Alban (Ahl-bun)

Throughout Eldamar, Alban is widely celebrated throughout the regions, regardless of background. It is, however, celebrated slightly differently depending on the background.

History

Traditionally, Alban occured in the middle of the cold months on the shortest day of the year and was meant to bring family and friends together to check on each other's wellness and ensure their success and health in the coming months before the warm months returned. As such, there was normally a large feast for all who came to visit, as well as story telling and a general feeling of togetherness. In addition, the following day would be a day of giving, as those who had more supplies left over from their harvests or hunts would give supplies to those in need or running low on supplies, to include handmade or sentimental gifts to ease heartache from loss or to raise each other's spirits in the dark times during the cold months. While the traditions have changed slightly from the old times, it remains a time of togetherness, of giving, and of strength.

Execution

The first day of the new year and the day of Alban starts with a large feast bringing together family and friends, or even whole communities. The day that follows is a day of gift giving, with the gifts differing from practical and useful, to cosmetic or sentimental. Some places will have larger celebrations the day prior to Alban, with vendors making last-minute sales of gifts, as well as drinks and merriment to celebrate those who are not a part of the smaller circle feasting on Alban.