Summer reflection month

A tradition that is usually practiced on planets of the United Planets Republic. There were some in other factions that adopted the tradition, like Prometheus on New Titan. Its origins date back to the Exodus from the Sol system during the Purge of Sol. It was an idea to help with the mental health of the refugees during the very long trip in search of a new home. The loss of their home system was very apparent in the art they created during these months it was observed. This allowed them to face the truth of what they felt and moved on from it. It was successful on many of those colony ships that they continued it from then on yearly during the time that it would have been summer on Earth regardless of the season of the new planets that they colonized.
During a month in the summer, work hours and study are cut short to make room for reflecting upon one's life and working on pieces of art regardless of medium. It is encouraged to work on these pieces of art until the end of the month. Afterward, the art is shared with families and friends. Politicians are expected to share with their constituents except during times of strife when they need to focus on the bigger problems. Due to this tradition, learning art is very important in education on the planets of the Republic and in Prometheus.
This tradition has been accredited to the Republic's successes with any non-human peoples that they came in contact with. Their deep understanding of the arts allowed them to communicate in ways despite the language barrier. It also helped with the development of technology and science in their worlds. This is what attracted citizens of Prometheus to this tradition and pushed for its adoption. Even the Emperor of the Titian Empire adopted this tradition so that their heirs would be well more ready mentally to take on their future roles.