Yuletide (y-ool tyd)

In Ara, Yuletide is an annual celebration lasting 5-6 days. In most regions of the world it is one of the most important festivals, usually accompanied by feasting and festivities, however, how it is celebrated may differ based on geography, culture, race, and chosen deities. Most countries, though, have some similarities in customs which are outlined below.
The holiday commemorates the period of armistice and then the peace that ended The War of the Energies and set the world on the path to Balance.

History

As The War of the Energies ground into what would be its closing days, both sides were near exhaustion. Belnias sent an emissary, Lumina, to request parley for peace negotiations. Oloch eventually agreed, on the proviso that the talks take place in his domain. Lumina volunteered to continue her role as Emissary to the Dark. Oloch chose Cherog to negotiate on his behalf. It is said that the negotiations took five days, though time was different then and in Oloch's domain it may have taken five centuries. During the days of Yuletide, the events of those negotiations are remembered:

1st Yule – Conciliation Day

Agreement to negotiation – Lumina arrives in the dark and takes her seat at the table with Cherog and begins discussions

2nd Yule – Initiation Day

Agreement to share day and night – The First Covenant agreed. The First Covenant set out that the Dark and the Light would share 24 hours, taking turns to dominate the other.

3rd Yule – Concession Day

Concession Day - The Longest Night: Agreement to share the year – On this day, the Major Covenant was agreed. The Major Covenant agreed:

• As with the day, the year would also be shared: one period where the light was stronger, the other half where the dark was stronger, though at no time did one ever fully drive out the other.
• Cherog demanded as they had agreed to the talks, the Light had to concede the year should start in the time of the Dark’s greatest influence.
• When agreed, Lumina sent a message of hope to the followers of Belnias; sending a new bright star into the sky during the longest period of darkness ever experienced.

4th Yule – Deliberation Day

The Minor Covenants – during this time, the smaller details were drawn up – some of these include:

Lights like stars, fires and candles could drive out the dark, shadows could linger around the light.

The Wild Hunt would ride out at what would become Yuletide. They would hunt the roaming Undead, but also those Living upon whom Oloch had a claim that crossed their path. A representative of the Light and the Dark would join the Hunt to ensure this was followed

Delerium Day

Occurs only once every 4 years, as a leap day. Said to be a vision, sent by the other Gods to the parties in negotiation, of what may happen if the war did not end, and persuade them to sanction the Covenants.

5th Yule – Inception Day

Forging of the agreement and the conception of Arawn – This is when for the first and last time, Belnias and Oloch met and endorsed the Balance in full. Much celebration was had by all. Lumina and Cherog that night conceived a child, Arawn, who would be born nine months later at the Autumnal Equinox.

Observance

Ebrion

Being the crossing-point of history, Ebrion has a mix of various traditions that have combined to make its own. Houses, homes and public spaces are decorated lavishly with decorations representing both the season (boughs of evergreens, snow, seasonal animals) and the light of hope in the darkness (candles, bonfires, lamps, bright colours, arcane lights, fireworks). Tradition says that now is the time to remind Oloch that the light is due to return and if insufficient effort is made, he might infer that he need not reduce his influence. In the churches of Belnias and Arawn at this time, a special candle or lamp is lit on Conciliation Day and kept burning until Inception. Many often have Yule Lamps in their homes, too, surrounded by evergreens. Nowadays, these are often in protective lanterns, but there are many historical examples of devastating fires from Yule Lamps. These are often referred to as the ‘Hunt’s Vengence’.
It is during Yule that the first of that year's Autumn ales and wines are opened. These young brews are rarely of quality and are thus often spiced and warmed to create ‘Wassail’.
The act of Wassailing, taking its name from the drink, is common, particularly on Conciliation Day. Celebrating Lumina suing for peace, and bargaining of negotiation, people travel around local houses knocking on doors and singing in exchange for drink, food, or a little coin. They carry a ‘loving cup’ a single cup or bowl which is filled by the house-dweller and all wassailers and the giver drink from, recognising the drink shared by Lumina and Cherog to establish trust. This can range from small children to bawdy gangs of roughs.
Despite all the festivities, Yule is also a time of danger. Often falling in the coldest part of winter, the climate itself is a risk. Beyond that, this is a peak of Undead activity. Yule is also when the Wild Hunt is free to run abroad untethered and the unfortunate may be caught in their path. Because of this, being indoors or in brightly lit crowds is highly encouraged after darkness and it is deemed a foolish time to travel in darkness.
Children are taught to have this fear of the dark at this time of the year and are told to be good and stay in their beds. There are also the stories of the Huntsman of the Light, who leaves gifts for well-behaved children and the Huntsman of the Dark, a demonic figure who will steal naughty children away to be servants of Oloch.

