The Festival of Lights
The Festival of Lights—one of my fondest experiences in Alhomeria. Celebrating and strengthing the bond between my companions—Lentran, Stella, and Tulutha—is something I will never forgot and always be grateful for...
History
Origins
The Festival of Lights originated in the countries of Alhomeria and Blania around approximately 500 B.R.H under the rule of Belmin Freestride and Robert Rime. The festival was originally intended to mark the beginning of an era of deep diplomatic ties brokered between the two leaders. It is said that when the two leaders met for the first time in the city of Blanmin, King Robert hosted a royal feast in the honor of King Belmin. Supposedly, upon entering the great hall, King Belmin was struck by the beauty of magical lights magically suspended around the great hall—a use for magic he had never seen before. Before his departure, as a diplomatic gift, King Robert gave King Belmin a large sphere of everlasting ice imbued with a permanent light spell that resides within the center—a feat of great magic—called a rushpoun. The symbolism behind the gift was said to showcase the perpetual friendship between the two countries while also complimenting the the Alhomerians on how they always seem to light up their environment. When King Belmin returned, he ordered the construction of a central tower to Freestride Palace, where he placed the sphere—and where it resides to this day. It is said that as long as the light shines, so to will Alhomeria. King Belmin declared the 20th of Taidvy—the day of his return to Alhomeria—until the 22nd of Taidvy a national holiday to celebrate the light and the newly formed friendship with Blanmin.
The Rushpoun Given to King Belmin
Modern Day
In the modern day, the Festival of Lights celebrates the strength of the bonds between friends and family. In addition, the festival has become something of a seasonal event, spanning a much longer period of time than the official Festival of Lights. Leading up to the celebrations, people tend to decorate the interior of their homes with small candles arranged in artistic fashions, as well as leaving lit lanterns hanging outside their houses—signifying that their light is always there for someone in need. During this period of build-up to the festival it is also customary for people to go out of their way in order to perform acts of kindness for their neighbors. The official Festival of Lights is a period of three days, spanning from the customary 20th-22nd of Taidvy. On the first day, communities come together to celebrate the beginning of the festival, often gathering in taverns to kick off the festivities with a night of drinks, games, storytelling, and music. Everyone, young or old, ventures out of their cozy homes in order to celebrate long into the night. On the second day, the focus is all about family and their traditions. Some common holiday traditions include exchanging gifts and cooking a large dinner. However, a tradition unique to the Festival of Lights is walking into a freezing body of water with family—in order to signify the warmth they bring to each other. Typically, people will head to sleep early on the second night, in order to prepare for the festivities of the third and final day. On the final day of the festival, communities once again come together, this time to reenact the giving of the rushpoun to King Belmin. This reenactment typically makes use of heavy illusion magic in order to disguise the actors to look more like the two kings. The reenactment is concluded by the casting of light magic into the air, forming various shapes and colors. After the light show, communities typically celebrate similarly to the first night.
An Alhomerian Tavern Celebrating the Festival of Lights
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