The Blanket Fest

Practiced in Gechren, the Blanket Fest is a small festival celebrated within families that welcomes and prepares people for the coming winter. It typically takes place during the autumnal equinox.

History

Devised by the matriarch of a family who tradition has forgotten, it was originally concieved as a way to teach family history and the Lenvish religion to young children, as well as to prepare them for winter. Nowadays, it is seen as more of a gift-giving festival than anything else.

Practice

The Blanket Fest takes place on the day of the autumnal equinox, and starts early in the morning. Traditionally, there is a feast of foods particular to the family. Some families get very creative, making designs according to the number of people participating in the festival (E.G. an eight-pointed star carved onto a loaf of bread to represent the eight people in the family). After breakfast comes the gift-giving festival. The most traditional gift to youth is a blanket with designs of the Lenvish deities or the family crest, often depicting scenes of mythology as well. Some other common gifts include mittens, stockings, hats, candles, and stuffed toys.
After gift-giving and lunch, the kids are sent out to play and enjoy their new toys, while the older members of the family relax. Usually, the kids play until dinnertime, when they are called back inside for a second feast. After supper, the elders tell stories of the family's history and mythology, starting with the most recent and going back as far as they can remember. Storytelling is a communal affair, with every adult adding things into the story as they remember them.

Items and Participants

The most obvious item used in the festival is the gifts that are given, but cooking utensils are also an important part of it. Many families also choose to incorporate blankets given over past years, hanging them over chairs or displaying them in some other fashion. Participants are usually limited to the particular family, though friends of family are included as well. Adults and children play different roles during the festival, with adults as givers and children as recievers. This parallels the spring festival, where children give gifts to the adults as a thanks for their protection over the winter.