1st Yule – Yulespark, Conciliation Day (liturgical)

Homes are decorated (if it’s not happened already). A wreath of holly and yew is placed on the door to ward off the Wild Hunt. Wassailing happens. People often visit friends and family but make sure to arrive before dark.

2nd Yule - High Yule’s Eve, Initiation Day (liturgical)

A big day of entertainment outside the home. The tradition derives from the followers of Belnias trying to distract themselves from worry during the negotiations. Shows are often put on in town squares and theatres (if there is one). These vary from the religious (often retelling the story of the negotiations) to the comedic (retelling well-known tales to appeal to both children and adults). Traditionally, this is the last day markets are held before High Yule, so it is a frantic time of buying food and gifts for the following day’s feasts. Children are told that on this night, the Wild Hunt rides through towns and villages. If children have been good, Belnias’ representative to the Hunt may leave a gift for them by the Yule Lamp. If they have been bad, however, they had better hope there’s plenty of Yew and Holly on the door, or Oloch’s emissary may take them away to his domain forever. If they cannot enter the house, they may leave a small black rock, charcoal or similar on the doorstep as a warning.

3rd Yule – High Yule Day, Starsnight, Concession (liturgical)

Traditionally, early in the morning, a sacrifice is made to the god most important deity of the region. Gifts are exchanged, children may open their gifts from the Huntsman.
The pious will attend services at local temples to pray for the return of the light (Belnians the maintenance of the Balance (Araneans gratitude for the warming fire (Gobnians) or to other gods to pressure Belnias and Oloch to honour their word. Traditionally, at Midnight, though nowadays often earlier, at sunset, a feast is held, with families saving their grandest food of the year for this day.

4th Yule – Yulesrest, Deliberation Day (liturgical)

Largely a day of rest and leftovers. Traditionally, on this day there is no expectation of even the lowliest peasant to work (in practicality, many still choose to out of a sense of duty or money – innkeepers, healing clerics – or undue pressure). Many who can afford to may choose to hunt for sport on this day, in recognition of the Wild Hunt. Games related to the Hunt are played with children. Gifts of books (among the literate) are common on this day, as this the telling of stories – this is an important day for Ormadians, as he is believed to have overseen the drawing up of the contract.

Every 4th Year – Misrule, Delerium Day (liturgical)

A ‘topsy-turvy’ day. A pair of local peasants are elected King and Queen of Misrule and they lead a raucous day of heavy partying. In families, children are put in ‘charge’ for the day. Masters are expected to serve their servants. The pious often use this day in debate, as an opportunity to challenge established orthodoxies and raise concerns without fear of repercussions.

5th Yule – New Year’s Eve, Yearsend, Yaranday, Inception Day (liturgical)

Traditionally, many contracts and leases are signed or come into effect on this day so that the new terms come into effect on the following day, New Year’s Day. Parties are also common in the evening through the night to celebrate the New Year, especially in the north of Ebrion. Torchlit parades with loud music are often seen, to drive away the dark. Many choose to bless their homes through various regional rituals to start the New Year fresh. Similarly, bathing is popular on this day, either (briefly) in local watercourses or at local bathhouses (where available). This is sometimes referred to as ‘The Cleansing’ and is usually performed with friends and family.

