The Offerings of the Withered

This is a minor holiday that takes place on the summer solstice in the Court of the Withered. It is a time to honor the power of decay and the inevitability of death. The holiday is typically a somber affair, with offerings of wilted flowers, rotting fruits, and other decaying objects.

The Offerings of the Withered is a time to reflect on the transience of life and the ultimate fate of all living things. It is a reminder that all things must eventually decay and return to the earth. The holiday is often accompanied by rituals of purification and renewal, as well as offerings to Arawn - God of Death. While this is not seen as a religious holiday, the offerings are typically symbolic of the inevitable process of decay, with wilted flowers, rotting fruits, and other decaying objects being presented.

The somber atmosphere of the holiday is meant to instill a sense of humility and acceptance in the faithful. It is a time to recognize one's own mortality and the impermanence of all things. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, there is also a sense of hope and renewal, as the decay of the old makes way for the growth of the new.

There is no specific location connected with The Offerings of the Withered. However, it is often held in outdoor spaces, such as graveyards or areas of natural decay like swamps or bogs, to further emphasize the connection to the natural cycle of life and death. Some followers of the Circle of Eternal Death may also hold the feast in temples or other sacred spaces.

History

The Offerings of the Withered dates back to the earliest days of the Court of the Withered. It is said that the founder of the court established the feast as a way to honor the power of decay and death.
They believed that death was not an end, but a transformation. They saw beauty in the withering of life, and believed that by embracing death, one could transcend the limitations of mortal existence. The Offerings of the Withered was their way of celebrating this philosophy.
Over time, the rites became an important tradition within the court. It is a time to reflect on the inevitability of death, and to honor those who had passed on. The offerings of wilted flowers, rotting fruits, and other decaying objects symbolized the transience of life, and the acceptance of death as a natural part of the cycle of existence.
Today, the Offerings of the Withered is not considered a religious holiday and is still celebrated by everyone, including the followers of The Circle of Eternal Death. While the court itself has undergone many changes over the centuries, the ritual remains a constant reminder of the power and beauty of death.

Execution

The ritual usually takes place in a secluded area, often a dark forest grove or a remote cave. The participants dress in dark, tattered robes and carry offerings of wilted flowers, rotting fruits, and other decaying objects.
For the religious, the ritual typically begins with a somber invocation to Arawn - God of Death, acknowledging the power of decay and the inevitability of death. The participants then offer their decaying objects to a central altar, which represents the cycle of life and death.
For the nonreligious, the participants often engage in meditation or quiet reflection, contemplating their own mortality and the transience of all things. Some may also engage in divination or seek guidance from the spirits of the dead.
The Offerings of the Withered is meant to signify the cyclical nature of life and death, and to remind the faithful of the inevitability of decay and death. It is a solemn and reflective holiday, meant to inspire contemplation and introspection.

Components and tools

The Offerings of the Withered is typically marked by the use of decaying or wilted objects as offerings. These offerings can include wilted flowers, rotting fruits, and other decaying items, which are meant to represent the inevitability of death and the power of decay. The exact items used in the holiday may vary depending on the specific practices of the followers of The Circle of Eternal Death, as well as any regional or cultural variations that may exist within the Court of the Withered.

Observance

Typically, the rituals associated with this holiday take place on the night of the solstice and may continue into the following day.