Festival of Wreaths
The Festival of Wreaths is the largest festival in the Katzan Cape. It’s held on the final day of every year, directly preceding the Rite of Youth. Katzans travel from all over the Cape in the weeks before the festival to arrive in time. Those are cannot make it celebrate from home.
Inherited from translations of Ačkan rituals, the Festival of Wreaths is the ushering in of the new year. Katzan is so far north that is rarely sees any daylight in the waning winter months of the year. The festival is a symbol of new beginnings, and is the act of calling on the sun to once again graze the land with its light and warmth.
The day of the festival begins with solemn silence. It’s a time of remembrance for those who aren’t alive for the new year. Next, speeches are made by Elders from several of the villages. These can be stories from the past year, promises for the next, recognition of individuals, or calls to action. Everyone then participates in games. Children play tag and hide-of-seek. Adolescents and able-bodied adults play team games: tug-of-war, relays, and bones –– a game that includes stealing all the bones from one team and guarding them. Those unable to participate in the physical activities play board games, talk, or work on crafting beads for their loved ones.
When sunset starts to creep across the sky and the mountains shadows grow longer, the Last Meal begins. It’s a great feast that carries into the night. During dinner, those who are to attempt the Rite of Youth for the first time are presented with their trial gifts and beads. Every person’s bead is unique, made by a family member or other loved one to be worn in their hair or on a cord on their body. After this, they are all sent to bed for their journey the next day.
Finally, the main event of the festival begins right before midnight. During their first festival that they’re old enough to participate in, every Katzan makes (or is made) a special wreath. They all look different, and are often decorated throughout the years. The wreaths are then enchanted by Mavens, Katzan mages. Every able-bodied Katzan gets in a line and prepare to walk in a circle around the ritual site, wearing their wreaths. Those who cannot do so make their way to the center of the ruins. Depending on how many people are present, they often make multiple circles heading in different directions. As they begin their walk, the Mavens make the wreaths glow. It’s said that the glow from the Festival of Wreaths lights up the sky beyond the mountains like dawn. With the help of the Mavens and the magic permeating the ritual site, the festival often continues on until the real dawn of the first day of the new year.
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