Belegond

Belegond shares some of the traditions of Ebrion, but their celebration is more focused on the Wild Hunt, which is said to issue forth from the boundary of the Urwald and the Everwinter. Here, too, homes are decorated with evergreen foliage and berries. Furs and hides of hunted animals are also common. Windows and doors of homes are strewn with boughs of yew and spruce to ward off the Hunt. People traditionally gather into Feasting Halls, or at least in families for strength in numbers. However, whilst there, much feasting and drinking are undertaken. In Belegond, there is less focus on the 3rd of Yule, the peak of celebration in Ebrion, and more on New Year’s Eve.

1st Yule – Julsbyrja

On this day, the Festbeer is opened, and celebrations commence. Hunting parties are expected to return on this day – if they do not, they are presumed lost. Daredevils and pranksters play games to dare who can be the latest to return, taunting the Wild Hunt: much to the annoyance of worried parents and romantic partners at home! Homes and Feasting Halls are decorated, songs are sung, and wassail is drunk from a Loving Cup or Sharing Bowl. The Grand Stew (Julskettil) is started – a pot of rich, fatty, sweet and expensive ingredients which simmers for the whole of the Yuletide period. It is eaten from and added to across the period. It is traditional to try to end arguments and animosity on this day, end grudges and build bridges.

2nd Yule - Flytsnacht

To commemorate the back-and-forth of negotiations between Lumina and Cherog, this day is a day of speeches and flyting. Flyting is an insult competition between speakers at a feast – this ranges from a witty roast to deep cutting insults which can frequently devolve into fights. Like Ebrion, this is also the last day of markets and baking. People buy hard-baked bread or crackers, Julbrøt, to see them through to the New Year. The more expensive of these are salted with cheese or spiced with dried fruit.

3rd Yule – Hochjul

Sacrifices are made to the Wild Hunt of animals, traditionally a goat (representing domestic animals) and a boar (representing wild animals). They are drained of blood and added to Grand Stew. The blood is painted above the lintel of homes and businesses for luck during the upcoming year.

4th Yule – Julschlaf

A time for rest and stories. Grand epics and tales of great victories are recounted throughout the night, accompanied by mead and wassail.

5th Yule – Jahrendsdag

The high point of Belegondian Yule. Firelit parades, singing and loud music to despatch the last year and herald in the new. In Belegond, it’s on this day that gifts are exchanged, and good children receive gifts from the Geisljaeger (the Huntsman of the Light) or warned of punishment by the Myrkjaeger (The Huntsman of the Dark).

Misrule – Gegnjul

Perhaps inspired by tales of Nilbogs, a slave is designated the Chieftain of Gegnjul. At the end of the day, the other slaves decide if they have been good enough a leader to have deserved their freedom. If so, they are freed. If not, they’re usually beaten up. The slave may choose to win the favour of their peers through any means within their grasp – bribery with food and wine, rousing speeches etc.

Yule in Alagria

As Alagria has a large Oloch-worshipping population, their view of Yule comes from a somewhat different perspective. It is still a time of celebration, though, and feasting is also frequent. In Alagria, Yuletide is also known as Ayaam Al Tafawud, the Days of Negotiation or just Al Tafawud, the Negotiation. The focus of the festival is celebrating the primacy of the darkness and preparing for the burning judgement of the unforgiving Sun.
By Alagrian tradition, people fast during the short day and then celebrate through the long nights of Yule with parties and feasting. The days of Yule are counted by nights in Alagria.

First Night

Rich and sumptuous dark fabrics are used to decorate homes. These tend to be as expensive as the family can afford – velvets, damasks, silk, lace. Drapes are hung over windows and entrances. Dried lemon slices are tied on dark ribbon and hung up to represent the protective yellow eye of Oloch. All visitors are welcomed into the home and gifted with coffee, spiced spirits and sweets. A bowl of sweet treats is left at the entrance for passers-by. These also serve as a gift to the Wild Hunt to persuade them to leave the home's inhabitants for another year before taking them to Oloch’s kingdom. Before sunset on this day, any ‘desired’ undead are corralled and brought inside. Parties of volunteers work together to drive out any ‘undesired’ undead that have been haunting dark places in the hopes that they will be cleansed by the Wild Hunt over the coming nights.

