens 24

In the imperial church, the Day of Redemption is a day when prisoners' sentences end and those who have confessed are done with their punishments. They are taken to a pool or pond, washed in clean waters, blessed by the sacerdos, and told to sin no more. Others with minor sins may be washed and cleansed without confessing, and baptisms happen on this day as well. The pontifece leads a special mass in Sacra Vitta, and if there is no pontifece on this day, a new one will be elected by the higher ups.

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Regalidies (Kings Day)

Barbatamens 13

The imperials celebrate this day to honor the kings of the past. While no kings still have land and full power in the city-states, the memory of them and their greatness remains. On this day, kings are honored, histories shared, tombs visited, and plots hatched. Imperial nobles have the Royal Gala on this day, a celebration, a dance party, and a night of political machinations. During the gala, one of the nobles is elected "king" for the night as a ceremonial observation. This is an extremely political thing.

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Requiedies (Day of Rest)

Messimens 13

A day when imperials rest. A day when those with the resources to do nothing do nothing, and everyone else still works even though it's technically supposed to be their day of rest, too. A day to take off from obligations, not engage in the hard labors of running a noble house or wealthy consortium, and just do nothing. Maybe engage in recreation, but mostly, just laze about.

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Roganox (Fire Night)

Fertilimens 1

Effectively, Beltane. Bonfires are lit, and both the ancient nature religion and the fey traditions find their way out into the fields and wilderness to make love, celebrate with foods and indulgences, and keep warm through the spring night. The fires honor the coming summer and the warmth that it will bring, and people wear flowers, dance around maypoles, and perform various ceremonies, whether fey or elemental.

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Tempestadies (Storm Day)

Reginamens 13

The imperials honor this day as the day storm season begins. It is a remnant of much older traditions, barely remembered, but sacrifices are made not to the storm gods and spirits that it once honored, but instead to the imperial ancestors who are said to protect from storms. It is a day of blood sacrifice and loud violence, big speeches, and acts of risk and danger.

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Trinitas (Trinity)

Any triple full moon. A night of extreme holiness to the ancient cosmic religion. On this night, the fullness of the moons is almost as bright as day, and everyone stays up all night. During the night, they seek to perform close obervations, finding planets, satellites of those planets, asteroids, centaurs, mesoplanets, anything in the near solar system. They observe them, share information about them, record their movements, and engage in deep learning and study. The children are taught special lessons, rituals are led at midnight, and everyone leaves a minor sacrifice (some small trinket) at dawn before they sleep the next day.

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Vectigaliadies (Tax Day)

Purumens 6

When taxes are due in the imperial cities. Tax-collectors, escorted by armed guards, travel the lands and collect taxes, levy them, and arrest debtors.

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Venatio Maleficarum (Witchhunt)

Barbatamens 15

The day of the ceremonial witch hunts by the imperial church. Any witches not executed yet are executed on this day. Heretics and witches are burnt, the witchfinders ride out in ceremonial parade and catch witches, and anyone who turns in a witch on this day is rewarded with forgiveness of their sins.

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Veniadies (Day of Forgiveness)

Portamens 7

In the imperial church, on this day, interpersonal forgiveness is favored. This is not to forgive sins, but to forgive slights between people. It is a day of accord, where peace treaties are signed, people forgive their friends and family of any problems, and major disuptes are settled between people. The church facilitates this, giving them power.

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Viralba (Green White)

A night where the Green and White Moon are both full. In the ancient cosmic faith, this is the night children and parents play special games while the religious leaders perform ceremonies of bonding. It is a night where the young learn important lessons about the cosmos and those who are coming of age are annointed with astral waters.

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Viriclarus (Green Bright)

Any night with a full Green Moon and one other new moon. On this night, in the ancient cosmic faith, children stay up late looking at the stars. Any who have never looked through a scope get to do so for the first time (assuming they are older than a year). Others are encouraged to seek certain targets and taught their importance. Before they go to sleep, they're given special star-shaped treats.

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Virigrise (Green Grey)

In the ancient cosmic religion, this is a night both the Green and Grey Moon are full. On this night, adults and the elderly share lore and knowledge of the stars. On this night, there is a special ritual dance as the faith leaders perform a bonding ritual, and then memories and new science are shared. At midnight, one of the elderly is elected to the elder council if there is a position open.

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Virinox (Green Night)

Any night with a Green Moon and two new moons. In the ancient cosmic religion, children are kept up late and taught special lore and sciences of the cosmos. Newborns are annointed with astral waters, and every age above that up to 16 are given special planetary lore and tasks - learn about the planet corresponding to their age. Those who are technically too young to learn are given special costumes and treats instead.

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Virinox Magna (Great Green Night)

Any night with a full Green Moon and two new moons. In the ancient cosmic religion, they celebrate children all night. The children are taught a special lesson at the start of the night, then at midnight, they are given a feast. This lasts until dawn, and the entire time, they are served like lords. As dawn approaches, a ritual theatrical is performed telling the story of the constellations, and at the end of it, the children are invited to perform anything they like. Usually, the younger ones sing songs and the older ones have orations, stories, or theatricals of their own. The next day, they all rest.

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Votaseptimana (Prayer Week)

Hiemmens 12-18

In the imperial church, this week is spent in prayer. Commoners perform special prayers at dusk. Members of the church perform ritual prayers morning, noon, and night. The pontifece performs seven special masses, and the nobility attend them. Some travel from all over to attend them, all over the world, even. It is a holy week of special rituals and sacrifices, meals and special meetings with the pontifece, and ultimately, in public displays of religious power.