Festival of the Longest Night
This festival celebrates women in the society of Shotark. It is practiced many other places in Ayora as well. It is held on the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. This festival gives women a chance to go out on the streets and feel completely safe for one whole night. Men stay in their homes and watch any children too young to go out with their mothers.
History
The tradition began around 200 years ago, when women were treated like property and weren't safe alone on the streets. The king of Shotark was married to a woman who influenced him a great deal and she saw the terrible conditions and wanted to do something about it. She convinced the king to start this tradition as a way of honoring women and their contributions to the household and the kingdom in general. It grew in popularity and evolved from a night where women were guaranteed safety to a night where all men stayed home and only women were allowed on the streets.
Execution
At sunset on the night of the solstice, the bells ring in town. At that time, men go home and lock themselves in their houses. Even Keizl's men stay close to the barracks. Women begin to venture out shortly before nightfall and gather on the city square, between The Twins. Each woman carries a small bat on a leather thong wrapped around her wrist. These are decorated joyfully and it's not expected that they'll be used but the women raise them and chant gleefully. They then disband and go off to wander the city streets or have drinks in the taverns. Groups of women band together and do things they couldn't normally do, such as race horses down the street and climb trees for fruit.
Components and tools
The decorated bats on leather thongs are a component for the Festival of the Longest Night. They are used to beat men who venture out after dark on this night dedicated to women. Each woman is allowed to strike a man once with her bat.
Participants
There are women and girls of all ages celebrating the Longest Night. Elders especially enjoy this night, as they can mentor younger women and mingle with other older women without fear of being called a witch.
Observance
The Festival of the Longest Night is held on the winter solstice every year.
Fascinating! This shows a lot about the culture. It is interesting that if a man is out bothering a woman, she's only allowed to hit him once. That is very telling.