The Esharran Calendar is used by the
Kingdom of Galdra and the other nations of
Eldara to measure time. It is widely understood elsewhere.
Basics
- Years begin the day after the winter solstice (Iphazil the 1st), and end on the next winter solstice (Hygaster the 31st).
- Years are measured from the Fall of Hylach, which took place during 1 AE (Old Hylachian for Amin Elorn, meaning ‘Before the Fall’).
- The current year is 1191 NE (Old Hylachian for Nellis Elorn, meaning ‘After the Fall’).
- The Kingdom of Galdra was founded by Galdric the Great on Swadanter the 10th, in 393 NE.
- Not all nations use the Esharran Calendar, however since it is the principal time measuring system for trade, it is widely understood.
Days of the Week
Moondan, the day of change
Seadan, the day of trade
Dagdan, the day of reserve
Skydan, the day of risk
Chardan, the day of wonder
Maldan, the day of challenge
Sundan, the day of foresight
Months
Iphazil, month of seers
Galanter, month of craftsmen
Obester, month of scribes
Hadister, month of warriors
Eladil, month of sowers
Ulexil, month of wanderers
Aetaster, month of children
Swadanter, month of gamers
Yoraster, month of healers
Lavister, month of merchants
Nemester, month of lawmakers
Hygaster, month of tyrants
Festivals
Iphaziad – Iphazil the 19th
Primarily an elf festival, the Iphaziad is a day of prophecy. In the dead of winter is it said the future is reflected in the frozen lakes of the forest. If the omen is good, offerings of thanks are made; if not, the ice is shattered to create a new future.
Thawshatter Festival – Obester the 5th
This celebration commemorates the return to the fields after winter. If the winter has been mild, surplus stocks from the winter stores are eaten in a great feast. Those with means engage in dramatic hunts to provide the table centrepiece. Daffodils provide the motif for the festival.
Elade’s Day – Eladil the 6th
A summertime garden festival, and a time for lovers to exchange gifts. Gardeners engage in fierce compeitions to produce the finest roses. Weddings on Elade’s Day are said to be very lucky.
Aurasolatis – Ulexil the 30st
A midsummer festival held on the summer solstice, celebrated with music and wine. It is often used a landmark date for legal pronouncements, so is sometimes nicknamed Lawyer’s Day.
Galdric’s Day – Swadanter the 10th
This is the traditional Galdran celebration of patriotism, commemorating the city’s founding by
Galdric the Great. It occurs in the height of summer, and usually involves grand games and tourneys. The tourney winner at the games in Galdra is paraded through the streets wearing the Patriarch’s Helm - a battered antique from the Hylachian era.
Nergahane – Yoraster the 13th
Festival of the dead. During the day, offerings are made to the spirits. At night, all citizens place wreaths on their doors to ward off the Nergavexi - or angry dead. Babies born on Nergahane are given silver bracelets of Aetea to protect them as they are deemed particularly vulnerable.
Reaper’s Moon – last full moon before the Lavister 31st
The harvest festival in autumn. Held on the last full moon before the autumn equinox. Children dress like scarecrows and collect free food from farmers and merchants.
Mesmersolatis – Hygaster the 31st
Also called the midwinter festival, this takes place on the winter solstice. It is an offering meant to convince the spring to return. Held on the last day of Hygaster. The celebration is twofold - the party begins at dusk and ends at dawn.
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