Suddenly the dramatic music stopped and the dancers stopped and in unison they began to look up as the sound of rain filled the air. It was going to be a good year.
Origins
The festival dates back to the earliest years following the end of the
Time of Darkness. There was no need for this festival during
that era because of the frequent storms that engulfed
Breharan. When the storms subsided and the people began to rebuild, they quickly learned that the summers in
Central Grara were hot and dry during part of the season.
To combat this negative impact on the farmcrops that the region heavily relied on, they began a ceremony to intice the winds to return and to carry the clouds and rains on them.
Fanning the Flames
The opening ceremony of the festival is a prayer to the winds followed by the lighting of a large fire. People take turns fanning the fire with large ceremonial fans. The purpose of the fire is to create a large plume of smoke which will reveal any breeze that catches it.
The Galeforce Dance
A wild dance grows from a slow one as the music increases in intensity to represent the returning of the wind. When the music reaches its climax, it stops and the musicians play
rainsticks and all of the dancers look up to the sky. Slowly the music returns and the dancers continue in an energetic but controlled dance while their gaze remains on the sky.
Return of the Wind
When the wind returns during the course of the festival, it is considered a good omen for the rest of summer and the coming autumn. If the wind returns shortly after the festival concludes, that is a sign to hasten the work in the fields because it will be a cold autumn. And when the wind returns long after the festival concludes, the harvest will be poor and the winter harsh. These are common beliefs about the result of the festival, though scholars claim that it is strictly superstition but admit that the festival is a great way to increase spirits during a difficult time.
Variations
In the town of
Irusii there is a popular dish available only there that is served during the festival, the
snowbowl.
Stub Article
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Old Article
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In-Progress Article
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A Special Instrument
Constructed of a tube made of wood or reed and filled with a local grain, this instrument is supposed to mimic the sound of the rain.
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