Long Night

History

The Long Night represents a week long ceremony and celebration to bring in the new year. During this week each year the weather magically gets much colder. After the midweek festival it begins to get warmer but spring hasn't officially begun until after the last day of the week.
Though traditions vary from place to place nearly every culture has some form of festival during this time. The most common and popular are the Long night Festivals in Alteria , Clearwater , and Sozarheim.

Alteria

In Alteria the Long Night is celebrated through the whole week of Sidus. On the first day of the week the actual Long Night ceremony is begun as the people prepare for the long week long cold snap. It is a time of preparation and planning. A few speeches are given by the clergy or by the political leaders but otherwise the people keep to themselves as much as possible. The next couple of days are spent inside one's home as the days get progressively colder. During this time one might feast with one's family or spend time in contemplation. On the 5th day of the week, Frostburn, A large festival is held during the day where multiple large fires are built. The fires are kept aflame all day and through the night while people hide indoors. During the night of Frostburn the Alterians believe the connection between the material plane and that of other worlds is at its weakest, allowing for demons or devils to traverse the world. On the morning of the 6th day, Luxum, a great celebration is held. The weather has gotten much warmer and a great feast is held. Feasting and celebration continues for the next few days until the last day of the week, Lunadun, where the people celebrate Exauguro's Eve. At this time people visit friends and family to give gifts and to welcome in the new year.

Clearwater

In Clearwater the festivities are less superstious and traditional and more commercial. The Long Night is a time of gift giving and many celebrations are held on the various nights. Each day is a new feast with a different food. Great balls are put on by the patrician houses and the commoners are allowed to attend as their one chance to live a wealthy lifestyle.

Sozarheim

The Long Night is said to have originated in Sozarheim. Due to this their celebrations are much more traditional. While the Nights of Frostburn, Luxum, and Lunadun are usually the main focus of the celebrations different tribes will focus on other days as well. there is less cohesion among the various tribes on how to celebrate the Long Night. Some are said to perform human sacrifice on the night of Frostburn to bring the warmth back into the world while others sacrifice animals. Others offer gifts t nature spirits or create offerings to the god Hood . It is not however, a time of sadness or fear. Even on the darkest nights the Sozarians do not fear the cold or the dark. They meet outdoors and hold feasts whenever more than two families are present. Many spend much of the week completely drunk of fermented mare's milk.

Observance

The rites and ceremonies are observed throughout the week but most significantly on the first and last days of the week.

Primary Related Location

Westreach