Second Night

There is a strong tradition of shadow puppet theatre to tell stories, mystery plays and morality tales. This may involve children making homemade puppets or professional productions at specially designed theatres with clever or even arcane stage effects.

Third Night

A feast on this night has participants eating symbolic foods for protection – iced mint tea and cooling fruits guard against the heat of the sun; pastries made with black sesame paste and honey to shield from the blinding light; sherbet representing the sands of time. An unoccupied place is always laid so the ancestors may dine with them. Parents tell children the Dark Hunter may leave gifts or coins in shoes for children in Oloch’s graces. Naughty children fear the burning brand of the Light Hunter.

Fourth Night

A night for debates, conversations, and intellectual pursuits. Children are set puzzles, games, and challenges. Games with blindfolds or in the dark are popular. Families often play ‘snapdragons’: small sweetened pieces of bread or dried fruits light raisins, sultanas, dates and placed in a saucer of spirits and lit. The aim is to quickly snatch up the burning sweetmeats and snuff them out in your mouth.

Makhloub (Misrule)

When this day occurs, all feasting instead takes place in the sun, outside on the surface. Tables and chairs are set up outside, or food is taken picnic-style. Heavily spicy foods are served, sometimes with eating competitions of who can stomach the spiciest (there are separate categories for dragonborn). Whilst the day is short and the deserts are at their coolest at this time of year, this day serves as a reminder of the value of the shade.

Fifth Night

A generally more sombre night to think about the year ahead and mourn the later betrayal of by Light. People clean themselves with perfumed oils/sandbaths etc. and clean and tidy their homes for a fresh start to the year.

Yule in Milagon

In Milagon, Yule is known as La Trattativa. Being a religious culture, Trattativa sees many visits to temples, worship, prayer and rites performed specific to the gods of individual followers. However, it’s also a time that largely unites the population, with people wishing each other “Felice Trattativa!” in the street. In towns and cities, messengers are sent with ornate postcards of seasonal greetings to friends and family. Wealthy homes are decorated with ornate decorations of gold and silver filigree. Other homes make use of cheaper metal or carved wooden decorations. Evergreen olive boughs are brought into the home and adorned with pomanders made of dried oranges and lemons studded with cloves. In recent years, candle-powered automata designed by artificers and copied by craftsmen have become very popular. On door jambs, sweet-smelling posies with dried flowers are hung to repel the Wild Hunt, perhaps by seeking the protection of other local Fae. There are many festive sweet breads and cakes made with dried fruits, spices, creams, and custards often with shiny sugar glazes.

1st Yule – Conciliación

Decorations are hung (if they are not already). People visit bars and cantinas in search of friends and Trattativa cakes and spiced wines are consumed. In cities with street lighting, this may stretch through the night. Elsewhere, most are home by dark and gather around the Trattativa fire.

2nd Yule – Iniciación

Local theatres will put on comedic operetta for families, and many temples will provide religious performances. On this night, children leave a box by the Trattativa Fire, hoping that El Cazador de Luce will fill it with gifts. Naughty children, however, find that El Cazador das Tebras has left only ash from the Trattativa Fire.

3rd Yule – Concesión, Estrela

There is a candle-lit parade through the main road of towns, with children dressed in white and black robes. Fireworks are sometimes set off. Candles are lit at home to remember the Star of Hope in the darkness. Gifts are exchanged, with toy soldiers and dolls being very popular for children, while candied nuts and sweets are favoured by adults. Religious sacrifices and services are frequently held in temples, with feasts held in family homes.

4th Yule – Deliberación

As in the rest of Ara, there is no expected work on this day. People visit and spend time with their families. Poems are composed for each other. Some of the poems are profound, while others are silly. Ormad followers traditionally hold a fair in which they swap and share books, as well as give free reading lessons.

