"The Dance of Fishes"

During the onset of the first storm of spring the island dwarves of the Nisean Archipelago will leave their caught fish outside on the drying racks. Once the storm is passed any remaining fish are considered lucky and will be promptly cooked for a luck bringing meal.

History

The practice of "The Dance of Fishes" is estimated to have begun during the third century of the second age by a fishing village in the southern Nisean Archipelago. Now spread throughout the archipelago and even some coastal Dwarven peninsular villages, the fish hanging ritual has been ingrained into fishing culture for hundreds of years.
Urban legend suggests the tradition began after many homes brought in their fish drying racks in preparation for a large storm. After the storm passed over many homes were damaged or demolished save for the households that left their fish out in the storm. Taken as a sign, the practice of leaving the hanging fish out during the first storm of typhoon season in spring and the subsequent consumption of the fish was started as a tradition for good luck. The event is named "The Dance of Fishes" in reference to the was the hanging fish sway and bounce in the storm winds.

Execution

Upon the earliest signs of an oncoming storm the a selection of freshly caught fish will be selected by the family to be hung upon a rack or line. While some groups will select an array large or succulent fish others will create elaborate display of colorful tropical fish as an act of artistry. After the storm has safely passed each fish still remaining on the display will be collected and used to prepare a family meal. The contents of the meals vary from island to island, but each meal always consist of a fish based main dish which is needed to be eaten for good luck.
Families with small children may tie or secure some fish to the line to guarantee at least one fish remained on the line; this is done so as not to scare the children with the idea of being cursed with bad luck. For individuals who did not have any fish remaining after the storm, it is common for they to be invited into a neighbor's home to participate in their luck meal.