Talvi Festival
Every culture has their observances with regard to the longest night, or shortest day depending on how you look at it, but for the Lunarians it is a once a year window never to be missed.The longest night in Awldor, the Winter Solstice, is a special time of year for the Lunarians. To celebrate the occasion, the Lunarians observe the Talvi Festival- Talvi being a shortened version of the full name. This is the most popular celebration in the Queendom of Lunaria.
A favorite time of year to practice my craft with the attention of a willing audience!
Events
Stargazing, pastry cooking, and magic making are the three activities that form the central pillars of merriment for the great night of celebration. Games and other kinds of entertainment such as music, plays, and tarot cards can also be found. It is a common practice among Lunarians to sing a song during Talvi- with or without the accompany of instruments. Refreshments often include Temi's Original as well as a few other varieties of exotic and expensive drinks.All Day, All Night
Contrary to outside thought, the celebration doesn't start and end with the setting and rising of the sun. It starts the twilight of the prior day and ends the morning of the day after. In other words, it lasts the entire day, and yet the stars are always made present. Yes, the Lunarians use magic to ensure the stars are always visible whether that is through an enchanted telescope or with a magical field that darkens the sky in a chosen area.Stargazing
The main attraction of the night is to look at the stars, for no other night are they visible for as long a time. Of course, during Talvi the stars are always visible if you know who to go to. Some had the means to enchant their telescopes and the goodwill to share their device- with supervision. Others are kind enough to cast an area spell that allows observers to see a night sky even in the noon sun, though such casters are a rarity. All this is to maximize the time allowed to look upon the stars and all other heavenly bodies including any comets or shooting stars. Comets and shooting stars are often regarded as guests of honor should they make an appearance during Talvi.Extinguish that flame! Where do you think you are, The Blinding City of Sol?
Starlight Only Please
A rule outsiders of Lunaria often forget is that no bright light sources are allowed during Talvi. Light sources on the ground can mean fewer to be found in the sky above, and Lunarians are serious about stargazing. Thus, there is a ban on the use of regular lamplight. The idea is the rely on the light of the moon (if present) and the stars. Any other source of light must not be any brighter. For those not accustomed to this, or who do not have dark vision, navigating the streets of Luna could be challenging without guidance. That isn't to say that flames are entirely banned, but their light does need to be controlled so as to not disturb the viewing of telescopes.
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Gift Giving
The exchange of gifts is another aspect looked forward to during Talvi. Some families will save their fortunes the rest of year in order to surprise their young in the morning of the great celebration. Often these toys are placed under a tree, which is decorated to look like a star-field with constellations of meanings known only to the family that decorated them.Proposals
It is a common sight during Talvi for proposals to be made between couples. It is commonly believed in Lunarian society that doing so under the clearest night sky will bring good fortune.Note(s) from the Archivists:
I did not know there were so many stars until attending Talvi. I;ll never forget the combination of the incredibly starry sky with ethereal music and art. Kinda sad I could never experience that for the first time again. - Archivist Rena There really is nothing quite like the sights and sounds of Talvi to encourage the mind to reach out and wonder what is truly out there. - Archivist Taenya Personally, I'll always remember the food. - Archivist BobRemove these ads. Join the Worldbuilders Guild
Thank you! :)