Desgoberno (Misrule)

This occurs once every four years. The pious use this day for debate, challenging established orthodoxies. In other places, kings and queens of Misrule are elected and lead for the day, servants are fed with the best foods at the Masters' tables, and similar chaos occurs. The Arbiters detest this day, so they tend to sequester themselves away. 

5th Yule – Inición, Noitevella

People wash their hair and clothes, clean their homes, and get shaves and haircuts today. This is a special day for newlyweds, with friends and family joking about them starting families. Parties occur to countdown to midnight and welcome the new year. A small bag of coins is placed on the windowsill or doorway after midnight, to attract money for the rest of the year.

Mitzu

In Mitzu, Yuru or Yuretaido in Mitzui, represents securing the Balance. Families decorate their homes with silver-coloured charms to represent wishes for the upcoming year. Collections of driftwoods and other objects gifted to them by the ocean in previous years are also displayed.
It is believed by many in Mitzu that the Wild Hunt rarely visit the islands, though when they do, it is associated with great devastation. There is much speculation on why these visits are so rare. One such debate is whether orders like the The Ashen Knights manage the Undead population so well, there’s little sport for the Hunt or if The Ashen Knights must exist because the Hunt rarely visits.

1st Day

On this day, the inhabitants of Mitzu traditionally visit the seashore (those more inland may find a near riverbank). They hunt along the shore to find ‘gifts’ brought to them on the ‘yule tide’ – driftwood, polished glass, rare unexpected items. It’s believed what they find is blessed and can presage their fortune for the upcoming year. Some sell their services interpreting what others have found, finding the hidden meaning in a peculiarly shaped piece of driftwood or an old shoe.
On this day, the women of Mitzu give gifts to the men in their lives: boys, husbands, fathers, friends. Traditionally, this includes a pomegranate, which, according to Mitzui tradition, was the first meal shared between Lumina and Cherog. They took it in turn to each eat one seed at a time. It is a sign of affection to share a pomegranate this way on this day.

2nd Day 

Steamed sun and sticky moon cakes are made and consumed to represent the duality of day and night. Games of gambling, usually frowned on, are expected on this day – though often for tokens or matchsticks. A win is taken as a good sign for the upcoming year.

3rd Day

A large feast is had by all. Traditional foods include spiced dumplings, meats fried in spiced oils, seasonal fruits. This is often accompanied by a special Star’s Wine, made of plums. As a nod to understanding others, like Lumina and Cherog, it is also traditional to try one Christmas food (or tradition) from elsewhere in Ara at this feast. Whilst the wealthy import directly, most households must make do with what local sellers create. Sometimes, talented craftsmen or immigrants to Mitzu can make decent facsimiles, other times, local traders significantly miss the mark. Other, more unscrupulous types completely invent foods and traditions, as pranks or maliciously, to see what they can get away with. One invented creation, a poppy seed pancake alleged to come from Alagria by a merchant who’d accidentally bought far too many sacks of poppy seeds, has now become a popular tradition across several islands, and has even begun to find favour in Alagria.

4th Day

On this day, a traditional parade takes place, with members of the local community donning ornate masks representing stock characters in the Wild Hunt. They march through the streets clashing pots and pans to drive out the evil and undead. It has been rumoured that from time to time, the Emperor of Mitzu has snuck out from his solitude to take a role in the hunt along the Grand Stair of Szhen-Dgou.

Sakasama (Misrule)

On this day, the Tiers of Szhen-Dgou are thrown open and all are allowed to visit areas normally forbidden to them, including the Emperor’s gardens. In other areas, it’s common for temples or restricted buildings to hold open days – often in a way to fundraise as it’s deemed lucky to leave a donation when visiting.

5th Day

Mitzui men give gifts to the women in their lives. It is expected to return one coin for every gift received from the women at the start of Yule. More feasting happens, and drinking of regional sparkling wine. Fantastic firework displays are put on to welcome the New Year.

Primary Related Location

Ara