Mnemosyno Sending

The Μνημόσυνο πομπή (Mnemosyno Sending) is an annual event held in Springstar each Erqu. Lasting one full day and “night,” the city-wide gathering is meant to allow the souls of the recently departed to finally return to the Tree of Life. People also take this opportunity to recall memories of the departed and to say their goodbyes, drawing strength from thoughts of their loved ones, their city, and the Tree from which all life once sprung.
Although the Mnemosyno Sending is primarily observed by Springstar residents, visitors from Highstorm are also generally welcome to participate as long as they do so respectfully.

History

The practice of returning Springstar’s dead to the Tree of Life began with a sect within the city. Members of the sect would visit every neighborhood throughout the year to gather the bodies of the dead and bring them in procession to the Tree, where they would administer rites to return the souls of the deceased to the Tree’s embrace.
The prominence of this sect dwindled over time, and eventually the Church of Helios took over these duties, evolving the rites and making them more uniform to suit its own faith.

Observance

Although the rituals and practices of Springstar’s residents are as diverse as the people themselves, the Church’s own practices for the Mnemosyno Sending predominate, and are observed widely throughout the city. Church faithful believe that the soul of the departed, known as the psyche, leaves the body as a breath or small puff of wind, which must be assisted to the Tree by the living so that the departed person can be reborn. This belief informs a number of traditions that are commonplace during Mnemosyno Sending observances.
Throughout the day, doors and windows are propped open to allow the souls of the deceased to escape the homes and workplaces they frequented in life. Participants (commonly children) waving cloth or paper fans will engage in a call-and-response representing the living and the dead, with one party calling tā̀s eleutheríās (I am flying), and the other responding pétomai (be free).
Shops and street vendors sell drinks and small cakes in honour of the day, and may also sell small lekythoi jars that manifest painted scenes from the buyer's life. Many participants also visit Starlight Park on this day, in order to experience that month’s recollection of someone’s lost homeland.
Towards the end of the day, a formal gathering is held, usually in Starlight Park or at the Seat of the Tribune. Food and drink is provided throughout Springstar’s “night,” in addition to small baubles and knickknacks. Musical accompaniment may stir spirits and open hearts, though the atmosphere is more wistful than merry. Visitors are encouraged to leave behind a small item — typically one that reminds them especially of a lost loved one — to offer to the Tree as a remembrance for the departed.
On the dawn of the following day, the gathered items are burned in a ritual fire by the Church, the ashes released in the direction of the far distant Tree of Life.

Credit to Pax for creation of this holiday.