Feast of Jurkirud

On every New Moon, all members of the Bugit tribe gather in the shrine of Jurkirud, their creator god. This is the greatest chamber or building in the village, with a large altar stone or pit for the offerings. The previous feast's offerings are piled up in a corner or a side chamber somewhere close. The followers bring food, drinks, and offerings with them. For this night, the Bugits wear their best clothing, warpaint, and any jewelry or shiny things they can. Every hunter, old ones, and cubs must be here. The ritual starts at sunset and ends in the morning.
The tribe's shaman starts the praise songs and the crowd repeats every line. This part lasts about three to four hours. The song thanks Jurkirud for his protection and tells the story of the tribe and the difficulties they had to overcome with the help of their god until the recent events.
After remembering what to be grateful for, every tribe member places his/her offerings on the altar. (Since a Bugit tribe can be up to 300 hunters, this part takes some time too.)
Usually around midnight, everybody settles down, and the feast starts in potluck style.
Most of the cubs fell asleep after dinner. The tribe spends the night in the shrine and gets through the darkest hours by chatting, playing with dice, or other games. This socialization is important, as the leader can speak with the hunters, and this is the easiest way for them to find a suitable partner for the next mating season.
Not every tribe has access to the Moon or has a shaman.
Some tribes live in deep underground complexes and never reach the surface. At the shaman's whim, their feasts are held somewhere between two mating seasons. If the tribe has no spiritual leader, the first hunter or chieftain conducts the ritual.
If the tribe worships Vangrakath beside their creator god, they have a separate ritual at Full Moon for him.
Jurkirud by Lia Felis (with Adobe Express)


Cover image: by Lia Felis (with Adobe Express)

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Aug 14, 2024 18:28 by Deleyna Marr

There's a lot here that gives teasers about your world.

Deleyna
Aug 15, 2024 09:53 by Lia Felis

Thank You!

Aspiring fantasy writer and part-time Dungeon Master. Dragon Goddess of Evera.