Alraqs Layl'n (ALL-Racks Lay-LIN)

In the older elven communities of Hijr, where stories of the ancestral home of elf kind are told, the elves often celebrate the legend of Layl. Festivities are held and songs are sung of the forest of infinite stars, and recounting the story of Layl the wanderer.
Layl, the smaller of Hijr's two moons orbits the world on a 120 day trek. On the 120th day of each cycle, predominantly elvish communities might hold an Alraqs Layl'n Festival, also known as the Dance of Layl.

History

Started centuries ago by the first permanent elf settlers to Hijr, this festival celebrates the story of Layl, a beautiful elf maiden with silvery skin, platinum white hair, and eyes of the coolest blue, who lived in the Feywild.
 In most versions of the tale, Layl was a young and beautiful maiden, who wished very much to leave the Forest of Infinite Stars and come to Hijr like some of her more adventurous kin, but she was instead tricked by a powerful archfey to wander the feywild for eternity. It is believed that the silver moons 120 day circuit is the representation of Layl being reborn, growing up, wandering the feywild, and eventually passing away only to be born again and repeat this trek forever.
 While this story is not a wholly pleasant or positive one, the elves of Hijr still celebrate her for her determination and the rebirth she faces every 120 days.

Execution

On the 120th day, while the silver moon Layl is 'Hidden' or a New Moon, Elf communities hold festivals and dances to celebrate Layl's imminent rebirth.
The exact rituals, dances or festivities will vary immensely from one community to the next, but there are a few more common practices:

• Silver robes, clothing, streamers or tableware are very common, as Silver is seen as Layl's color.
• 'Moon Dances', large group dances in circular patterns are a regular occurance, usually at night around a fire.
• Eating and drinking, especially of wine, thinly sliced venison and honey breads.
• Loud communal singing of traditional elvish folk songs, and the retelling of Layl's story.
  
  

Participants

Each Alraqs Layl'n, one of the most beautiful elven young adults is chosen to represent Layl in that evenings festivities. This young elf, male or female, is given a place of honor at any feast table or dance, and is referred to a Layl for the evening. They are expected to move throughout the festivities, watching but not participating directly, and to speak kind words to open and close the festivities for the evening.
This opening speach is usually no more than a few sentences, but is expected to mention Layl watching down from her place in the sky to the Elves of Hijr, and that she enjoys seeing their happiness.
The closing ceremony traditionally ends with the line "and while I now go to the sleep of the dead, I shall remember fondly this night and see you again".

Observance

Communities of primarily elf lineage will commonly observe Alraqs Layl'n. On rare occasions, some communities of humans and halflings that share space with a large number of half-elves may also adopt this festival, because who doesn't like a good party?